Inspiration and creation of Mac Funamizu
Dear Google, I like the current flat version of the pegman in Google Images, but how about it acting like a baby, asking you to drop it when it’s near a popular landmark?
And it’d be more fun and clear if it started to beg not to be released at locations where the street view is NOT available.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
And here’s my another concept I thought of 5 years ago.
Just a sketch again.
If music works like words, voices and other communication medium, it’d be great to be able to play music with anyone, anywhere.
I’ll make a post of images of these ‘future music devices’ some time.
Akerun is a smart lock system that enables you to unlock the door when you get close to it (with your smartphone with you) and share the key ‘digitally’ with specific people. Installation is simple; no need to detach the thumb turn.
I made the concept design of Akerun pretty quickly (and the websites, too).
http://akerun.com
https://anytimes.co.jp/smart-lock
WeON Glasses are the first-ever glasses — optical or sunglasses — which interact with your smartphone or tablet. They offer you several functions, such as notifications, remote control, alerts in case of loss and customization.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I started concept designs for the second version of WeOn Glasses (the name has been changed from ion glasses). WeOn Glasses were on display on the Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona and my designs have also been featured on TV. Here are some concept designs I worked on so far.
http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/weon-glasses/4505-6454_7-35835322.html
I won the red dot award: design concept 2013 and this time it’s ‘best of the best’ prize! The concept itself is the one I posted on this blog a few years ago, but I revised it based on some positive feedback from the readers for more practical use. I really appreciate everyone who helped this to happen. It’s now live on the red dot’s website.
Infographic Coins are a set of coins whose values are easily recognized by anyone. By utilizing shapes of pie graphs, which are widely used around the world by a variety of ages of people, one can instantly figure out how much these infographic coins are worth. One more important aspect of this concept is that by making the empty space in a pie chart, it saves the usage of materials, which is environmentally friendly.
If I have a chance, I want to mention the reason why I chose this kind of non-digital, old fashioned concept this time somewhere.
http://www.red-dot.sg/en/online-exhibition/concept/?code=808&y=2013&c=24&a=2
Among so many gadgets that know you, which one of them loves you?
Smartens non-smart items
Ever wished you could do the ‘Search” for your lost item in the real world? Marco sees you and your room, remembers the locations of your belongings where Marco last saw them. Let Marco ‘sniff’ your car key to get him to memorize and trace it. When you lose it, ask him where it is. Marco takes you to the location and lets you know with his laser pointer. Nobody wants to plug everything to the internet. With Marco, you won’t need to.
Make the item you want Marco to memorize close enough for him to ‘sniff’ it.
Marco points out the location of the item with his laser pointer.
Does more than words
Marco loves you. He does more than just ‘shows’ or ‘says’ that he does, but he moves his body to express his feelings. Also with his cute movements, Marco lets you know alerts and notifications. The movements of Marco depend on the types and importance of the alerts and notifications. Getting an email from your girlfriend with many angry exclamation marks, having a squall in 5 minutes, forgetting your meeting appointment, you notice it with Marco trying to tell you are having a situation.
Marco also recognizes your simple gestures and voice commands.
With its self-balancing system, Marco makes smooth and cute movements for 360 degrees.
When you get home after a long absense, Marco will frantically welcome you.
When you are away
Yes, you can see your room through Marco with your smartphone when you are away. But, Marco is not just a moving monitor. He is clever enough to answer your verbal questions, such as “Did I turn off the heater?” Of course he makes a phone call for you right after you leave home, “you forgot to lock the door!”.
You can watch and talk with your kids at home when you are away. How about enjoying chasing your kid by remote-controlling Marco?
Can’t wait to see your little baby at home? You can not only see her, but also play with her.
Apps for characters & skills
Customize the settings to make Marco behave the way you like it, but if you want it to do more tricks, download apps! Hip hop dance, little puppy tricks, snake movements, etc. You can also make settings on how he responds to certain gestures. Based on your choice, Marco will even hide and makes a surprise appearance on your birthday!
Download apps to enjoy AR games. See your Marco through your smartphone and have fun with games both in the digital and physical worlds!
Have more fun by letting Marco move along with your gestures.
The personality of Marco is up to your choice.
Miss the action of slamming down the receiver when I’m so mad I don’t want to talk any more on the phone. So how about a fast-slide-to-slam-down-receiver slider? It’d be nice if there was a slamming sound when I hang up. But I hope there won’t be a chance to get mad enough to use this..
My previous work that won the red dot concept award in 2009
Marco not just waits for you alone at home. See things at home when you are away with his eyes, moving around with his foot.