The Inspirations Collection.
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Welcome to designbivouac’s inspiration collection.
Exploring design and innovation.
Over 30 years of collaboration, designbivouac has uncovered lasting insights. Inspirations is a curated collection of inspirational objects and ideas shaping a continuous journey of creative exploration.
Search Inspiration Entries
Oroville Dam Spillway
Last week, The California Department of Water Resources opened the gates of the Oroville Reservoir. Water flowed dramatically down the chute (the width of a twelve-lane highway with a center divider) for the first time since the spillway failed a couple of years ago, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents downstream.
Last week, The California Department of Water Resources opened the gates of the Oroville Reservoir. Water flowed dramatically down the chute (the width of a twelve-lane highway with a center divider) for the first time since the spillway failed a couple of years ago, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents downstream.
This has been a fantastic feat of engineering and a project of inspirational scale. It is nice to see we can complete projects like this in a timely and safe fashion. The spillway works as designed and is a thing of awe and beauty. Thanks to all who worked tirelessly on the project to ensure the safety of California’s crucial water supply. And thanks to DWR for doing such a fantastic job of capturing the progress of the project, which can be viewed here.
The Oroville Dam spillway reconstruction project, undertaken after the crisis of 2017, stands as a monumental engineering effort to restore the damaged infrastructure and enhance the safety of the Oroville Dam, one of California's critical water supply and flood control facilities. The crisis unfolded when heavy rainfall and erosion caused severe damage to the main and emergency spillways, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents downstream. In response, a massive reconstruction project was initiated to rectify the damage and ensure the long-term integrity of the dam.
The project, estimated to cost over a billion dollars, was a collaborative effort involving various state and federal agencies, engineering firms, and construction companies. It entailed meticulously reconstructing the main and emergency spillways, employing modern engineering techniques and materials to enhance their resilience and capacity. Engineers and construction teams faced significant challenges, from coordinating the massive concrete pours to ensuring the project's timely completion before the next rainy season. Furthermore, safety features were incorporated into the design to mitigate future risks and protect the communities downstream.
The Oroville Dam spillway reconstruction project represents not only a remarkable feat of engineering and construction but also a testament to the importance of maintaining and improving critical infrastructure for water management and flood control. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and expertise required to safeguard communities and resources in the face of natural disasters and underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of California's water supply and flood control systems.
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Stålenhag’s Extraordinary Visual Storytelling
With a long-standing interest in future visualizations at the bivouac, the style and substance of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrations have left quite the impression. Stålenhag’s masterful illustrative technique is remarkable in and of itself. Still, his unique ability to seamlessly blend the world we know today with new and unfamiliar future technologies makes his work genuinely distinct.
Stålenhag’s command of visualizations portrays powerful story arcs without needing the written word. He is exceptionally skilled at capturing a sense of expansive scale. He does this by placing huge, futuristic objects into what would otherwise be commonplace landscapes. This juxtaposition, accompanied by a remarkable lighting command and a clarity of focus applied to some regions of the composition, further enhances a dramatic sense of expansiveness.
Another device Stålenhag uses is placing human beings in vulnerable situations with new forms of technology. Children or parents with children are seen navigating a landscape strewn with disused “old future” technologies or avoiding those who seem to be searching for them. Placing today’s emergent technology in such matter-of-fact settings and often applying an aged patina to technologies we have yet to know is powerful. Work like this can help encourage us to ask important questions about the technology we are bringing into the world at an increasing pace and why we might want to think more carefully about doing so.
To view more of Stålenhag’s work, visit: https://www.simonstalenhag.se/
Cruisers Yachts 338
Companies like Cruisers Yachts deserve recognition as they push for more innovation in smaller and more modest sizes.
Companies like Cruisers Yachts deserve recognition as they push for more innovation in smaller and more modest sizes. And they are doing so while still offering stunning vessels. Witness the 2019 Cruiser Yachts 338 South Beach Edition.
It is a stunning yet pragmatic approach to designing a smaller yacht that can meet the needs of those setting out for a long weekend. The innovative rear seating, generous forward gunnel side storage, and an asymmetric passway through to the front bow area all distinguish the 338’s design. The rear platform even works well with the newest version of the 338 that incorporates outboard propulsion.
The generous berth below the foredeck has a modern and minimalist ambiance. Thoughtful integration sinks, refrigerators and microwaves, and an accessible rear swim platform show great attention to detail and sensitivity to balancing pragmatism with style. A powered extending bimini top helps provide shade for a large portion of the aft deck if desired. The rear swim platform provides a generous space to access the water, while an ingenious powered seat solution provides multi-position sun seating for lounging or socializing. Rear outboard propulsion is an option as well.
In a world in need of downsizing and the age of mega yachts, it is great to see companies offering solutions that are more appropriate in the context of the world economy today that still push design forward.
Volvo's New Shining Star
Volvo’s Polestar helped shape perceptions of the brand’s performance capabilities. Now, Volvo has announced the Polestar 2, which will usher the brand into new, fully electric vehicle territory.
Volvo’s Polestar division has already played a key role in reshaping the brand’s identity, showcasing its ability to deliver refined performance with a modern edge. Now, with the launch of the Polestar 2, Volvo is charting a bold course into the fully electric future. This sleek, all-electric fastback blends Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology, marking a significant step in the brand’s sustainability journey. If Volvo can continue to build on the momentum and innovation that Polestar represents, it’s clear that this guiding star is lighting the way toward a bright and electrified future.
The Volvo Polestar 2 is a standout electric vehicle (EV) that embodies Volvo's commitment to sustainability and innovation. As part of the Polestar brand, Volvo's electric performance division, the Polestar 2 offers a unique blend of style, performance, and environmental consciousness in the luxury electric vehicle market.
One of the most distinctive features of the Polestar 2 is its design, which strikes a balance between modern minimalism and Scandinavian luxury. The clean lines and uncluttered interior create an inviting and spacious cabin. The vehicle's infotainment system, powered by Google's Android Automotive OS, provides a user-friendly and highly connected experience. Drivers and passengers can enjoy a range of innovative features, including voice control, navigation, and various apps.
In terms of performance, the Polestar 2 offers an impressive electric powertrain. It features a dual-motor setup that delivers all-wheel drive and robust acceleration. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience. With a large battery pack, the Polestar 2 boasts an estimated range of over 200 miles on a single charge, making it practical for daily commutes and longer journeys. Its commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its use of vegan materials in the interior and a focus on reducing its carbon footprint throughout its production and usage. The Volvo Polestar 2 represents a compelling option for those looking to combine luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness in an electric vehicle.
Micromobility: The Next Big Thing
It was great to be able to attend the first micromobility conference recently held in the Bay Area. One talk that stood out was Horace Dediu’s which pointed to the clear opportunities that exist as we move forward with subsequent innovation in the micromobility space. A piece related to his talk can be found here.
The Micromobility Conference Series is an influential and dynamic forum dedicated to exploring the future of urban transportation through the lens of micromobility. These conferences bring together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and enthusiasts to discuss and promote sustainable, compact modes of transportation, such as e-scooters, electric bicycles, and other small, efficient vehicles. The series serves as a hub for sharing insights, ideas, and solutions aimed at addressing urban congestion, reducing emissions, and promoting more accessible and eco-friendly transportation options. Attendees can expect to engage in lively discussions, network with like-minded professionals, and gain valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of micromobility, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility and improving the quality of life in cities worldwide.
Pioneering Women In Vehicle Design
Artsy’s “The Pioneering Women Who Designed Car Interiors in the 1950s” article highlights the notable contributions and innovations that a group of women designers at GM were responsible for in the mid-1950s.
Artsy’s “The Pioneering Women Who Designed Car Interiors in the 1950s” article highlights the notable contributions and innovations that a group of women designers at GM were responsible for in the mid-1950s.
More recently, examples such as BMW’s E89 Z4, arguably one of BMW’s best-looking vehicles designed to date, was also designed by women. Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout designed the E89’s exterior and interior design, respectively. Together, they brought far more character and elegance to the series than prior versions. Learn more about their perspectives via the BMW blog interview and in this article in the New York Times. These are just two examples that serve as powerful evidence that the automobile industry only stands to benefit from more diversity. As we move towards the promise of a new Age of Automobility, this increased diversity will be even more essential as an increasing number of perspectives will be needed to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The “Damsels of Design” | photo: General Motors
On the Line: Julian Blasi, Exterior Designer for the BMW E89 shapes the outlines of the third generation Z4.
The Z4’s Beauty…Inside and Out: Nadya Arnaout shaped the progressive, yet classic lines and materials of the E89 roadster interior.
Vehicle Interiors for New Purposes
While companies continue to do interesting and beautiful vehicle interior concept work, a wide range of new configurations for accommodating vehicle occupants remains to be explored.
While companies continue to do interesting and beautiful vehicle interior concept work, configurations for accommodating vehicle occupants remain to be explored. As we move towards a new era of Automobility driven by autonomous technology, how might we work or socialize in vehicles when we no longer have to be as attentive to the driving demands we face today?
We are in the midst of a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with automobiles, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, connectivity, and user experience. For many, the traditional concept of car ownership may give way to a more sustainable and accessible model of shared and autonomous mobility. This is a world where smart, electric, and self-driving vehicles seamlessly integrate into urban ecosystems, reducing congestion, emissions, and the overall impact on the environment.
At the core of the future of automobility is the idea of the car as a service, where users can summon a vehicle tailored to their specific needs and preferences through a seamless, on-demand mobility platform. The driving experience is reimagined as a multi-modal journey, incorporating not just autonomous cars but also public transport, e-bikes, and scooters, creating a holistic transportation system that's not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. This vision extends to the design of the vehicle itself, emphasizing modularity, flexibility, and adaptability, allowing cars to evolve with changing user needs and technological advancements.
Additionally, a profound shift in the design and user interface of vehicles is coming. In the future, the car will become an extension of the home or office, offering a seamless, connected experience with integrated technology, augmented reality, and personalized environments. With a strong focus on user-centric design, today’s automotive creatives can make automobility not just efficient but also enjoyable, promoting a vision where the future of transportation is more sustainable, accessible, and deeply attuned to the needs of individuals and communities.
Take a closer look at a few explorations via IDEO’s Future of Automobility project summary.
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BMW R1250 GS Display
Many BMW boxer hours have been logged here at the bivouac, but the 2019 BMW R1250 Adventure represents a serious step forward in development and refinement.
Many BMW boxer hours have been logged here at the bivouac, but the 2019 BMW R1250 Adventure represents a serious step forward in development and refinement. Even coming from the world of the superlative K1600GT, the new telematics and interface options for 2019 seem leaps and bounds ahead.
With a crisp and bold Thin-Film-Transistor (or TFT) display, BMW has upped both the functionality and legibility of their displays and they are making them standard across many more models this year. With robust integration of phone features, including playing audio and providing turn-by-turn navigation prompting, plus a slew of adjustability and informational displays about any given bike setting, this seems like a must-have feature that quite a bit of design effort and development has gone into.
Significant Redesign: The 2019 GSA has a redesigned boxer engine with shift cam technology and a revised powerful TFT display.
Heads Up: The TFT display has been designed for easy access to information and glanceability and configuration.
Clearly Ahead: The display technology works across a variety of lighting contexts.
Building on the Past: A fond view at the bivouac, the K1600GT’s configurable display is still solid but is starting to age. In its initial instantiation, the clocks always had legibility issues which were addressed to some degree with a refresh. Any such issues on the GS line have been clearly solved with the new the R1250GSA instrumentation.
Information Visualization: The Impact of War
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a remarkable job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict.
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a fine job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict. It is always sobering to see the scope of the war visualized, and pieces like this help us to remain ever mindful of those who sacrificed or lost their lives in a civilian context so that the relative peace we have today is not taken for granted.
Mmmm. Mustard. Tasteful Visual Storytelling
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The Mustard YouTube channel dedicated to airplanes is an aviation enthusiast's digital haven, offering a captivating and educational exploration of the world of flight. With a meticulous blend of historical insights, stunning visuals, and in-depth analyses, Mustard creates a compelling narrative that delves into the fascinating stories behind various aircraft, airlines, and the evolution of aviation technology. The channel showcases diverse content, including documentaries and detailed breakdowns of iconic and lesser-known aircraft. Mustard's dedication to providing comprehensive and visually engaging content appeals not only to aviation enthusiasts and professionals but also to anyone curious about the marvels of flight. It's a channel that celebrates the beauty, innovation, and historical significance of airplanes, making the wonder of aviation accessible to a broad and captivated audience.
www.youtube.com/@MustardChannel
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Millennium Falcon Scale Model
The modeling techniques reflected in this video are pretty impressive. From knowing when to release parts from their moldings to painting and weathering surfaces, several great ways to increase the realism of a model are shown.
The modeling techniques reflected in this video are pretty impressive. From knowing when to release parts from their moldings to painting and weathering surfaces, several great ways to increase the realism of a model are shown. The lighting and other details in Bandai’s perfect-grade Millennium Falcon kit are out of this world, as ModelChili’s work is ideal grade skills.
For more on this master model creator visit: www.modelchili.com
Topaz Level 5 Signature Detail
Having had the good fortune to have had several modern vehicles in the bivouac’s collection over the years, one thing is clear. Clear coat technology has undoubtedly improved since its introduction in the 1980s.
Having had the good fortune to have had several modern vehicles in the bivouac’s collection over the years, one thing is clear. Clear coat technology has undoubtedly improved since its introduction in the 1980s. That said, as manufacturers have moved to more water-based paints, orange peeling is still prevalent on even the most premium offerings, as evidenced in this Topaz Maybach detailing video. There’s something to be said for the masters with the patience, technique, and scientific outlook needed to rectify some of the failings of factory paint work. He’s to the details and detailers out there!
Form Follows Function: Camaro LZ-1
The audacity of the Chevy Camaro LZ-1’s design is a strong example of Louis Sullivan’s often-quoted axiom “form follows function.”
The audacity of the Chevy Camaro LZ-1’s design is a strong example of Louis Sullivan’s often-quoted axiom “form follows function.” Its massive and open grill, complete with a hollow Chevy bow tie logo known in this instance as a flow time, is critical in supplying the high-performance 6.2L LT4 Supercharged V-8, VVT with Direct Injection engine with adequate airflow. Overall, it becomes the primary signature element of the car.
Blending this striking visual element with functional performance benefits lends legitimacy to the design. Side sculpting shows that GM still knows how to sculpt surfaces for a dramatic interplay with natural lighting along the shoulder line of a vehicle, which is a type of visual functionality.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the highly controversial front grill of the BMW iX shows no evidence of function and appears entirely ornamental, serving brand purposes alone. Perhaps this lack of a tie to functionality makes this design feature subject to opinions. Both are bold, but the LZ-1 design benefits from being grounded in function, lending credibility to the design.
Functional features support engine cooling and aerodynamic downforce to support track handling on the LZ-1.
Features on the BMW iX are decorative and support the controversial styling of the vehicle rather than providing functionality.
The electrically powered Tesla Model Y requires minimal cooling, evidenced by a closed-form nose, allowing storage in the front trunk or “frunk.”
Atlas Up and Running
Boston Dynamics continues to make impressive strides forward with its Atlas robot seen here untethered and on the go.
Boston Dynamics continues to make impressive strides forward with its Atlas robot seen here untethered and on the go. Interesting to see how Atlas mimics human performance in clearing obstacles regardless of whether counterbalancing as we do is actually needed or not.
The Boston Dynamics Atlas robot is a remarkable and highly advanced humanoid robot designed to push the boundaries of robotics technology and mobility. Developed by the Massachusetts-based robotics company Boston Dynamics, Atlas has undergone several iterations, each demonstrating substantial improvements in terms of agility, dexterity, and overall capabilities.
Atlas is known for its extraordinary bipedal locomotion skills. It can navigate challenging terrains, perform acrobatic movements, and recover its balance when pushed or knocked. This mobility is made possible by combining sensors, including LIDAR and stereo vision, which enable it to perceive and interact with its environment effectively.
One of the notable features of Atlas is its impressive range of movements, which include walking, running, jumping, and even backflips. Its dynamic movements and lifelike balance make it an exceptional platform for research in both robotics and artificial intelligence. Researchers and engineers use Atlas to explore various applications, from disaster response and search and rescue missions to logistics and manufacturing. The robot's versatility and dexterity make it a key player in developing solutions for complex real-world problems. As Boston Dynamics continues to refine and enhance the Atlas robot, it remains at the forefront of humanoid robotics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
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Ground Control to Major Tom
Ever wonder what it was like to ride aboard a mighty Saturn V rocket? Well, with Reentry: An Orbital Simulator, you can now take on the role of a mission commander and master the procedures followed by those who pioneered spaceflight.
Reentry: An Orbital Simulator is a captivating and immersive video game that allows players to experience the intricate challenges of guiding a spacecraft through Earth's atmosphere and safely landing it. This simulator provides a realistic and educational environment where players can test their skills in controlling spacecraft during the crucial phase of reentry and landing.
The game places a strong emphasis on physics and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for both space enthusiasts and budding aerospace engineers. Players can gain insights into the complexities of reentry, orbital mechanics, and the precise timing required for a successful landing. Reentry: An Orbital Simulator not only offers a thrilling gaming experience but also serves as an engaging educational platform for understanding the intricacies of space travel and reentry.
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Future of Automobility at Cooper Hewitt
IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” is included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit.
It is such a pleasure to see work from IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit. On view at the New York’s Cooper Hewitt through March 31st, 2019, the exhibit explores how we might move people, things, spaces, and information in the 21st Century and beyond. Innovative concepts, prototypes, and simulation work exploring how future forms of mobility and new approaches to urban planning might emerge are featured from leading companies working in the mobility domain.
Visitors are prompted to capture their hopes, needs, and desires for future mobility on post-it notes and to place them upon a life-sized sketch of a vehicle designed to support shared mobility. Concepts created for the Future of Automobility series exploring moving people, things, spaces, and together are on view within the exhibit space.
The BMW 1250cc Boxer
Here at the Bivouac, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the rugged reliability of BMW’s boxer engine in an R1100RT and the sheer sophistication and power of their inline six-cylinder engine in their remarkable continent cruiser, the K1600GT. Now, BMW is offering a new boxer engine with ShiftCam technology.
Here at the Bivouac, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the rugged reliability of BMW’s boxer engine in an R1100RT and the sheer sophistication and power of their inline six-cylinder engine in the remarkable continent cruiser, the K1600GT. Now, BMW is offering a new boxer engine with ShiftCam technology. Available in the new R1250RT and R1250GS.
BMW Motorrad's ShiftCam technology is an innovative engine design feature that has been integrated into their motorcycle lineup, enhancing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. ShiftCam stands for "Shift" and "Camshaft," and it represents a variable valve timing system, allowing the engine to optimize its performance characteristics depending on the rider's demands.
The core idea behind ShiftCam is to provide a broader and more usable power band. This technology allows the engine to switch between two camshaft profiles, one optimized for low to mid-range power and the other for high-end power. At lower RPMs, it operates with one cam profile, delivering smooth and efficient power for cruising and urban riding. As the throttle is opened further, or the engine speed increases, ShiftCam seamlessly switches to the second, more aggressive cam profile, delivering a surge of power and torque for spirited acceleration and highway cruising.
The benefits of ShiftCam technology are twofold. First, it improves the overall riding experience by providing better low-end torque and high-end power, making the motorcycle versatile in various riding conditions. Second, it enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, as the engine can operate more efficiently across different RPM ranges. BMW Motorrad has integrated ShiftCam into several of its models, offering riders a dynamic and fuel-efficient performance that adapts to their riding style and preferences.
Danny Goodman's Macintosh Handbook
Bringing together Danny Goodman and Richard Saul Wurman, this publication was and remains an exceptional example of accessible and visually delightful educational material.
Many fond memories of shaping early interaction design courses in 1993 persist here at the bivouac. I was fortunate to enter the field at a time when computing had matured just enough to become accessible to a broader range of creatives. I was also lucky to teach both introductory and advanced courses in computer visualization.
For the introductory course, I relied upon Danny Goodman’s excellent Macintosh Handbook Featuring System 7. Bringing together Danny Goodman and Richard Saul Wurman, this publication was and remains an exceptional example of accessible and visually delightful educational material. The illustrations are clear and inviting, and they demystified the breakthrough technology on offer from Apple at the time. For other inspirational publications, check out the bivouac’s list of design-related readings. Overall, Danny Goodman’s Macintosh Handbook remains an outstanding exemplar of explicit and inspirational instructional reference material. It passes the test of time in a fast-moving technical context. For a first-hand account of what went into creating the publication, visit Nathan Shedroff’s site article.
The book is innovative in other ways as well. Information and terms are supplemented with hypertext-like cross-references to related content in different book sections. This is an excellent reminder of the heady days of the dawn of the Macintosh and the promise of newly accessible computing for all creatives to enjoy. The publication visuals mimic the Macintosh operating system visuals, including a “finder” menu along the top of many pages, to further demystify the new world of Apple technology.
Off The Wall
Whenever I see images of automotive designers thoughtfully shaping vehicle profiles at a 1:1 scale on walls with tape and film and pen and pencil, I get inspired.
I get inspired whenever I see images of automotive designers thoughtfully shaping vehicle profiles at a 1:1 scale on walls with tape, film, and pen and pencil. Regardless of how often these traditional visualization methods are used in this age of virtual reality visualization capability, these images are a powerful reminder of what goes into getting vehicles out into the world. For the rare percentage of them resembling rolling sculptures, it is good to remember all the effort, craft, vision, methods, and attention to detail that makes them a reality.
The Work Continues at Oroville Dam
If you have not been tracking the progress of the Oroville dam spillway repair project, the scale of the effort has been impressive since the collapse of a portion of the main spillway two winters ago.
If you have not been tracking the progress of the Oroville dam spillway repair project, the scale of the effort has been impressive since the collapse of a portion of the main spillway two winters ago. The California Department of Water Resources has been capturing progress through compelling videos. It’s inspiring to see projects of this magnitude in the United States today, accompanied by an excellent safety record.
