*notcot - 05.04.17 , 11:30 -

NoseGo

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On fun stylistic juxtapositions ~ i just found these amazing paintings on wood by NoseGo. So far there are 10 in this series, and following on instagram @nosego you can watch more in progress (both in stories and in the general feed!) Take a look at the details on the next page ~ i’m smitten!

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*notcot - 05.01.17 , 00:20 -

Tokyo Smoke: Unfortunate 3D Printed Pipe$

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Tokyo Smoke angered the internet this week. Especially the cannabis community - but the design community can’t be too far behind. The gist of it… Tokyo Smoke released two 3D printed pipes (each design available in black porcelain and stainless steel)… priced them from 175 to 13,000 Canadian Dollars (yes, you read that right!)… did a Daily Vice video interview where they managed to insult both cannabis lovers and designers (and the intelligence of people?)… then really dug their heels in as the angry comments began to ravage their facebook, instagram, etc… apparently deleting comments and posts and even blocking users… Then they issued a response on facebook.

It’s no surprise they are already getting comparisons to United, Pepsi, Juicero, etc? But it is sad that so many companies have been so tone deaf to the communities and people they claim to serve and love lately. That being said, I can’t help but hope these are all wake up calls to designers (and companies!) not to forget the humanity behind the “users” and “consumers” they may seldom encounter face to face. It’s also a reminder for us to appreciate the companies and designers that DO put people first, and DO push the boundaries to create incredible products and experiences to elevate us all! (Also, this is a great example of why having good PR is important. Though having a great product and mission should always be key! How you speak about your designs matters!)

But back to the chaos at hand… see what has been unfolding on the next page.

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*notcot - 04.20.17 , 00:11 -

hmbldt #GO420 Kit

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Have you noticed how the mystical and intergalactic seems to be inescapable these days? And no, it’s not just because it’s “festival season” - it’s like a throwback to hippie, natural goods and styles with a modern twist mixed with a fascination with outerspace, from galaxy imagery on workout leggings to cakes as the eccentric uber-wealthy book trips to space. These magical trends can’t be a coincidence. Maybe it’s a reaction to the state of global politics and climate change… maybe it’s just where society is in it’s current cycle? But nonetheless, it couldn’t be more perfectly timed with the quick cultural evolution of cannabis! Watching it legalize step by step, state by state, and even country by country has been fascinating (especially the advances in design, user experience, and science!) - and it doesn’t hurt that it’s fitting right in with this magical, natural, other-worldly trend.

420 - what was once giggled about by stoners, is now becoming a more commoditized “holiday” of sorts on April 20th… every dispensary/brand has special deals (actually i’ve even been getting emails from non-cannabis related stores with limited 42% off codes) and special cannabis infused dinner parties and many events are popping up all over today. BUT - hmbldt (which we shared a closer look at) is currently leading the #GO420 charge (with quite a few friends) to change that stoner cliche, to helping people realize how cannabis can help - especially for medical reasons like epilepsy, pain relief, PTSD, anxiety and more - and focus on how “It’s the cannabis holiday, a day to honor the healing powers of the plant.” So they launched GO420.com, and filled it with 420 ways to make this the healthiest day of the year (after all, who can be anti-that?) And to help spread the word, they’ve even created fun GO420 Kits - so head to the next page to see the details!

p.s. Another surprisingly fascinating design aspect of the evolving cannabis industry is seeing how companies tackle advertising - often without really showing the actual product or any cannabis related imagery!

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*notcot - 03.25.17 , 12:30 -

Custom MiiR Camp Cups

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Adorable as they are, are you exhausted by the enamel camping cup trend yet? I love the look, but don’t love the way they feel, and definitely don’t use them other than out adventuring and in the garden… in fact, i think most of mine house plants these days! Today, it feels as if nearly every outdoor brand, hip coffee spot, cute gift shop, and event has a special enamel camp cup… so what comes next after all the retro throwbacks? While there are a bunch of larger customizable tumblers (like Yeti and MiiR) and then all of those car/work ones at the customizable swag shops…

I’m currently fixated on how lovely the MiiR Camp Cups look customized ~ in fact, while i do love a clean matte black or white… i think these actually look even better when people get creative with the graphics on them! There’s something about the thin, crisp, slight curved lines of the handle that make it so photogenic. And functionally they’ve found the balance between your lightweight, durable camp cups, but added the double walled insulation and modern materials of travel cups, while keeping it all looking pretty sleek and simple. The MiiR Camp Cup specs - 12oz, Thermo 3D double wall vacuum insulation technology, Keeps cold, stays hot, Does not sweat, Lid and cup are BPA free, 18/8 Medical grade stainless steel doesn’t transfer flavor & no metal aftertaste, and has a Hardshell Powder coat. I’m definitely intrigued whether having one around would replace my usual morning mugs even at home? But while i try to track one down (and dream up what design i’d add to it)… take a look at what some others have been doing with them on the next page!

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*notcot - 02.27.17 , 12:55 -

TRUTH - New York Times Ad

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We live in some pretty surprising times right now. Even those who claim to have seen it all coming, must be at least a little surprised how things keep playing out. (Here in the US as well as around the globe…) And to find a silver lining, maybe it’s a good thing that events have been polarizing enough to light a fire in people who hadn’t stepped up before… helping people figure out what’s worth fighting for and protecting… helping sort out priorities… and figuring out where, how, and when to get involved in new ways. I’d be lying to say that current events haven’t been taking over more of my brain power that in the past may have focused on design obsessions and explorations… but sometimes you just need time to take deep dives researching and processing as much information as your brain can hold in hopes of coming up with a new plan - a passionate, considered next move to make.

And then yesterday i went to the supermarket to pick up the sunday paper because i wanted a copy of their ad. This New York Times ad by Droga5! About TRUTH. Sure it’s a bit sad that it even needs to be said, but its a fantastic reminder in good times as well as bad! So take a peek at it on the next page…

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*notcot - 02.12.17 , 13:50 -

Unboxing: hmbldt bliss dose pen

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It’s no secret i’ve been fascinated researching the current state of the Cannabis Packaging/Branding world lately (as is apparent from this ever-growing post from January!) It’s so fun to watch a whole new category work towards legalization… it opens up so much potential from a design/user experience side!

One of the most unique brands/products I found was definitely hmbldt - from concept to product design, packaging to scientific approach… even down to the experience of what a dose is, and how to help new users understand (and trust) a more consistent result and quality as they figure out what cannabis combinations work for them. While their first products are discreet disposable vaporizer pens, it sounds like they are working on a metered-dose oral spray as well as a rechargeable pen specifically for hmbldt formulas. Their initial offerings include 4 hmbldt formulas for Bliss, Sleep, Calm, and Relief - and just in time for Valentine’s Day, they’ve also added Arouse and Passion. For more on the scientific and future sides of hmldt - our friends at Cool Hunting have an interview with hmbldt’s Chief Scientist Samantha Miller that is a fascinating read.

So between all the pictures and information online, we got too curious, and had to play with it in person… and the packaging, the product, and the experience is impressive. Take a look at the details up close on the next page.

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*notcot - 12.23.16 , 01:16 -

Slow Coffee Style: Sign Paint Mugs

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Currently smitten by the design and packaging of these mugs and cups from Kinto’s Slow Coffee Style Collection. There’s something so lovely about the nostalgic designs made new in this unique mix of sign painter typography on a vintage-esque milky glass mug and embossed colorful glasses for the Sign Paint Mugs and Cold Brew Coffee Tumblers. The mugs can even be stacked for easy storage. Also the sayings are just adorable - (1) Rainy day means coffee time. (2) Find your SLOW COFFEE STYLE. (3) Make time to brew yourself slow coffee. (4) Let your mind wander. (5) Better not think, just slowly drink. Naturally 4 and 5 are pulling me in the most! The glass tumblers remind you of “The richness of going slow” and to “Enjoy cold brew coffee”… take a look at the details on the next page!

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*notcot - 12.09.16 , 09:30 -

2016 Ever Growing NOTCOT Gift List

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Welcome to the 2016 Ever Growing NOTCOT Gift List - it’s ever growing, because instead of making individual gift guides this year, i’ll just keep adding to this post (and bumping it up with each update for your easy viewing pleasure!) WHY? Well, if i were you, i’d much rather have one page i could scroll through for ideas as i shop, rather than trying to hop all over through a litany of links… AND thanks to our fantastic NOTCOT sponsors (Shout outs to David Kind, Distiller, ICON, AutoNation, and AutoDesk Fusion 360 - we love you guys!) we can focus on finding and sharing awesomeness with you! (Versus the old model of ads, that encourages sites to make you open as many pages as possible, as many times as possible, since they’ve got to get those ad views.)

As for what we’re defining “gifts” as this year - fun products that you can wrap your arms around (i.e. no cars, ovens, walk in greenhouses, etc.) that aren’t basic tech items (i.e. computers, speakers, cameras, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances). We’re going to focus on the fun, random, and unexpected… for all that other stuff - there are so many other places to go look! Also, we’re focusing on products you can actually BUY and have under the tree (i.e. no crowdfunding or pre-sales). So it’s kind of a free for all! I’ll show you some stuff that could make for a fun gift (for yourself or others!) and leave it to you to decide who would like what (instead of Gifts for Mom, Gifts for Travelers, Gifts for “insert stereotype that is unlikely to be true here.”) Oooh, also - these are all items our team already has or wants to gift or wouldn’t mind being surprised by.

So - if you’re ready - let’s get our gifting on! To the next page…

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*notcot - 12.01.16 , 13:36 -

The Bridge House, San Diego, CA

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I keep finding myself real estate shopping/researching more and more - especially paying attention to unusual design solutions to challenging lots - and today this Bridge House on 8th Street in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA caught my eye. Owners, Rammy and Traci Cortez, and architect, Hector Magnus of Architects Magnus build The Bridge House. Quite the unmissable black and white structure that initially looks like two houses, but is actually a fascinating solution to a 10ft city utility easement running through the center of the property. It is a two-story, 2,700 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths single family home with a grated steel 12-foot bridge, on a mere 4,725 sqft lot. The pictures are a bit confusing to stitch together in my head… until i dove into the 3D Walkintour (pssst - jump to floor 3 to see what’s above the garage, and jump to another floor to get back out.) I wonder what the rules to an easement are - you can build a bridge over it? Or does it have to be see through? Will have to look into that more…

In the mean time - take a peek inside and around the house on the next page!

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*notcot - 11.28.16 , 12:00 -

Bulbo Cynara LED Grow Lights

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As you may have noticed - i’ve been doing a lot of research on plants as of late. Currently looking into indoor grow lights… and found the beautiful, unique Bulbo lights! Particularly i’m fascinated by the Bulbo Cynara LED Light system. As they say, “Influenced by Italian tradition and inspired by nature. We put sunlight in a lamp.” It’s lampshade is inspired by flowerpots - made from Italian terracotta with a splash of glaze both inside and out (depending on which one you pick), and the expanding aluminum rods allow the light to grow with your plant so it always receives just the right amount of light. It’s a lovely looking alternative to the more industrial setups, and turns your indoor plant setups into stunning design features. It’s also easy to adapt to a changing home/space - you can suspend the lights over the plants, “plant” them in the pots, or have them free standing over a few plants. As for special editions - while they already come in a range of colors, you can currently find a Conran Shop Special Edition which has a glossy white shade and black and white striped cord. The lights spectrum is optimized for herbs and vegetables as well as things like aloe vera and strawberries. See lots of pictures of how lovely the details are on the next page!

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*notcot - 11.25.16 , 19:20 -

The Design Museum: Designer Maker User

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Happy Black Friday! The London Design Museum just reopened in its new home - and when we heard that Free Universal Construction Kit (by our own Shawn Sims and friend Golan Levin) was on display in the permanent exhibition: Designer Maker User, Justine excitedly popped over to check it out!

As for the exhibition - “Designer Maker User presents the museum’s collection to look at the development of modern design through these three interconnected roles. Designer Maker User features almost 1000 items of twentieth and twenty-first century design viewed through the angles of the designer, manufacturer and user, including a crowdsourced wall. The exhibition covers a broad range of design disciplines, from architecture and engineering, to the digital world, fashion and graphics. Designer Maker User features a bold, colourful and engaging display designed by Studio Myerscough, with digital interactives by Studio Kin.”

Ready to take a peek inside? To the next page!

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*notcot - 11.17.16 , 23:20 -

Inspiration: LA Auto Show 2016

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It’s a crazy and exciting time in the automotive world right now. There’s so much inspiration coming from the PAST (vintage!) and so much coming up in the FUTURE (autonomous vehicles and incredible concepts!)… we’re thrilled our NOTCOT sponsor, AutoNation, presents our adventures at the LA Auto Show to share some of the PRESENT lustworthy inspiration!

You never know quite what you’re going to find at the LA Auto Show. There are the usual models you expect from the larger brands, but then you run into things like a half lego Porsche 919… or a huge wooden moose… or an all electric 911… or a crazy super pink panther car… endless VR experiences (which really don’t photograph well)… surprising collaborations (Hurley pickup truck? Sriracha Lexus?)… flying pigs… and so much more. Ready to see what we found? To the next page!

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*notcot - 11.16.16 , 14:20 -

Designed By Apple In California

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It’s been a very Apple filled 2 days. Macbook pro arrived last night, Designed By Apple In California today. My macbook air has been long overdue for an update, but waiting for the new macbook pros has taken far longer than most rumors the last year! So, while many are complaining, i’m actually kind of loving the new macbook pro. Sure, the keyboard and mouse will take a little getting used to (and as far as loudness while typing, it doesn’t bother Shawn much compared to the noise when my nails would clink on the old one!) - and the touch bar is actually kind of fun - as for USB-C dongles, sure its a smidge more work, but i’m finding i don’t need them THAT much (other than for photos) - basically i’ve been ready for some newness, and i’m ready to adapt my workflow a bit to try it out… but not ready to jump to having a windows machine be my primary.

Anyhow - love when their shipping arrives a day early and surprises you! And while playing with the new machine, i was reading about the Designed By Apple In California coffee table books - a compendium of beautiful imagery of apple products from 1998-2015 as photographed by the amazing Andrew Zuckerman (behind Creature, Bird, Flower, and more). It’s a pricey coffee table book that comes in small (10.20” x 12.75”) and large (13” x 16.25”), and i can’t imagine a designer who wouldn’t welcome it into their design library. It’s rather over packaged, but unlike coffee table books from amazon, there’s no way it will get dented or dinged en route. And flipping through it, it’s stunning - and full of designer nostalgia. So much tech i’ve used from high school through the last decade of NOTCOT is in there. I’m tempted to scribble in the dates of the various machines i’ve owned that are no longer with me, just to remember all the tools that have helped get me where i am today when i look back on it all in a few decades. It’s a beautiful tribute to Steve Jobs and the stunning designs of Apple in its prime.

Take a look at the unboxing on the next page.

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*notcot - 10.31.16 , 16:55 -

Illuminature by Carnovsky

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Holiday shopping yet? Need a present for kids… who like animals? Consider it done. Illuminature - the new book from our friends Carnovsky - is perfect! Also pretty awesome for animal/art loving adults (like me!) It’s a nice big hardcover book (11.4 x 0.5 x 13.8 inches) that makes a nice sized gift, only think i might add are some extra colored glasses if there are a few kids around!

I’ve been enamored by the work of Carnovsky (Silvia Quintanilla and Francesco Rugi) for years! (Full disclosure/added bonus, we all went to grad school in Milan together!) Their RGB project has mesmerized… from award winning wallpapers to huge wall stickers (one of which is still on my ceiling) to scarves and more… their beautifully layered imagery hides so many layers in plain sight - until you filter it with a red, blue, or green lens.

In their new book, Illuminature, you get all the beauty of their previous works, with an educational twist. They take you through 10 destinations around the world, each one examined in three layouts. First they tell you about the destination, then you can peruse the scene at the Observation Deck, and finally a guide to all the species you’ve seen.

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Each lens takes you into a different layer of the destination. Red shows you the daytime creatures, Green shows you plant life, and blue shows you the nocturnal and crepuscular creatures lurking in the darkness! The book will take you everywhere from the Congo Rain Forest to the Simpson Desert, through the Ganges River Basin and down into the Apo Reef, explore Loch Lomond, the Redwood Forests, and beyond! Take a peek into more details of Illuminature on the next page!

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*notcot - 10.17.16 , 15:48 -

Carlton Edwards Slickrock House

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This is the Carlton Edwards designed Slickrock House in the Mountain Air Community of Burnsville, NC. I stumbled across with our new side project Future Nashville Instagram where i’m sharing interesting designs - from Nashville homes to places and products - as we watch the city evolve so quickly before our eyes! Basically, this emerged as part of the next phase of our NOTCOT Nashville Project House, where all of my ongoing research needed its own digital space. It’s all part of our process while we dream about what to build on the lot behind the little house!

So, while hunting and learning about design/build folks in Nashville, i came across Carlton Edwards which is an interesting design/build firm based in Asheville, Memphis, and Nashville. Their house i keep coming back to is the Slickrock House (2009), so precariously perched on a steep lot similar to ours! And as we will likely have to do too - they have a bridge from sidewalk to front door! It’s interesting to see the design choices they made for the cantilevered woody house. Mountain Xpress says that the “house’s design mixes industrial features, such as steel beams, with native wood, including cedar, cypress, Douglas fir, walnut and recycled heart of pine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping mountain views. The home also has a living roof covered with vegetation.” See all the exterior details on the next page!

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