Lost for Inspiration

Inspiration for those blank page moments

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The Nature of Design: Biomimicry & Biophilia-Inspired Innovation

Hi all, its been a while!

Nice article on the role of biomimicry as a source of inspiration

Enjoy!

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Goodbye

Dear all Many thanks for following my blog over the last year or two. Life has been getting I'm the way of me devoting enough time to this, so sadly, this will be my last post. Hope you were able to take some inspiration along the way. Best regards Lostforinspiration

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Opportunity is missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas Edison, with thanks to Quotes on Design

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Shopping Inspiration - @cubittskx

Being a little crap in the eye department over the years, I needed a little help.  So after a trip to Boots I came away with a couple of pairs of glasses (Ted Baker and Boots OL if you ask).

Over time these pairs have both done ok, but as the years have passed I realised that my glasses are as much an expression of my style and personality, as they are tools for work.

So I was really happy to have come across the guys at Cubitts.  For just £100, you can have a stylish pair of prescription glasses delivered with case, screwdriver and cloth.  

The choice of styles is limited (8 styles in 4 colours), but spot on (less is more and all that).  Each is made from a single sheet of Italian Acetate, with the CR39 lenses being made to your prescription.  

The attention to detail is carried through to the pin-drilled hinges and overall presentation of the product.

While it appears that the cutting work is done in China, the lens fitting and finishing is done by hand in the UK and, overall, they look to be great value for a well made product.

Even better is the fact that you can order a number of frames for a free home trial, or have a closer look at one of the great Albam stores in London.

This is where I am going for my next choice of glasses.  Hell at that price, I’ll even consider their great sunglasses range too! 

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Design Inspiration - Dieter Rams:

How much do you want this as your place of work!

Thanks to i2fly

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Sorry, been away for a while, but back for some more inspirational fun!

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Design Inspiration - Eames Lounger and Ottoman:

Sorry, couldn't resist this last one.

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Design Inspiration - Le Corbusier, 'I prefer drawing to talking': 

“I prefer drawing to talking.

Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies.”

-Le Corbusier

 (Thanks to Fad and Asbjorn Lonvig)

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Design Inspiration - Le Corbusier Chaise Longue:

Just beautiful.

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Business Inspiration - Jim Collins & the Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal:      

It’s at least ten years since I finished my MBA (Durham Business School, if you are asking), but a few things still stick out in my mind.

Apart from making some great life-long friends, the best thing was the breadth and depth of reading you could do.You could really indulge your passions and curiosity as you had the time and space to absorb the experience of others.

The work of Charles Handy, Clayton Christensen, Michael Porter and others were all hoovered up with enthusiasm.

So, coming across a recent lecture by Jim Collins on Inc.com, was a real pleasure, especially as he was talking about his BHAG concept - the big, hairy, audacious goal.

In the simplest of terms, this is when a business or individual sets a huge goal 20 - 30 years into the future and strives and works towards it.  it’s a measure of the long term thinking and 'built to last' focus a company needs to survive.

It’s a short and punchy read, so if you want to know more head over to Jim’s web site for more on his iconic books, along with some great PDF guides to his best known concepts.

Happy reading.

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Design Inspiration: Dieter Rams Chronograph Watch

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Design Inspiration: Dieter Rams Braun Record Player

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Design Inspiration@ Dieter Rams Braun ET 66 Calculator

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Design Inspiration: Dieter Rams Braun Coffee Machine

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Design Inspiration: Dieter Rams ten principles for good design

As one of the most important designers of the last century, Dieter Rams asked, and found a way to answer, one of the most important questions within his field of expertise - is my design good design?

Knowing that good design cannot be measured, he created a set of 10 principles against which good design could benchmarked.  

These were developed during his time as Chief Design Officer at Braun, a post he held until 1995 and during which he introduced dozens of iconic products.  His influence and pedigree can be clearly seen in the work of the current champion of the '10' - Jony Ive and Apple products he created across the years.

Just goes to show how a collection of simple principles can be the bedrock of huge influence.

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An inspiration: Peter O'Toole.

A lost legend.

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Xmas shopping Inspiration: Great stationery from @TheJournalShop

Every man needs good stationery.  

There is something solid, dependable and reliable about it.  No need for a full battery, internet connection or storage space for this stuff. 

It’s simplicity is its strength - just think about the millions of dollars NASA spent on developing a pen to work in space, when the Russians just used a pencil.

Good stationery is also a source of great creativity. Just look at the selection on Sir Paul Smith’s desk in his new Design Museum exhibition or his collaborations with Rhodia - all driven by a passion for traditional writing and scribbling of ideas that technology can’t truly replicate:

So, I do love sharing new and inspirational finds, especially as gift ideas,  this time from The Journal Shop:

Midori BRASS Number Clips

Palomino Blackwing pencil sharpener

Calepino Notebook set

Classic Palomino Blackwing pencil

And finally, my Christmas gift inspiration:

A beautiful Midori wood inlay ruler

If stationery is good enough for Sir Paul on his Desert Island, it’s good enough for me!