Freckle phone aims to send kids outside to play and engage with the world
Start-up Freckle has created an AI-powered mobile phone for kids, designed around exploration to provide a break from parental restrictions and surveillance. More about Freckle phone aims to send kids outside to play and engage with the world
Meta unveils lightweight VR glasses and camera-free AI glasses at Connect 2026
Meta has revealed slimline VR glasses for immersive entertainment on the go and an audio-only, camera-free version of its Ray-Ban glasses as the latest additions to its expanding product portfolio. More about Meta unveils lightweight VR glasses and camera-free AI glasses at Connect 2026
UAL turns Atterbury Flat guest apartment into riotous student design archive
The University of the Arts London has transformed a drab guest quarters at one of its colleges into a colourful showcase that lets visitors eat, sleep and bathe in student and graduate design. More about UAL turns Atterbury Flat guest apartment into riotous student design archive
"In these conditions, how can we be optimistic?" asks Anab Jain
Superflux co-founder Anab Jain has been awarded this year's LDF Design Innovation Medal. In this interview, she argues speculative design can still be a source of hope even in dark times. More about "In these conditions, how can we be optimistic?" asks Anab Jain
Realistic AI architectural renderings must be labelled under EU AI Act
Artists and companies publishing realistic AI-generated architectural renderings in the European Union without labelling risk being fined under provisions in the EU AI Act that came into force last week. More about Realistic AI architectural renderings must be labelled under EU AI Act
Dress made of living mycelium can renew and repair itself
Researchers in China have created a textile from living mycelium that is self-cleaning, near self-repairing and can be coloured or made UV protective through "plug-and-play" add-ons of different fungi or yeast. More about Dress made of living mycelium can renew and repair itself
Decoy Font protects messages from being read by AI
One message for humans and another for artificial intelligence are contained in the letters of Decoy Font, made by the company Mixfont for those who want to avoid having their data scraped. More about Decoy Font protects messages from being read by AI
Light Phone goes clamshell with "timeless" Flip model
Tech company Light has released a clamshell version of its popular minimalist phone, combining contemporary dumbphone functionality with retro appeal. More about Light Phone goes clamshell with "timeless" Flip model
Student grows fuzzy fridge from bacteria to challenge norms around cooling
Designer Audrey Levy has reimagined a common household appliance with her project How to Grow a Refrigerator, applying sustainable insulating and cooling technologies that take advantage of the power of bacteria and the sun. More about Student grows fuzzy fridge from bacteria to challenge norms around cooling
Algae "biocells" powered by photosynthesis could replace disposable batteries
Bio-designer Lucia Giron has worked with the University of Cambridge's Department of Biochemistry to develop prototypes of an algae-based battery alternative, which harnesses the power of photosynthesis for electricity. More about Algae "biocells" powered by photosynthesis could replace disposable batteries
Omega and Swatch release gold MoonSwatch in limited edition of 1,969
Watchmakers Swatch and Omega have collaborated to celebrate the anniversary of the first moon landing on 21 July 1969 with a limited run of 1,969 watches, made of gold from 1969. More about Omega and Swatch release gold MoonSwatch in limited edition of 1,969
Mesh-89 device lets Palestinian drivers stay ahead of checkpoint closures
Recent Central Saint Martins graduate Joud Abuhomos has invented a simple, off-grid communication device called Mesh-89, designed to alert Palestinian bus drivers to the status of the West Bank's 89 permanent checkpoints. More about Mesh-89 device lets Palestinian drivers stay ahead of checkpoint closures
Imago audio player lights a path for ethical AI use in music
Central Saint Martins graduates Domenico di Paolo and Kieran Feechan have created a novel listening device in the form of Imago, which turns a critical eye on the use of AI in music. More about Imago audio player lights a path for ethical AI use in music
Superflex and KWY.studio create architecture for fish to enjoy after sea levels rise
Danish artist collective Superflex has collaborated with KWY.studio architects to create Super Kello – a harbourside stone sculpture in Oulu, Finland, to be enjoyed by fish after sea levels rise. More about Superflex and KWY.studio create architecture for fish to enjoy after sea levels rise
Golf cart, small car and moon buggy meet in electric vehicle Amble One
Former Apple designer Julian Hoenig and Forpeople founder Michael Tropper have teamed up to enter the mobility space with Amble One – a doorless electric buggy that they hope will become a lightweight alternative to cars for short trips. More about Golf cart, small car and moon buggy meet in electric vehicle Amble One
Atonemo and NTS launch Radio Player with icon wheel for genre selection
Tech company Atonemo and online radio station NTS have partnered up to produce a pocket-sized player designed for "omakase listening" – a curated music experience decided by "someone whose taste you trust". More about Atonemo and NTS launch Radio Player with icon wheel for genre selection
Snap Specs bring rich augmented reality to smart glasses
Tech company Snap has blended the immersive display style of mixed-reality headsets with the lightweight appearance and functionality of AI glasses in its latest product, the Specs. More about Snap Specs bring rich augmented reality to smart glasses
Other Matter launches bio-leather made from single-use signage
Design studio Other Matter has built on its flagship product, a petrochemical-free signage film, by recycling it into an upholstery material called Other Matter Leather, on show this week at 3 Days of Design. More about Other Matter launches bio-leather made from single-use signage
Redesigning Design Weeks programme tackles downsides of event tourism
A neighbourhood repair cart and a "Pizzeria of Promises" are among the products of Redesigning Design Weeks, a Nieuwe Instituut initiative that aims to counter the negative effects of intense tourism in design week hubs like Milan. More about Redesigning Design Weeks programme tackles downsides of event tourism
Architects will "cringe a bit" at design horrors in Backrooms says production designer
Production designer Danny Vermette talks Dezeen through the exacting work of building liminal spaces for Backrooms, a new horror film that follows a frustrated architect-turned-furniture salesman. More about Architects will "cringe a bit" at design horrors in Backrooms says production designer