When Cerri first released the Ouverture sofa in 1982, it was unlike any other furniture at the time (or any that had come before). The design draws inspiration from music, architecture, and technology, incorporating industrial elements like a distinctive metal frame perforated by circles. And while the framework of most sofas remains hidden beneath upholstery, the Ouverture puts it on full display, leaving the T-shaped steel bar and simple legs visible as a major design element.

The sofa’s load-bearing beam is free of joints, supporting its weight in such a way that it almost appears to float. Finished with matte black epoxy powder, the metal is meant to evoke a high-tech aesthetic, contrasting with the warmth and malleability of the cushions. Poltrona Frau has only tweaked a few small details from the original for this new reissue: the cushions were modified to be more ergonomic, and the sofa now comes in two sizes, a two-seater measuring 239 centimeters long and a three-seater measuring 318 centimeters.

The Ouverture sofa may be 40 years old, but unlike most other furniture pieces from the 1980s, it remains a contemporary classic. Original vintage sofas from the first release are sought-after collectibles, selling on sites like 1stDibs for $7,000 to $10,000.

“Apparently simple in form, the cushions conceal a wealth of details: from the backrest buttons, a recurring detail of 1980s designs and nod to traditional upholstery, to the slight tapering of the joint between the seat cushions and the backrest, for the optimum overlapping of the two elements,” says Poltrona Frau. “The cushions, with removable covers in either leather or fabric, are filled with goose down and polyester wadding with a polyurethane foam insert that ensures non-deformability and absolute comfort.”

Poltrona Frau rereleased Ouverture as part of its celebration of the company’s 110th anniversary in 2022. It’s available in various upholstery options, including bouclé, twill, piqué, and the company’s signature Pelle Frau leather in a pleasing variety of shades. Dusty eggplant, tomato red, malachite, tranquil marine blue, and a bright goldenrod are among the more colorful options, alongside plenty of neutrals. Prices are available on request.

Pierluigi Cerri died on November 29th, 2022 at the age of 83. He is celebrated as a visionary three-time Compasso d’pro laureate. In addition to his work in the worlds of design and architecture, he was a curator, graphic designer, academic, and editor for Casabella and Rassegna magazines. He handled the design of collections for Italian publishing houses like Electa and Einaudi and designed objects and layouts for well known brands like B&B Italia, Unifor, Desalto, and Fontana Arte.

The post Poltrona Frau Reissues Pierluigi Cerri’s Iconic Ouverture Sofa first appeared on Dornob.

The Orphosis’ ergonomic shape is created by strong folds and an angled bottom that balances the distribution of weight. The folds remain in place while you walk, hike, bend over, or toss the bag into the backseat of your car. The double-layer fabric is durable and water resistant, and the backpack features both padded shoulder and chest straps for the most comfortable carrying experience possible, even when you’re packing it to its maximum capacity.

When folded, the Orphosis origami backpack measures 19.3 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and 4.7 inches deep. When expanded, the depth increases to 9.4 inches. Changing the capacity is as simple as folding in the sides and snapping them together.

The Orphosis doesn’t sacrifice functionality for its minimalist looks. You can’t tell from the outside, but it actually has all the special pockets you could ask for in a backpack. The security pocket on the side is the perfect place to tuck your wallet and phone, since you can reach in without taking the backpack off. The chest strap also tucks into its own pocket in one of the main backpack straps when you don’t need it.

A deep side pocket with magnetic closure is capable of holding various water bottle sizes up to 32 ounces, or an umbrella. Inside, you’ll find a pocket that fits laptops up to 16 inches long, a tablet pocket, pockets for other tech like charging cables and ear buds, and even an anti-RFID pocket for the security of your personal data. The whole backpack unzips like a clam shell for easy access to everything you carry.

The backpack’s Kickstarter page explains that the design is “based on research and good understanding of the way people use backpacks. Orphosis was designed and prototyped in California by James Piatt, a well-rounded industrial designer in innovative product design solutions, materials, product engineering, and architecture. ‘We like to think of Orphosis Backpack a piece of functional art, and we hope our designs inspire our users to also think creatively,’ says Piatt.”

The design team adds that the backpack is “socially responsible…and sustainable by design. Longer product lifetime is better for the environment. We have a top-notch and responsible supplier who has supported some successful global brands and well-known crowdfunding brands. Their high-quality testing and quality control system can meet our high function and quality requirements.”

Want to snatch up an Orphosis minimalist backpack of your own? Check out the Kickstarter campaign to back the project. A pledge of $79 or more will get you a backpack at 40 percent off the expected retail price of $129.99.

The post Orphosis: Origami-Like Backpack Expands and Contracts on Demand first appeared on Dornob.

The iSwift M is an improvement upon its creators’ earlier product, the iSwift Pi. Both are designed for digital nomads who prefer to work in less than conventional locations — like a lounge chair on the beach. The original weighs 2.5 pounds, is made of a sturdy plastic material, and can be used in a variety of positions. It was a big hit, with nearly $1 million in sales since it debuted in 2021. The designers gathered feedback and have since made some alterations to their design, resulting in the release of the iSwift M. The new version weighs just over a pound, is a mere six millimeters thick, transforms in one second, and comes in additional sizes.

While most portable laptop desks have folding legs, the iSwift has a unique origami-like shape with built-in legs shaped like triangles. It can be used flat as a pad under your computer, with both legs up as a conventional laptop desk, or turned upside-down with a single leg extended for use as a tablet stand. Magnets hidden within the material hold the legs in position as you work. With the Pi, you unfold the legs one at a time. The M makes that process even faster. The legs are connected in the center, so the whole desk pops up into place with a simple flick of your wrist.

When folded, the iSwift M laptop desk is so thin, it easily slots into your laptop bag alongside your computer. The weight and amount of space it takes up is so minimal, you might as well take it everywhere you go. The designers even go so far as to claim that you could slide it under your pillow, sleep on it, and still not notice. Despite all that, it’s able to hold over 11 pounds (5 kg), well over the weight of most people’s computer, phone, and coffee combined.

The designers explain: “Inspired by the Copenhagen trend, we’ve selected wool felt as the material. The material is also eco-friendly and non-toxic. And with unique high-temperature pressing technology, the iSwift M becomes a piece of art. iSwift M’s material, design, and structure make it a must-have for your working life. The slim profile makes it look like a second skin for your office devices.”

This portable workstation comes in three sizes: Mini (about the size of a sheet of paper), Standard (9.4 inches by 17.3 inches), and Max (9.6 inches by 21 inches). You can also choose from gray, black, bright green, and “Barbie pink” colors. Currently raising funds on Kickstarter, the campaign is offering backers early bird discounts up to 40 percent off retail prices. Grab the Mini for $35, the Standard for $69, or the Max for $79.

The post Paper-Thin Laptop Desk Practically Disappears When You Store It first appeared on Dornob.

But working from home doesn’t mean you can’t have a sweet office setup. That’s where we come in.

Amazon Prime Day was on June 21st and 22nd this year, and if you were paying attention (and we know you were!), you probably scored some great deals. But just because Prime Day is over for another year doesn’t mean you can’t still get some post-Prime Day picks at amazing prices. We’ve done the legwork and come up with a list of sweet deals on office supplies and furniture:

HP Neverstop Wireless Laser Printer

Maybe you missed the boat on that printer you were eyeing on Prime Day. But that’s okay! This environmentally friendly printer, with its ability to wirelessly pair with all your devices, is a find worth snapping up.

now $239.89

Amazon Basics 3-Tier Metal Rolling Cart

This wheeled, 3-tiered metal cart is ideal for all your home office storage needs. Its open sides also make it super easy to find what you need fast, so no more wasting time trying to find cords, chargers, etc. (we’re speaking from experience here).

now $37.55

Natural Bamboo Monitor Stand Riser and Desk Organizer

This stylish riser elevates your monitor to eye-level so you can see your screen better and sit more comfortably. It also helps to save space, as it’s multifunctional and ideal for storage. You can even store your keyboard underneath come quitting time.

now $13.88

Aduken Gel Office Chair Seat Cushion

Sitting all day can be just as uncomfortable at home as it is in the office. This is where a memory foam seat cushion becomes your best firend. Durable, washable, comfortable, and portable, this king of cushions is sure to improve any home workspace.

now $20.28

Adjustable 3-Level Laptop Stand

We highly recommend this adjustable laptop desk stand that works with most 11″ to 16″ laptops. It’s sturdy and has a hollow design to promote air flow, and best of all, it securely keeps your laptop at eye-level.

now $25.99

Storex Small Cubby Bins

Working from home is so much easier if you’re organized! This 5-pack of colorful storage bins are great for keeping everything in its place, from chargers and cords to paperclips and pens.

now $22.44

Kantek Tablet Stand

Show your tablet a little love with a stand of its own! This Kantek stand provides amazing support, is incredibly durable, and can rotate and swivel with the best of them. Perfect for any tablet whose width or height measure between 6.6 and 8 inches.

now $21.76

YITAHOME 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet

Remember what we said about organization? This little beauty is made of durable steel, has an anti-tilt system, a locking mechanism, and is great for storing all your important papers and documents.

now $157.36

FelixKing Ergonomic Desk Chair

Your desk chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home office.Why not choose one that offers the best lumbar support for extra comfiness? This adjustable chair is easy to assemble and even easier to store out of sight at the end of the day.

now $139.99

Fujitsu Color Duplex Document Scanner

Scan, scan, and scan some more with the most popular business scanner in the world – right in your home office. With the highest image quality available, this reliable gem is a must-have for any serious workspace.

now $879.99

Computer Desk With Ergonomic Monitor Shelf and Storage

If you weren’t able to score a new desk on Prime Day, now’s your chance! This stylish model is made of high-quality, eco-friendly materials and is super durable. With a large monitor shelf and built-in storage, it’s a well-deserved desk upgrade.

now $189.99

Amazon Basics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder

Shred paper and credit cards with ease with this shredder that has overheat protection and a manual reverse to tackle blockages whenever they might occur.

now $33.49

Scotch Thermal Laminator

Who doesn’t want a laminator? From Scotch, the top laminating brand, this beauty will laminate whatever you throw at it, including photos.

now $21.99

Even if you missed Prime Day, there are still plenty of deals to be found on Amazon for your home office. Head over there now and score some of the best bargains around to help make your workspace the hottest spot in the house.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

The post 13 Post-Prime Day Amazon Deals for Your Home Office first appeared on Dornob.

TopWork combines a ton of features you need into one compact product, including an adjustable laptop stand, 11-port USB hub, and Qi wireless charger. Acting as a hub for all your gadgets, this work-from-home workstation aims to enhance productivity and comfort, wrangle cords and accessories, and elevate your built-in webcam so your colleagues aren’t staring at the underside of your chin. Plus, it’s portable, so you can move it from one room to another, use it on public transit, and bring it into the office when it’s safe to go back.

Anyone working on a MacBook is familiar with the frustrating lack of ports on recent models, necessitating external docks and dongles. Needless to say, it’s annoying to have a bunch of accessories dangling off your laptop when you need to use media and peripherals like USB drives, HDMI cables, and SD cards. Even PCs don’t necessarily have enough ports for everything included in a professional work computer setup, but this workstation builds virtually everything you require right into the laptop stand, plugging them all into your computer via a single USB-C cable. That makes it easy to disconnect and move into the living room at the end of the work day, or switch computers.

Those ports include one 100W USB-C charging port, an HDMI port for 4K video, a VGA port at 1080 resolution, an RJ45 Ethernet port supporting 1,000 Mbps network speed, two USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, SB/TF card slots, and a 3.5mm audio jack (Seriously Apple, have you realized yet that many people really want their headphone jacks back?) You can also use the HDMI and VGA ports simultaneously to add two additional display screens to your workstation, which is especially helpful for graphic designers, video editors, and programmers.

The ergonomic laptop stand adjusts to four different angles optimal for various uses like drawing on tablets, typing, reading and working with peripherals, and keeping the screen at a comfortable eye level. It’s capable of supporting any model of type-C laptop measuring up to 17 inches. Plus, the 10-watt wireless charging pad on the right side is great for keeping your phone or AirPod case juiced up while you work.

The TopWork workstation is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, having already blasted through its initial goal with hundreds of eager pledges. You can snag one of your own for $89 and up during the campaign, or buy one retail at $129 later this year. Considering that it would cost more (and be less convenient) to buy all those components separately, it seems like a pretty good deal.

The post TopWork: A Laptop Stand, Wireless Charger, and Hub All in One first appeared on Dornob.

Is it a bit extreme? Uh, yeah. Blanc covers every part of your face, including your eyes. The result is a little unnerving, especially if you imagine legions of people walking down the street looking like faceless robots. But the mask is designed to protect you from both contagious diseases and the prying eyes of surveillance cameras. The creators figure if we’re going to cover our faces, we might as well go all the way.

Designed by a team of engineers, product designers, and entrepreneurs, the Blanc mask consists of two vertical symmetrical parts that divide along the center line. Its hard plastic outer shell includes interchangeable opaque panels in black or white, clipped to the frame and held in place by magnets. But more important is what’s behind the facade: two replaceable HEPA filters that purify the air as you breathe in and out, offering a minimum efficiency of 95 percent.

The inner layer of the mask that’s up against your skin is designed to be ergonomic, molding itself to your features and creating a 180-degree airtight seal. And since the coronavirus can be transmitted through contact with the eyes, full-face coverage does provide a little extra peace of mind. Blanc’s creators describe it as walking around “in a bubble of fresh air,” no matter where you go. And clearly, you’re not going to have a problem with absent-mindedly touching your face and eyes.

An official description for the mask reads: “In a world where privacy is increasingly invaded, both online and out in the real world, you need a way to keep your identity off-grid. Away from face-recognition cameras and nosy onlookers. A way to protect your privacy and allow you to regain control of your visual identity, emotions, and expressions. With Blanc’s full-facial opaque protection, you decide when, where, and with whom you share your personal facial information.”

“The anonymous hero. Or the secret villain. Everyone wants to know who the man behind the mask is. Be bold, shroud yourself in mystery, and show the world you don’t follow the status quo. Whether you are taking a subway to work, on a long flight, or going out to a cyber-punk underground party with friends — regardless of what you’re doing, you can rest assured that Blanc is kept firmly in place.”

There’s no question that a mask this out-there is going to protect you better than a loose piece of cloth draped across your face, which probably isn’t fitted properly to your features to begin with. But do people actually want to wear these things? The answer, judging by the Blanc mask’s successful Kickstarter campaign, is evidently “yes.” The crowdfunding campaign blew past its goal of $20,000 within hours of launching. Backers will get a Blanc mask, extra front panel, and two HEPA filters for a pledge of $89 USD or more, with initial orders set to ship in March.

The post Blanc: Full-Face Modular Mask Makes Wearers Anonymous first appeared on Dornob.

If sensitivity to noise makes it hard for you to sleep, you’ve probably tried all kinds of things: ear plugs, noise-canceling ear buds, and even huge heavy-duty headphones that make it impossible to sleep on your side. None of these options are particularly comfortable to wear all night long, and it’s unclear how healthy it really is to have electronic devices playing near your brain 24/7.

Enter “SleepMuffs,” a sound-blocking neck pillow that solves most of these problems with absolutely zero electronic parts. Made in Australia, these cushiony ear muffs are more complex than they look on the surface. They don’t just cover your ears and cradle your neck. They also feature multiple sound-blocking layers to cut off as much distracting noise as possible.

On the inside, next to your skin, the muffs feature a silk-like thermo-regulating bamboo fabric cover that helps you stay cool and comfortable all night long. On the outside, a smooth, soft but more durable stain-resistant fabric made of recycled single-use bottles stands up to friction against your pillow and other surfaces. In between are a high-quality sound wave absorbing homogenous foam, an acoustic shell made of recycled ABS to ensure a proper seal with your ear, another layer of sound reducing lightweight acoustic foam, and a final ear seal.

A high-quality pair of active noise-canceling headphones, like those sold by Bose and Sony, blocks out about 35 decibels using microphones inside and outside the ear cups to monitor external sounds and instantly produce an opposite signal to cancel them out. It works remarkably well, but it doesn’t come cheap, and it’s much better suited for daytime wear than sleep.

The SleepMuffs product is rated almost as high at 33 decibels, and all without any electronic parts, charging cables, or bulky plastic. Earplugs, in comparison, typically block about 23 decibels. If you like to wear earbuds to listen to music, ambient noise, or meditation tracks while falling asleep, you can still do that with the SleepMuffs on, and they’re compatible with eye masks, too.

Blocking out sound isn’t all the SleepMuffs can do. The ergonomic design relieves neck tension by cradling your neck to keep your head from falling from side to side when you sleep on your back, and the muffs offer extra cushion if you’re a side sleeper, filling the gap between the pillow and your head to let your neck sit at a comfortable height.

The ear muffs made with travel in mind, so they pack up small in an included water-resistant travel pouch, making them ultra-convenient to take on planes, trains, buses, and road trips. The covers come in two colors: light gray or dark gray, with black inside. They’re removable and machine-washable.

The SleepMuffs are currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, and backers can get a set as a reward for a pledge of AU $119 or more (about $88 USD). Estimated delivery is in June 2021, when hopefully a lot of us will be coronavirus-vaccinated and back on the road. When the Kickstarter campaign is over, they’ll be available to the public at a retail price of AU $149 (about $110 USD).

The post SleepMuffs: Sound-Blocking Neck Pillow Lets You Nap in Noisy Environments first appeared on Dornob.

Fictional Map Wall Art

Green-screen Zoom backdrops are so passé, so why not add a personalized touch to your meetings with a poster or map from your favorite movie or book in the background? Many come in various pre-cut sizes, are available custom-cut, and include materials and tools for easy framing.

Logitech C270 Webcam

For the most professional presentations anywhere, you’ll find that this reasonably-priced webcam from Logitech is ideal. The high-definition 30-fps camera self-adjusts to lighting conditions and boasts a noise-reducing mic that cuts out background sounds.

Logitech H390 USB Computer Headset

This comfortable headset not only enhances sound and speaking quality, but it also lets you easily mute the mic or adjust the volume with a handy in-line audio control button. No outside noises are audible with this bad boy on, even if you’re munching on snacks during your meeting.

Logitech C920 Pro HD Webcam

Avid Zoomers love this webcam model, which includes a 78-degree field of view and a 1080p HD picture, so your images are always crisp and clear. Combine that with mics on either side and a frame rate of 60fps, and you’ve practically got yourself a professional camera.

Memory-Foam Lumbar Support Pillow

Sitting for hours at a time can have devastating effects on your body. Zoom in comfort by lining your work chair with a memory-foam lumbar support pillow. Ergonomically constructed, it improves your posture and decreases pressure on your tailbone. For extra comfort, add an extra seat cushion to your chair, too.

Saicoo LED Lamp

If want to look your best for your Zoom meetings every time, it’s important to understand that lighting is everything. This LED lamp makes you look great in a flash: simply adjust its touch-receptive panel to control brightness and color temperature. No need to worry about a low laptop battery, either, since this lamp features a built-in charging port.

Shure MVS Digital Condenser Mic

This digital condenser microphone guarantees flawless sound, and its versatile USB and iOS connectivity let you link it to all kinds of electronic devices. Best of all, an accompanying app makes sharing, recording, and editing a total breeze.

TIJN Blue Light Glasses

Hours of Zooming will inevitably take its toll on your eyes before long. These blue light glasses keep them looking fresh and reduce stress, redness, and irritation by blocking 100 percent of harmful UV rays. Plus, the lightweight frames ensure hours of comfort.

UBeesize Phone Tripod

Nothing works better to keep your Zoom presentation focused like a sturdy tripod with rubber-coated bendable legs and non-stick feet. Even better, this stand comes with a handy remote control for your phone that works as far away as 30 feet.

UBeesize Ring Light With Tripod Stand

If you really feel like optimizing your images, consider splurging on the UBeesize combination ring light and tripod. It includes warm light, daylight, and cool light rings, each of which includes a whopping 11 levels of brightness. An added perk is a remote control that lets you turn on your camera from a distance with your smartphone.

Classic Travel Posters

Add a touch of esteem and cultural savvy to your Zoom profile with vintage travel posters. Choose a favorite vacation spot, a great shot of your hometown, or a dream destination from your bucket list. Keep people wondering by changing them every few months.

The post 11 Items Sure to Make Your Zoom Meetings Better first appeared on Dornob.

Wearing a plastic face shield is an easy way to stop this habit in its tracks, but most of the ones you’ll find for sale at your local drugstore or on Amazon are bulky, uncomfortable, and too hazy to see through. A different version aims to be as comfortable as wearing glasses while offering protection from potentially infectious droplets and interrupting mindless face touching.

“Blocc” covers all the major avenues for infection on your face, working as a barrier when you reach for them. Unlike a conventional face shield, which uses foam and a headband to cling to your face, Blocc rests on your ears and nose. It doesn’t quite extend all the way past the chin, but its bubble-like shape makes that unnecessary.

It might seem like a face shield worn like glasses would make it impossible to actually wear glasses underneath it, but the design actually leaves plenty of room for most frames. Just remove the Blocc’s nose rest to accommodate them. The ergonomic shape also makes it easy to wear when running or riding a bike.

3D printed out of clear polycarbonate, Blocc is designed for everyday use by the public, not for healthcare or laboratory settings. It’s easy to wash with soap and water so you can use it over and over again. Though it’s no replacement for a mask, it’s a great supplement, especially for people who have to interface with the public for work and need some extra protection.

The face shield’s creators explain that “our team is based in South Korea — one of the first countries to be hit hard by the pandemic. We often noticed people wearing masks and habitually touching their face out in public. After looking into this further, we found that the average person subconsciously touches their face 23 times an hour (source: https://bit.ly/2APII4I) and that this is an innate habit very difficult to break. Therefore, it only seemed logical for us to create a face shield that would block (hence, the product name) the hand from touching the face.”

“We noticed that some people had already been using them, but none of them seemed to look comfortable or well-designed. This is why we decided to make one ourselves — one designed for the average person to wear in public without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. Our sincere hope is that Blocc will help you become wary of your face-touching habit. With your help, we can make Blocc a reality.”

Blocc raised nearly 500 times its initial goal of $5,000 on Kickstarter, and it’s now available for pre-sale on Indiegogo. You can get one for $27, or a two pack for $52.

The post Blocc: A Streamlined Face Shield You Wear Like Glasses first appeared on Dornob.

The Magic Desk was created by 37° C Smart Home designer Wu Junfeng, who readily acknowledges that his simple initial idea quickly grew into a more far-reaching design.

“Actually, my first thought was only about designing a desk whose height could be controlled by gestures,” he explains. “Then the idea evolved into a comprehensive workplace solution: how could the desk help maximize your work performance? Could it also play a role in caring for your health, to deliver messages for you actively?”

The easy-to-adjust desk moves from standing to a sitting height when you hold your hand close to its built-in sensor. Placing your hand beneath the sensor raises the platform, while hovering over the top of the sensor lowers it. Varying height options from 25 to 51 inches allow you to choose the best settings for you, placing the desk surface at the perfect height whether you’re standing or sitting. The distance to your monitor is also “monitored” for ideal ergonomic placement.

Although it’s a pretty simple design, it factors in the needs of the modern consumer like few other sit-stand models, with built-in USB ports and a wireless charging port you can use by simply setting your phone on it. Beneath the desktop, a net neatly wrangles in cords and cables to keep your space neat and hazard free.

Having the option to stand while you work is proven to improve posture and reduce lower back pain, contributing to overall better health, but the Magic Desk smart technology goes beyond this convenience with a built-in lamp that also monitors your activity. This LED desk lamp automatically turns off after you’ve been away for 10 minutes, and brightens the space up again once you return by monitoring your movement as you get closer. The lamp offers three brightness modes: Full brightness for efficient reading; screen mode, which is dimmer and reduces blue light; and focus mode, which provides bright light and automatically turns off notifications from the desktop unit to reduce distractions while you concentrate. Even better, the entire system charges on the port built into the desk and can be moved around to personalize your workspace in a way that always works best for you.

A small monitor also alerts you if you need to adjust your posture as you begin to slouch in your chair or while standing. Additionally, the system will remind you to make a change if you’ve been in the same position for too long.

Beginning as a fully funded Kickstarter campaign, the Magic Desk is now in production and can be found in the three classic colors of black, white, and walnut. It’s also available in two length sizes of 47 and 58 inches. The design was even recognized in the A’ Design Award competition with a golden award in the category of Furniture, Decorative Items, and Homeware Design.

The post This Gesture-Controlled Smart Desk is Magic first appeared on Dornob.

But as germaphobes are well aware, plenty of low-tech tools to help you avoid touching potentially infectious public surfaces already exist. They’re almost always made of copper or one of its alloys, like brass or bronze, which possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. When microbes land on a copper surface, the metal’s ions prevent cell respiration, punching holes in the cell membrane or disrupting the viral coat to destroy the DNA and RNA inside.

It would be cool to see more copper doorknobs, countertops, and seating in hospitals, airports, train stations, gyms, and other places known for harboring microbes, but in the meantime, you can pick up a small, affordable keychain tool that will let you open door handles, punch keypads, sign checkout screens, and press elevator buttons without directly using your hands.

One thing to note: there are many, many products like these available on Amazon, Wish, Alibaba, and other websites, but you should always make sure you’re getting the real (copper alloy) deal, and not a spray-painted imitation.

CleanKey

The ergonomic design of the CleanKey makes it easy to press buttons, pull levers, and open many public doors (at least, those with handles rather than knobs) without actually touching potentially contaminated surfaces yourself. It hooks onto your keys, and you can get it with a retractible carabiner to ensure you’ll never lose it.

Hygiene Hand

Designed by a New York City paramedic, the Hygiene Hand is almost identical to the CleanKey, but it’s always nice to have options. Recently launched on Kickstarter, this antimicrobial door opener will definitely help reduce the amount of hand washing and disinfecting you have to do while you’re out running errands or performing other essential jobs. As its makers point out, coronavirus can only survive on copper and brass for a couple hours, compared to several days on plastic or stainless steel.

Dino-Phobe

If you prefer something that looks more like an ornamental keychain, the Dino-Phobe pocket tool is a fun option. Made in the USA, it’s brass and significantly larger and thicker than other tools, and it performs all of the same functions. Best of all, you can also use it as a bottle opener.

Pull Pro

Want a full range of designs to choose from? The PullPro and PushPro come in dozens of shapes, though some appear to be more functional than others. They’re made of solid copper, manufactured in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have the lowest cost of the bunch at just $14.99.

Heart-Shaped Door Opener Keychain

Individual crafters and small businesses are selling their own versions of the tool on Etsy, too. This 100-percent copper heart-shaped door opener keychain is handcrafted and comes on a silver split ring. The creator doesn’t specify whether it would work on touch screens, but it can be used to open doors, carry bags, and press keypad buttons.

Antimicrobial Antique-Style Skeleton Key

Offered by a New York-based company that usually makes custom laser-cut architectural signage, this solid quarter-inch brass skeleton key has a fun antique style that’ll look great dangling from your key ring.

The post 6 Antimicrobial Tools for Hands-Free Door Opening and Button Pushing first appeared on Dornob.

Miracle TimeCube Timer

There’s probably a lot of things competing for your attention right now. After all, it’s hard not to constantly check the news, Facebook, and Twitter for updates, all of which tend to only get in the way of completing your tasks. One simple way to maintain your productivity while working from home is the TimeCube, a simplified desktop timer with sides that display the time period of your choice, from five to 60 minutes.

Use this device to divide your work tasks, lunches, and other breaks into set periods with tangible start and end times. For example, you can flip the TimeCube so that “25 minutes” displays on the top, close out all your distracting tabs, and focus on a single activity until it beeps. Then you can flip it to another number for your next activity.

Zoom

If you consider regular face-to-face meetings an essential part of keeping your team on track, you’re going to need software that can keep everyone connected. Right now, there’s simply nothing better than Zoom, a free app that’s both reliable and easy to use.

Unlike FaceTime, Zoom can be used on both Macs and PCs. It’s easy to start video calls from, too, and they don’t cost anything as long as they’re under 40 minutes with 100 participants or fewer. It’s also a great way to stay in touch with friends and family by holding virtual dinner parties or karaoke sessions.

Adjustable Standing Desk

Sitting all day long is bad for your health, especially if you’re already stressed out. An adjustable standing desk will let you stretch your legs and keep your posture in check throughout the day. This one by Avantree is ultra budget-friendly, folds and unfolds with ease, and can be tilted, raised, or lowered to match your preferred angle. You can even use it to work from your bed by having it straddle your lap.

External Monitor

When you’re used to having multiple monitors at the office, it can be hard to downgrade to a small laptop screen. That’s why an affordable external monitor can really change the game when it comes to working from home, making it easier to multi-task and stay focused. The 27-inch Dell FreeSync Monitor is one great option, complete with a full HD IPS LED screen and Dell’s ComfortView technology to reduce blue light and glare. Get it for $199.99 at Best Buy and other retailers.

Slack

Commonly used to connect offices and employees in different locations, Slack is a great way to work together remotely, and it can make the shift to working from home a lot easier on everyone. Use it to create separate channels for various teams, deliver important announcements, and just casually chat with your friends. The app also enables direct messaging and built-in voice and video calling, which is a great alternative to Zoom when you only need to talk to a couple people.

Google Docs and Sheets

Google’s suite of free web-based documents, spreadsheet, and presentation apps won’t necessarily replace all the functions you’re used to having on, say, the Microsoft Office platform — but there are a couple big reasons to consider using it instead, for now. For starters, they make it easy to share documents and keep track of all the changes made by various people, which is invaluable when you can’t get together in person.

But above all else, these apps’ offline sync feature might just be their biggest pro, especially if you’re dealing with unpredictable Wi-Fi. It’ll make sure whatever changes you make while the internet is out are synced automatically when it reconnects. The catch is that it only works on Google’s Chrome browser.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Working from home is hard when you’ve got kids running around. If you need to block out the background noise, there’s nothing better than Sony’s noise-cancelling headphones, which are also very comfortable to wear. The stellar sound quality, soft padded ear cups, and 30-hour battery life make them a worthwhile investment.

Bose SoundLink Mini II

If you’d rather not wear headphones but still need ultra-crisp sound and a built-in microphone for taking calls, check out the Bose SoundLink Mini II: a powerful speaker that fits in the palm of your hand. Roughly the size of a smartphone and weighing just 1.5 pounds, this lightweight speaker easily connects to virtually any Bluetooth-equipped device and can interface with Siri or Google Assistant.

Apple Magic Keyboard

Tiny laptop keyboards just don’t cut it for people who usually type on large external ones. The Apple Magic keyboard falls somewhere in between, but it’s ultra-portable, pairs automatically with Macs and features an incredibly long-lasting battery that can stay juiced up for a month or more.

BackBlaze Backup Software

For just six dollars a month, you can have peace of mind that your work won’t be lost, even if your toddler spills your coffee directly onto your laptop keyboard. BackBlaze’s “Personal Backup” plan will automatically back up all your files, including documents, photos, music, and movies, so it’s great for graphic designers and other professionals whose work from home isn’t necessarily text-based.

All data is stored at a secure data center with 24-hour staff, biometric security, and redundant power, and there’s also an option for businesses that expands coverage to multiple computers and servers.

With all this handy gear in tow, you’ll be more than ready to hunker down for the next few weeks of social distancing.

The post 10 Tech Essentials You’ll Need to Work from Home During Quarantine first appeared on Dornob.

You don’t have to trade in your existing desk for a new one to make this work. There are lots of options for products that simply add a bit of height to your work surface, so you can switch between standing and sitting with ease. The MOFT Z, a four-in-one convertible laptop desk, is among the most portable of the bunch.

Measuring a mere half an inch thick, the MOFT Z is a magazine sized sit-stand desk device that’s so thin when collapsed, you can easily tote it around in your briefcase. It boasts an origami-inspired one-piece structure that folds out in seconds to offer a desk platform for standing, as well as three angles for sitting mode: 25, 45, and 60 degrees. No tools are needed for set up, either — you just fold or unfold it like a piece of paper.

There are a lot of benefits to this design. First of all, most people don’t want to stand all day long. You probably stand for a little while, sit down, and repeat. And if you’re using a bulky standing desk accessory or something that requires an assembly process, you’ll find that using it quickly becomes cumbersome, and you usually have to find someplace to stash it afterwards. The MOFT Z is easy to stow in a bag, under a stack of paper, or alongside binders on your desk.

It won’t fold under the weight of heavier laptops, either. The Z-shaped structure of this convertible desk is capable of holding up to 22 pounds, so it’s compatible with just about any laptop you can think of.

The desk’s official crowdfunding page reads: “Sitting all day in the office can be stressful to both your body and mind. A quick switch to standing not only helps you stretch a bit for a relaxing back, but also refreshes your mind with a different angle to see your works. When you are standing, MOFT Z offers a natural height for your palms to rest onto the laptop, and your eyes to look at the screen with no strain or tension.”

“Surely, you would want to sit back after a short break. Does MOFT Z stop working by then? Absolutely not. We also prepared three modes to fit your own working style while sitting. 25 degrees offers natural typing with palms resting on your laptop; 45 degrees offers a write/read/flexible working setup with peripherals, and 65 degrees allows browsing on smaller devices like tablets.”

The designers note that they “didn’t trade thinness for durability. Apart from the rock-steady Z structure and tri-angle bottom support, [they] used fiber glass to ensure the toughness of panels and a maximum of 22-pound weight, the magnetic flap to reinforce the frame, and the PU material to shield all the scratches and heat while keeping everything soft and premium to touch.”

Bonus: you can also use the MOFT Z right on your lap, which is good news for all those folks out there working from home while firmly planted on the couch.

With a retail price of $69, the MOFT Z is cheaper than similar folding options, and also weighs considerably less at just 31.4 ounces. Back the project now on Kickstarter to receive a folding laptop desk of your own at a discount.

The post Ultra-Portable Sit-Stand Desk Adjusts Its Angle in Seconds first appeared on Dornob.

Yogibo, a global leader in the design and retail sales of next-generation home furnishings and groundbreaking interior decor, has recently collaborated with the Star Wars franchise to introduce 40+ unique products made from their signature fabric. All Yogibo furniture is machine washable, automatically conforms to the user’s body shape and type without solidity, and has absolutely no pressure points.

Scheduled to celebrate with two debuts three weeks apart, their new collection is comprised of both home furnishings and Star Wars-related accessories. Both Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire themes will be fairly represented, as well as a host of other iconic characters and events from the films. Highlights include:

• A Death Star-shaped balance ball
• An ergonomic travel pillow with a self-contained sleep mask reminiscent of a Rebel Pilot helmet
• In honor of Chewie, an enormous plush wookie “hugger” complete with his legendary brown “fur” and authentic-looking ammo belt
• Empire and Rebel versions of a cozy roll-out Zipparoll and cylindrical “Buddy Roll” body pillow
• Cute animated Star Wars trilogy throw pillows
• A compact wooden Traybo laptop tray
• Star Wars Squeezibos, Yogibo’s next line of stress balls

“We’re super excited to collaborate with Star Wars for this amazing collection,” says Eyal Levy, Yogibo CEO. “Like millions around the world, the Star Wars films are some of my favorites, so this is an incredible honor and very exciting. For 10 years, we’ve been a leading brand for beanbags and comfort products, and with these new designs, I’m positive we’re going to appeal to many new audiences.”

The first part of Yogibo’s Star Wars collection, consisting of both orange and gray Rebel and black and purple Empire beanbag chairs and footrests, will be available for sale beginning November 15th (today!). The expanded assortment of comfy accessories will follow shortly after on December 5th.

The post Yogibo’s New Star Wars-Inspired Furniture Collection Puts Comfort First first appeared on Dornob.

A massive cultural shift in work-life balance would be the ideal solution, but let’s be real, we probably aren’t getting that anytime soon. Instead, some companies are working to make our offices more like homes away from home. That doesn’t mean we can bring our cats to work, binge Netflix, or walk around in our underwear, but changing the vibe of a space really can go a long way toward making us feel more focused, energized, and content.

Scandinavian Spaces is one of the companies working to improve the well-being of employees through design. That means producing office furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories that address many of the complaints people tend to have about their workplaces.

Their recently revealed “Hut Lounge Collection” is a great example. Created for Swedish brand Götessons, the pieces offer mini rooms within actual rooms so employees can retreat to a protected, relaxed space to concentrate or rest.

Of course, there is a layer of rat race irony here: the sound absorbing house-shaped modules are inspired by imagery from the board game Monopoly (which was, in point of little-known fact, originally invented by a woman with the intent of drawing attention to inequality). But the effect is a nice one. If you work in a place that doesn’t offer a quiet place to withdraw, you can imagine how useful such a space might be.

The Scandinavian Spaces teams explains: “The Hut Lounge Collection offers convenient and comfortable spaces that suit many purposes. Combine The Hut Lounge with two benches and create an area for brainstorming, relaxed work, or a place for a short nap. Think outside the box and use pieces freely and in fun constellations. Mix and match the Free Bench with the Square Bench in an open zone, or create an entire lounge area with different sized huts and benches — whatever suits you. Thanks to the wheels attached to all of the benches, everything can be moved with ease.”

Another version of the hut encloses a desk with built-in outlets, so two or three people can work together without being too distracted by what’s going on in the rest of the room. You can also tuck a single desk inside it and enclose one wall, creating an even more private space that’s far superior to the average cubicle. Add glass doors and benches, and you’ll have yourself an intimate meeting room.

Other complementary products by Scandinavian Spaces include The Office Nap, an upholstered bean bag chair, active ergonomic seating in the form of Office Ballz, and “Bob Job” lounge modules.

It’ll never be your own familiar couch in your own home, surrounded by your own things within arm’s reach of your own refrigerator, but for some people, that can be a good thing, right?

The post Scandinavian Spaces Makes the Workplace Feel More Like Home first appeared on Dornob.

If you’re prone to muscle pain, you probably have an arsenal of massaging tools in addition to a packed medicine cabinet. Electric massagers, rollers, acupressure balls, and other self-massage tools address different kinds of pain and soreness in different areas of the body, and they aren’t always interchangeable. It’s not that they aren’t useful, per se, but when you have a lot of them, they’re kind of annoying to organize, store, and take on trips.

The ability to combine several tools in one definitely helps, as long as they still perform all the necessary functions. A new offering called the YOGGI Ball claims it can do just that. Billed as an “all-in-one, whole-body massage system,” the small handheld device looks like a standard peanut-style vibrating massager but transforms on demand.

“Imagine a foam roller, massage ball, peanut, [and] massage pillow all rolled into one. Because that’s exactly what we did… Designed in partnership with leading physiotherapists, YOGGI Ball delivers targeted treatment and deep healing to be the most effective therapeutic solution. Simply, it’s the next best thing to having your own personal physiotherapist with you 24/7.”

It’s not just a device that you roll on yourself or press against your body. It also heats up and vibrates. Made from medical-grade silicone, the massager has three speeds of massage functions for eliminating knots, reducing muscle cramps, increasing blood flow, and promoting joint stabilization. The creators recommend using it for the trapezius, neck, hamstring, hips, feet, lower back, thighs, calves, or anywhere else you tend to feel stiff and sore.

Developed in collaboration with a physiotherapist, the tool aims to offer three major qualities that other massagers often can’t compete with: affordability, portability, and ease of use.

“YOGGI Ball’s ergonomically designed attachments target your primary and secondary muscle groups through versatile rolling, pressure, and pinpointing therapy techniques. It’s the best of both worlds: automatic and manual therapy to hit deep into sore muscles, painful trigger points, and stiff joints. To instantly switch between massage functions, simply snap and twist attachments using the Quick-Lock System. With just a couple of clicks, you can switch between dual ball rolling massage, targeted single ball massage, deep trigger point release, and heating and vibrating therapy.”

The YOGGI is essentially a modular device that includes four components: two balls, an acupoint handle, and a central connector. They can be used together or alone, in “pointball” form for targeted rolling, “acupoint” form for hard-to-reach trigger points deep in muscles, and “dual point roller” form to target large muscle groups like a foam roller would.

All of these combined functions make it pretty powerful, especially considering its small size. If you’ve ever tried to jam a foam roller into your luggage, you’ll appreciate the fact that it can just slip into your everyday bag so easily.

The YOGGI Ball is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter. Check it out to back the project and receive your choice of early-bird discounted packages as a reward. The most affordable rewards offer the “pointball” alone, or you can get the entire roller kit alone or in larger quantities for fitness studios.

The post Take a Whole Body Massage System on the Go with the YOGGI Ball first appeared on Dornob.