The Design Block
If you're looking for the latest in advertising and marketing, design related technology and lifestyle tips, and art or design highlights then you're in the right place. Find all this and more with the Design Block blog.
The most bizarre Christmas celebrations around the world
Whether it’s leaving a treat for Santa and his reindeer or simply decorating the tree, Christmas has many traditions. And no two families Christmas’s are quite the same. So, what kind of bizarre Christmas celebrations are there in countries around the globe?
Decorate your beard with mini baubles
Are you into the ugly sweater trend? If not, try a different look this holiday season. Christmas baubles are usually meant for trees, but large-bearded men are using them to decorate their face instead.
How parents can make a difference in a creative child’s life
There are many ways to define creativity; putting things together in unique ways, or seeing the a given problem with fresh eyes. And while we all solve problem in creative ways, encouraging it in others can make a big difference.
How to make toasted marshmallow shot glasses
If you want a change from all the cookie and milk shots that you down during the holiday season, here’s a quick and simple booze-filled recipe that you can try.
This prototype water bottle actually fills itself
Cyclists know that you need to keep hydrated. And to make sure that you don’t run dry, industrial design student Kristof Retezár has designed a prototype self-filling water bottle. How? It turns air into water while you ride a moving bicycle.
10 ways to spice up your hot chocolate
Winter weather is here and the best way to warm those cold toes and hands is a cup of hot cocoa. But what if you’re not in the mood for the traditional and are looking for something different?
Love bacon? How about a Bacon-Making Kit
Nothing beats that sizzling sound of bacon cooking first thing in the morning. And don’t listen to those studies that say processed meats causes cancer. Besides, what doesn’t these days? Just take everything in moderation.
Infographic: Take back your mornings
Are you usually less productive in the morning? For me, mornings are time to get things done before the workday begins. However, great mornings don’t just happen, they’re planned. They’re also about creating a routine that works; keeping you inspired and not just wired.
What they didn’t teach you in design school
No matter what path you took in life, when it comes to our careers we all wish I learned ________________ in school. So, inspired by the gaps he perceived in a conventional design education, Professor Phil Cleaver published the very readable What They Didn’t Teach…
Have you discovered the Oreo Churro yet?
Spanish doughnut, meet classic cookie. Two of America’s most beloved snack treats: Oreo cookies and Churros have now come together to become the Oreo Churro.
Geometric models of animals made entirely out of paper
Artist Wolfram Kampffmeyer—aka PaperWolf—has become renowned for his talent creating stunning 3D geometric models; beautiful polygonal animals made from coloured paper.
Infographic: The 10 most irritating co-worker habits
You can pick your friends, you can’t pick your family and for the most part, you can’t pick your co-workers. Even if you could, it’s hard to see through the veneer of professional behaviour most people put on for a job interview. Worst of all, unlike with irritating acquaintances,…
Humorously pointless missing posters
Once upon a time, before the Internet, people relied on flyers, missing posters, and community spirit to help them find their lost pets. They’ve also used to spread the word about cool events going down around the neighbourhood. Nowadays however, public announcement posters are just basically…
How coffee reflects your productivity at work
Could you start the day without your morning Double-Double? Is it out of habit or do we really believe that a morning coffee will increase our productivity at work?
This is your guide to learning 80s slang
The 1980s were filled with bright colours, leg warmers, soft rock and a surfer mentality; it became a decade that embraced the fun in life without any of the hassle. If you’re looking to relive those glory days or learn how your parents talked, this…
Instagram account mocks inspirational quotes and clichés
For those on social media who overuse them, please stop with the inspirational quotes and clichés. Certain bits of “wisdom” have been overused; and they weren’t that great to begin with.
Watch: Every customer service call ever
Anyone who has ever had to make a call to customer service centre can relate to the frustrations of waiting for someone to answer.
Infographic: Famous firsts on the Internet
Email is just one example of the kind of explosive growth experienced by the Internet—making sending a letter almost obsolete. Since the inception of the Internet in the late 20th century, it has quickly evolved into a necessity for our daily lives; providing may famous firsts.
Layered glass sculptures that mimic the ocean and waves
These beautiful layered glass sculptures by Sydney-based artist Ben Young are made out of glass. They were painstakingly cut and pieced together to mimic the topography of the ocean and its waves.
Chocolate pencils for people who love art and chocolate
Acclaimed Japanese design studio Nendo has been credited for designing creations like chocolate paint and ice cream cakes that resemble villages. However, before these creative food ideas came another lesser known creation: chocolate pencils.
What different generations used for wasting time
Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow. With nearly all of us owning some type of smart device, we can spend endless hours wasting time online.
Naughty print ad likens a wallet to a vagina
To promote the affordability of German online sex shop EIS.de’s love-making products, Hamburg-based ad agency Jung von Matt has created a naughty print ad.
IKEA instructions humorously depict handling real life situations
Are you having trouble figuring out exactly how to behave in certain situations? Have no fear, IKEA is here. Actually, UK-based artist James Chapman is here with a humorous illustrated series of IKEA instructions. They demonstrate the dos and do nots of handling situations in…
Discover the history of the bra in this infographic
In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Huffington Post and Genius 3D Mammography have teamed up. Together they’ve created an infographic that traces the history of the bra.
Cool looks from the World Beard and Moustache Championship
Do you love facial hair and the styles that come with it? If so, the 2014 Just For Men World Beard and Moustache Championship took place last month inside the Keller Auditorium in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Get 750 free icons released by Google
Here’s a freebie for all you designers out there. The Google Design team have released open-sourced icons as part of the Material Design system icons pack.
Unconventional murder weapons that were actually used
Humans seem to have a morbid fascination with death—and with that, ways of killing people. Have you ever thought about murder? If so, how would you do it and what would you use?
The world’s first sex commercial to promote the act
Sex is used to sell everything from automobiles to real estate, hamburgers, and everything in between. But do people really buy a product just because it has sexually stimulating imagery attached to it? And more importantly, do they respond to it regardless?
The ultimate guide to Halloween candy & wine pairings
This infographic shows you which candies will pair well with different types of wines.
Now and then: Cultural and technology trends
Cultural, lifestyle and technology trends come and go. But some trends end up evolving over time. For example, a smartphone can now do the job of a camera, television, game console, cassette player, and calculator.
PepsiCo launches old-fashioned artisanal Caleb’s Kola
PepsiCo has released a new, retro, artisanal cola product. Aimed at Millennial consumers, Caleb’s Kola is for those who have been gravitating towards products using pure and simple ingredients. Thus giving it an authentic and honest feeling.
Deep fried maple leaves in a sweet tempura batter
Fall is here and people in Japan are not only enjoying the picturesque autumn view, but they’re also enjoying maple leaves; deep frying them in a sweet tempura batter and eating them.
Discover 40 different ways to stay creative
After a while, trying to be creative feels like beating a dead horse. However, if you’re in need of a little inspiration, this handy infographic may be just what you need.
Why designers don’t need to be told how to do their job
When design-illiterate executives get involved in the design process, it’s never a good thing. Designers often face this unavoidable scenario; various individuals wanting to contribute their two cents’ worth in the design process.
Funny ad features Sarah Silverman crowdfunding equal pay for women
According to this campaign regarding the equal pay for women, women lose out on salary to the tune of almost $30 trillion US.
Can you stand to watch the longest ad in the world?
What does a day in the life of a terminally-ill cancer patient look like; and how much of that day can you stand to watch? Clocking in at 25 hours, this ad bags the title for The Longest Ad In The World.
The ultimate guide to office bathroom etiquette
When it comes to the office bathroom, there are unspoken rules that should always be adhered to; leaving wiggle room in the mens, and throwing feminine products in the right bin in the ladies, for example. However, if you have a colleague in need of a…
The most expensive hamburger on Earth: the Glamburger
Pretty much everyone who loves meat enjoys eating a mouth-watering hamburger; whether it’s off the grille or from their favourite restaurant. But how much are you willing to pay to have a burger? I’ve previously posted about world’s most expensive items before, including America’s most expensive hamburgers,…
Learn about history’s worst contraceptives
Not to judge, but If you’re planning on having sex, wear protection. For women to protect themselves, chances are their using contraceptives like the Pill.
Bizarre Japanese cookbook require the use of condoms
With all of the television shows and networks that revolve around food, you probably thought you’ve seen it all. Chances are you haven’t seen this Japanese cookbook. If you’re wondering what makes it so unique, well, it’s centred around condoms.
Creative alphabet made by cutting, folding and manipulating paper
Berlin-based artist Tony Ziebetzki has created a series of alphabetic paper designs. Using only a scalpel, pieces of paper and a scanner, he wanted to find out how many ways could there be manipulating paper into letters.
The shocking things that happen every minute
Have you ever wondered what wonders could happen in a mere 60 seconds? Well, in this infographic by Minute of Life, it shows us 15 amazing things that happen every minute across the world.
Hilariously profane cookbook wants you to eat like you give a fuck
These days it’s hard to eat healthy; especially with food like galaxy donuts and the secret menus at restaurants. But if you’re the type of person who’s looking for inspiration to start eating delicious and healthy food, this cookbook is for you.
A Harry Potter-inspired invisibility cloak
Invisibility is usually the stuff of science fictional, but researchers in the US claim to have created an invisibility cloak. Inspired by Harry Potter’s iconic cloak, scientists from the University of Rochester have created a cloaking device. But, unlike Harry’s cloak, the scientists used a combination of four standard lenses for…
One simple dress code rule to boost your career
Whether you’re job hunting or just want to be taken seriously at work, how you present yourself is an often overlooked. In fact, the dress code is integral part of your career and can boost your chances at impressing others.
Starbucks tests Dark Barrel Latte that tastes like Guinness
Starbucks coffee is known for offering seasonal drinks like Unicorn Frappuccinos and Pumpkin Spice lattes. But for the first time, Starbucks patrons will be able to warm up with a beer-flavoured coffee: the Dark Barrel Latte.
Infographic: Crazy facts around the world
Did you know that Mount Everest grows an estimated 4mm per year? Or that Pluto is smaller than Russia? There are even more crazy facts like that in this infographic created by travel website When On Earth. Check out more crazy facts below and impress your friends with…
Make crossing the road fun with dancing pedestrian signals
We’ve all done it; waiting for a traffic light to turn, checking to see if it’s clear, then doing the mad dash for the other side of the street. It’s not the safest move. Creatively taking on the question of “how can we make our cities…
This ice cream looks and tastes like a baked sweet potato
The Japanese are certainly known for their odd eating habits, like deep-fried maple leaves. But did you know that yakiimo—also known as a baked sweet potato—is enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan?
An elegant bicycle you won’t be able to steal
Thanks to three engineering students from Chile, we can finally park and lock our bicycles safely in public areas. In The Yerka Project, the trio designed a bicycle that lets you wrap it around a pole or a tree—meaning people won’t be able to steal it.