As a seasoned automotive enthusiast, I’ve witnessed the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, and I’m excited about the latest innovation that promises to reshape the world of adventure vehicles. This is the Mitsubishi DX Concept, a compact yet versatile lifestyle van showcasing the Tokoyo-based automotive giant’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of adventure travel.

The DX Concept, affectionately dubbed the “tiny adventure van,” packs a punch in a small package. With its futuristic design and a variety of innovative features, it’s clear that Mitsubishi envisions a bright future for those who crave wanderlust. The concept EV is the centerpiece of a Japan Mobility Show exhibit centered on awakening the “adventurous spirit within.”

Designer: Mitsubishi

One of the standout features of the six-seater plug-in hybrid is its compact size, making it perfect for navigating tight city streets and venturing off the beaten path. Mitsubishi has cleverly designed this van to be both urban-friendly and adventure-ready, creating a seamless transition from city to wilderness. Under the hood, the DX Concept boasts a hybrid powertrain, embracing the sustainability trends of our time. This not only reduces its carbon footprint but also offers a range of power options suitable for various terrains and driving preferences. The combination of electric and internal combustion power ensures a smooth and efficient ride, whether you’re cruising through city traffic or exploring rugged trails.

The interior of the adventure ride is a testament to the company’s desire to please the adventure-seeking crowd. The spacious cabin offers flexible seating arrangements, transforming the van from a daily driver to a comfortable sleeping space for two. Clever storage solutions and modular features cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to bring along all the gear they require for their journey. Furthermore, the DX Concept incorporates the latest technological advancements, including a cutting-edge infotainment system and advanced driver assistance features. Safety and connectivity are paramount in this design, ensuring that you can explore with peace of mind while staying connected to the world.

Mitsubishi DX Concept is more than just a tiny adventure van; it’s a vision of the future of adventure travel given its off-roading characteristics. If you’re an adventure seeker with an eye for innovation, keep an eye on this Mitsubishi concept – it’s a promising glimpse into the future of on-road and off-road exploration.

Every two years, the World Design Organization (WDO), an international powerhouse committed to “Design for a better world,” convenes the WDO World Design Assembly. This year, Tokyo took the spotlight as the World Design Capital, marking the third time Japan has had the honor of hosting this prestigious gathering, following a 34-year wait since the event was held in Nagoya in 1989. The three-day event was held between October 27th and 29th (Friday-Sunday) at the Chiba University Design Research Institute, and the Roppongi Academy Hills in Tokyo.

In a world still grappling with the effects of the COVID pandemic, this assembly aims to engage the global design community in discussions that transcend boundaries. WDO seeks to reaffirm design’s role as a catalyst for a more humane way of life, moving beyond its traditional identity as a driver of innovation and economic growth. Under the theme of “Design Beyond,” the assembly hosted multiple discussions ranging from perceptions of the new individual to environmental issues, digital transformation, policy, etc.

Visit the World Design Assembly 2023 Website to Learn More

Kazuo Tanaka (WDO World Design Assembly Tokyo 2023 Executive Committee Chairperson) addressing the guests.

The World Design Assembly commenced on Friday, October 27, with a vibrant forum featuring a panel discussion, paper presentations, and a poster exhibition. The WDA also awarded the World Design Medal to Dr. Patricia A. Moore for her overwhelming contribution to the design field. The event saw eminent design scholars, representatives from companies and government agencies, and even students, bringing a large gamut of people across all professional spectrums under one umbrella to highlight the broad appeal and relevance of design in today’s world. The day’s event was specifically geared toward students and researchers who are interested in learning about design. It aimed to align with the themes established by WDO and provide the next generation of designers and young researchers with opportunities and perspectives to explore the future of design and discover upcoming trends.

Ayse Birsel (Co-founder of Birsel + Seck, designer, author) delivering Friday’s Keynote Session

Dr. Patricia Moore awarded the World Design Medal for the year 2022

On Saturday, October 28, global experts delved deep into the theme of “Design Beyond” and its four intriguing sub-themes: “Humanity,” “The Planet,” “Technology,” and “Policy.” These discussions, led by researchers, activists, and designers invited from Japan and abroad, explored the intricate relationship between design and pressing societal issues, as well as the potential design holds for shaping our future. The theme on Humanity discussed what it specifically meant to be a new kind of individual (i.e., autonomously decentralized, digitally networked, committed to the life of the planet, etc.) and the role design played in this context. A common topic for the past few years, The Planet (theme 2) pondered on how society can be incentivized into tangibly shifting to a circular economy, and more importantly, what would be society’s goal BEYOND a circular economy. Given the rise of AI, the theme of Technology focused on what kind of changes the impending digital transformation will bring to humanity, and specific cases cited to provide thought about what design will be capable of. The last theme, Policy, was unlike any of the other breakout sessions, in that it focused on how suggestions from the previous three themes would effectively be implemented. Discussions were had around the two perspectives of “policies for the promotion of design” and “social policies that leverage the power of design.” The crowning moment of the day was the unveiling of the WDA Declaration during the Afternoon Plenary Session. Frankfurt RheinMain (Germany) was declared the capital for the year 2026.

Tadanori Nagasawa (Professor, Former President of Musashino Art University) taking the stage at the Panel Discussion

Visit the World Design Assembly 2023 Website to Learn More

The WDA Exhibition

The WDA Exhibition

The WDA Exhibition

The WDA Exhibition

If you’re looking for a stunning little cabin in the woods to get away to and relax, then you’ve reached the right place. Cabins are by far the best type of vacation I’ve come across. They’re a peaceful and tranquil option to abandon your urban life and woes, and simply unwind in nature. If you’re wondering where to head for your next cabin retreat, you can refer to this collection of beautiful and super cozy cabins we’ve gathered. They’re the perfect safe haven nestled in the midst of nature, providing a break from your everyday hectic life. And we’ve found a pretty awesome cabin for you – meet the Copper Harbor house!

Designer: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

Designed by the US architecture firm Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects, the Copper Harbour house is located on the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula with fantastic views of Lake Superior – which is the largest Great Lake in North America. The quaint cabin features a sturdy shell built from weathering steel, giving it a homely yet rugged feel. The cabin is tucked away in a “very remote destination with an industrial history”.

The cabin is designed to be modern and minimal, a perfect abode for a couple who love mountain biking. The home is meant to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the area. “Set in a very remote destination with an industrial history, Copper Harbor blends into the shoreline while standing out with its unique design,” said Seattle-based Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects. The home occupies 1400 square feet and includes two volumes that are conjoined with a central circulation spine.

Quite interesting, there is a building located behind the cabin which serves as a bike workshop. The cabin and workshop are separated using a patio which functions as an “exterior room protected from the wind”. All three buildings are covered in a rugged exterior shell built from corrugated steel. Since the shell is made using pre-rusted steel, it has an intriguing orangish shade that references the color of the soil. “The solidity of each shell is contrasted with a wall of glass providing light, directing views, and extending the living space out on cantilevered decks toward the water,” concluded the architects.

If your work involves regularly carrying heavy things around, then your back is most likely one of your body parts that suffers. I don’t have a job that does that (does carrying a heavy bag every day count?) and yet I constantly feel all sorts of back aches. Well, maybe I’m just old. In any case, those who work in construction, warehouse production, and other industries where they have to carry heavy objects need to have literal support to help them manage their bones and joints.

Designer: Bebop Design

A Korean studio designed one such product for their client WIRobotics. WIBS is a wearable back support that’s created specifically for those who are involved in labor intensive industries which workers can wear while they’re doing their task or when they’re on a break. The brace was designed to not look so much like a brace but more to look like it’s part of your outfit and will not get in the way of doing your usual tasks. It also looks comfortable enough to regularly wear or at least when you need to have better support for your body.

WIBS is able to provide mechanical support to the user’s posterior, including the back and waist, two of the parts that are affected when you regularly lift heavy objects. While the materials are durable and designed to withstand pressure, they were able to use a soft design to it for the user’s comfort. There is also no need for electricity to use it so you can go around without needing to charge or change any battery. It uses tensioned flexible rubber composite as well as mechanical gears. You can adjust the strength level through an analog controller in the chest area.

This back support device can be adjusted to various sizes depending on the wearer as it has adjustable straps for the perfect fit. Think of it as a posterior brace that will not hinder movements but provide much needed support as you go about your regular tasks that involve lifting and moving heavy objects for a long period of time.