Design Factory, located in Otaniemi, Finland, is a mental and physical environment of over 4000 square meters, enabling creative work, knowledge sharing and experience exchange. The physical premises are designed for flexible use with free interaction and prototyping made as easy as possible. Spaces can be easily modified and rearranged for various set-ups and different purposes of use. The over- all layout of the Factory encourages open communication and spontaneous encounters (from DF Annual Report)
Design Factory just released their annual report 2009-2010. I’d strongly recommend you to pay them a visit and grab a physical copy, but if that is not possible, then you may want to download the PDF version.
Remember last year when we introduced PowerKiss, the wireless-free startup from Aalto Design Factory? Back then, Maija Itkonen - founder of the Finnish startup - revealed on a video interview the upcoming launch of their product to the market. What has been my surprise when, while visiting Helsinki’s airport, I spotted PowerKiss charging services on the wild.
At the recently opened Fly Inn Deli (Terminal 2), visitors are invited to charge their cell phones by requesting - borrowing free of charge - a ring from the counter, plugging it to their cell phone devices - iPads also supported, and placing the device on top of the charging areas indicated by a sticker and LED light. The ring is also available for purchase on a box, as shown on the pictures. Also appropriate to indicate here is that the ring has been designed by our friends from SEOS, who are well known in Finland for their user-centered and sustainable product design.
I’m glad to see that PowerKiss is growing and maturing as a company. Maija, her team, and partners are doing a great job. We’re looking forward more spaghetti-free solutions from up north.
