In the first design instalment of our review of 2021, we round up the top 10 product launches this year, including a biodegradable face mask and a pair of laceless Nike trainers.
Satan Shoes by Lil Nas X and MSCHF
Human blood is said to be inside the cushions of these limited-edition Nike trainers by American musician Lil Nas X and Brooklyn brand MSCHF.
Other devilish details include an upside-down cross on the tongue and the numbers 6/666 written in red above the heel.
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Compact Life by Muji and ÉCAL
Tables, shelves and chairs that can collapse and fit into small spaces form this furniture collection by design brand Muji and students from ÉCAL.
The items, which were unveiled at this year's Milan design week, were created based on research into the particular needs and requirements of European students.
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Gaming furniture by IKEA and Republic of Gamers
In February, Swedish retail giant IKEA released its first line of furniture designed especially for PC gaming.
The collection was made in collaboration with popular hardware brand Republic of Gamers and features four desks with matching chairs as well as a broad accessories range. Items such as extra-large mousepads and desk-mounted cup holders are specifically designed to support gamers' needs.
Find out more about IKEA gaming furniture ›
Evian water bottle by Virgil Abloh and Evian
The late fashion designer Virgil Abloh created a 500-millilitre water bottle made almost exclusively from recycled plastic that can also be fully recycled at the end of its life.
"I wanted to create a shape that was as iconic as the Evian brand, whilst representing how the product has been reinvented using old bottles," said Abloh.
He gave the bottle a distinctive "hammered" texture intended to reference its reconstruction from waste materials.
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Wondaleaf Unisex Condom by Wondaleaf
A condom that can be worn by both males and females during sex was created by Malaysian gynaecologist John Tang.
The 0.03 millimetre-thick condom is made from transparent polyurethane and can either be attached to the base of a penis or turned inside out and stuck around a vagina.
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Marie Bee Bloom masks by Marie Bee Bloom
Dutch brand Marie Bee Bloom embedded flower seeds into rice paper masks that can biodegrade in nature or landfills. The masks serve as an alternative to disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) made from plastics.
The idea is that when the seeds start to germinate, they will eventually blossom into a small patch of wildflowers.
Find out more about Marie Bee Bloom masks ›
Allen key lamp by Gelchop for IKEA
Japanese design studio Gelchop designed a light for IKEA that comes in the same shape as the Allen key in a nod to the company's flat-pack furniture legacy.
The lamp is one of ten pieces of homeware items created by IKEA in collaboration with five different artists and designers including Sabine Marcelis and Snarkitecture co-founder Daniel Arsham.
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American sportswear brand Nike released the GO FlyEase trainers, which can be put on and removed without using hands, laces or fastenings thanks to a hinge that connects two sections of the shoe.
"Shoes for a long time have been a bit antiquated in the way that we undo the laces and then lace them up, this is a more modern, more elegant way to get in and out of your shoes and an easier way – you don't even think about it," said Nike design lead and American Paralympic triathlete Sarah Reinersten.
Find out more about Nike GO FlyEase ›
Tokyo 2020 Olympics beds by Airweave
Athletes at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games slept on beds made from recycled cardboard and customisable mattresses.
Designed to help meet the Games' Sustainability Plan, the beds were donated to Japanese organisations after the games to avoid landfill.
Find out more about Tokyo 2020 Olympics beds ›
Colombian renewable energy start-up E-Dina developed WaterLight – a cordless light that can convert saltwater or urine into electricity. When filled with 500 millilitres of seawater, the device can emit up to 45 days of light.
WaterLight is currently designed for use by the Wayúu people, an indigenous tribe who live on the northernmost tip of South America between Colombia and Venezuela, but the brand hopes it will be available to other off-grid communities soon.
Find out more about WaterLight ›