Mesh Monthly - January ‘24
For 2024, we’re trying something different with our blogs and converting them into a monthly newsletter, where we bring you the latest updates and innovations in the virtual reality space as well as any news from us about upcoming events and sessions. So without further ado, welcome to January’s edition of #MeshMonthly!
Tech Spotlight: CES 2024
Sony/Siemans
CES 2024 (Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas) set the standard for what is looking to be a huge year for consumer electronics and the VR world. Although there were no Vision Pros to be seen, press coverage from the event seemed to highlight a certain buzz about Apple’s latest innovation, with tech magazine ‘The Verge’s’ stating ‘Apple won the CES headset game without showing up’. From what we saw in the press, a stand out product for us definitely has to be Sony’s collaboration with Siemens for their mixed reality headset design for the ‘industrial’ metaverse. It’ll be interesting to see how users interact with Sony’s ‘mouse like’ controller as opposed to going full controller free like Apple is with their Vision Pro. It’s great to see more integration between the virtual and real world through mixed reality plugins, applications and hardware, now we wait to see which industry leader takes full grasp of it first.
The event also showcased a plethora of new tech too, with the buzz word definitely being ‘AI’. Notably, Supernal LLC (a company within Hyundai) revealed its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, signalling a significant leap towards future mobility. Walmart introduced AI-powered tools aimed at enhancing the shopping experience, while OneCourt presented a laptop miniature field that allows visually impaired individuals to "see" sports games in real-time through touch. In the realm of virtual assistants, the ‘Rabbit R1’ emerged as a novel device that simplifies interactions with smartphone apps through voice commands, positioning itself as a competitor to existing virtual assistants like Siri. Google and Samsung announced a collaboration to streamline content sharing across Android devices, demonstrating a commitment to improving user connectivity and convenience. Health technology also received significant attention, with products like Serenity's fall-detection system and Vivoo's at-home UTI test showcasing the potential of AI and advanced technologies in monitoring and improving health outcomes from home.
Rabbit R1
https://www.theverge.com/23971966/ces-2024-news-announcements-products
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67959240
Meet the team: A rapid fire interview with Rob Evans, co-founder of Mesh Training, generative design wizard and audiophile
Hi, I’m Rob, a Product Designer from Lincoln.
How did you get into VR and what do you use it for?
I got into VR through the Gravity Sketch student ambassador scheme. I now mainly use it for work because the games don't sit well with me.
What sparked your interest in combining virtual reality (VR) with generative design in your work?
VR 3D modelling was a game changer for me coming from using Blender for SubD modelling. The transition to Gravity Sketch allowed me to work much faster and more intuitively. This meant I could begin combining SubD with my generative design work whereas before it would have been far too time consuming. Using the combination I was able to start topology optimisation by digital hand and create my speakers.
If your design process was a playlist or album, what would play in the background as you ideate and bring your virtual creations to life?
Bon Iver’s 22 a Million. I listen to it most days at least once if not more. I love the departure from his original style and the sonic collaging he creates on the record. Reminds me to keep looking into different areas for inspiration.
Which design companies/trends really boost your creative flare?
Lot’s of product photography at the minute. One company is Services Genereaux. They create amazing imagery for products and brands with great art direction. More and More is another company/studio doing great work in visualisation using a mixture of photography and CGI.
Who are your top 3 accounts to follow or ones to watch?
Mr Bailey/Concept Kicks are my favourite at the minute. They give great insight into the footwear design industry which also helps to spark ideas for me.
Within the next year, what would you like to see be released in the Product Design world?
Better folding phones, better and cheaper pass through headsets and more companies democratising their products. I’d like more open source 3D printing from big brands as well as digital assets for smaller creatives to use.
Upcoming Events: February 2024
We kick off February with Nottingham Trent University’s Design Exchange on the 22nd, where we’ll be hosting live Gravity Sketch demonstrations and mini-design tasks for attendees. The Design Exchange is a new event in the NTU calendar and brings together industry experts from the Architecture, Design and Built Environment sphere for live keynotes, portfolio reviews and mock interviews for students.
Rob and I will also be heading up to Manchester on the 27th for Design Truth #014. A great opportunity to meet a variety of talent from across the design sector, listen to their experiences and build connections. If you haven’t been to one before, I highly recommend it and hopefully we’ll see you there?
That about wraps up this month's issue of #MeshMonthly, we can’t wait to see how 2024 unfolds.
- Priten
