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Design Concepts: Enliven Valentine's With Imaginative, Intimate Devices

by Matthew Zuras on February 9, 2010 at 12:45 PM


The Web is teeming with the unrealized ideas of both students and established designers who set out to produce astonishing renderings and prototypes for unusual products. Unfortunately, due to the lack of time, money, or technology, many of those products never progress from the planning stages to the mass market. But that doesn't mean we can't salivate over them, nevertheless.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we've rounded up some of the year's best concepts in sex toys. While the (familiar?) landscape of sex toy design leaves a lot to be desired, some gifted creatives have taken it upon themselves to address carnal pleasures. One of the main reasons people hide their sex gadgets is that they are embarrassed by the connotations of owning such paraphernalia. The other reason is that you cannot, in good taste, perch an electric pink penetrator next to your stack of Mies van der Rohe monographs. Sex toys ought not be hidden, say some designers -- and they needn't look tacky, either. While nearly all the designs listed here are for more... receptive pleasures, dudes shouldn't diss the science.

The Evil Twins of Braun by Bastian Koch

Bastian Koch has redesigned the frequently anthropomorphic (and sometimes alien-looking) forms of mainstream toys with The Evil Twins of Braun. A throwback to '70s design, it's bulky, beautiful, and sure to bring on the smiles.

Aloe by Imaginarte

Sleek, ergonomic, and unassuming, Aloe is a toy that takes its form from its namesake plant. What could be more soothing than Aloe? While resting in its "pot," the Aloe seamlessly integrates into the rest of your living space without immediately suggesting its true use.

Woodvibes by Jonas Lönborg

The Woodvibes are the most camouflaged of our sexy concepts, and also the most capable of multitasking. Their principle function is vibration, but not all Woodvibes are alike; each has its own signature oscillation. These wood-covered nuggets charge via induction from their storage box, which operates like a Powermat. Obviously unisex, Woodvibes aren't suggested for any specific anatomical area. Just grab one and explore.

Powered by Jimmyjane by Arik Levy

Flawless designer Arik Levy created Powered by Jimmyjane last year, and he's still showing it off at exhibitions. A beautifully shaped wooden urn holds Little Vibrators by Jimmyjane, and its minimalist quality exudes senses of both penetration and calm. Metal meets wood, male meets female, and like meets unlike in this incredibly simple object.

Quisàz-Quisàz by PUPSAM

The least practical but most adorable of our concepts comes from French studio PUPSAM. Quisàz-Quisàz is a pair of intertwined stethoscopes that are perfect for the fetishists who want to play doctor in tandem. But we think that these 'scopes are less about sex than they are about love and foreplay, allowing you and your partner to listen to the rhythms of each others' hearts. We hope that both pulses will quicken.

Relational Pillow by Fluid Interfaces Group

We thought we'd conclude this post with a nod to the fact that sex does not always amount to love... and vice versa. For lovers separated by geography (or emotional fluency), Fluid Interfaces Group has developed the Relational Pillow. Each half of the couple gets a cushion, which is capable of both sensing touch input and displaying input information via LEDs. As one lovelorn soul uses a finger to sketch 'I LUV U' or some such missive on their cushion, their partner instantly receives the message on their own pillow. Then they'll both snuggle into their little cushions, content to know that their lover is doing the same.

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