About me & this blog

  • November 2, 2008 – 1:59 pm

About Me
Hi, I’m Mac Funamizu (Mac is my nickname). I’m an in-house web/graphic/industrial designer working in Tokyo, Japan.
I love Apple Macintosh & iPods, Google and Starbucks, so there are and will be many posts about their products.

About This Blog
This site is where I introduce my thoughts and dreams based on the crazy ideas in my Moleskine :) . I’m just doing the design for fun here, so basically I’m skipping all the difficulties that tech people would point out.

Here’s the link to the page where I introduce some popular items in this blog.

behance
(I also have a Flickr account, where I upload the images of all the concepts and desktop calendars.

If you like them, please click this button at the bottom of each page. Thank you!
click_appreciation

This is where I introduce what grabs my attention for reference when I create something new.

ffffound!_mac

And here are my favorite stunning photos I found on Flickr.

flickr_mac

FAQs
1. Why I’m doing this
I love to design stuff. So originally I enjoyed creating desktop wallpapers for personal use, but I found it much more fun to design something more unique. I have a lot of crazy drawings in my Moleskine, so I started having them rendered nicely to introduce to everyone here. It’s kind of practice to improve my design skills. I’m just having fun! But recently I’ve started to think it might be more fun to do it professionally.

2. Where you can buy items introduced here
Nowhere. They’re just concepts.

3. Whether I plan to develop the works into products
I’m not planning to (or I just can’t by myself), but it would be great if someone could really do it. I’m not interested in earning money out of this, so feel free to contact me if you ever think you can do it.

4. What applications I use to design
I usually use Google Sketchup to model, Photoshop and Illustrator to finish, but recently I’ve started using Shade, which can cover all those apps.

5. How you can get higher resolution images
Email me. It would be easier for me if you could specify which one/s you want.
Here you can see the thumbnails of almost all the items introduced in this blog.

6. If you can use the image/s here
Go ahead. Feel free to. But it would be great if you could contact me first and mention my name and blog url in your article.

Links
FFFFOUND!
Twitter
Flickr
Behance Network

Contact
email

To magazine and TV editors who want to use the image/s in this blog
Some images of the early posts are available only in low resolution. I would appreciate if you could understand.

65 Comments

  1. Thanks to all your interest, Petitinvention is chosen one of “Blogs of the Day” of WordPress for December 18, 2007. I really appreciate everyone who visited Petitinvention. I’ll introduce more and more interesting ideas for the coming holidays and next year. Looking forward to your comments!

  2. The idea “Future of the Internet Search: Mobile Version” was chosen “Featured” on Behance Network. Thank you so much!
    http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Future-of-Internet-Search-Mobile-version/59175

  3. Hi Mac. Nice posts you have here. Tanks for sharing them. I am a Graphic Designer too, in Portugal. I do not have a personal website online yet but you can see some of my work at http://www.paletadeideias.pt.

  4. Hi.
    Thanks to all of your interest, petitinvention was chosen again as one of blogs of the day by wordpress.
    http://botd.wordpress.com/

    So far, “Future of Internet: Mobile version” post has been blogged in more than 50 other blogs including Yanko Design, which I’ve wanted my idea to be picked at (Thanks, Takashi!).

    Hope I can have more comments so I can think of better ideas to share!

  5. I would like to find a way to send you a mail. I’m a journalist…

  6. “Future of the Internet Search: Mobile Version” was picked as “Best Of February 2008″ by YANKO DESIGN! Thank you sooooooo much!!!

    http://www.yankodesign.com/index.php/2008/02/29/best-of-february-2008/

  7. Hey Mac,

    Another fan of your work, just wondering if the google guys have been beating down your door. They should be, your concepts are brilliant and they will definitely affect different industries and undoubtedly people on the whole.

    As an Information Architect and (web) Interface Designer your Mobile version definitely has me thinking about how the nature of my own work should evolve for these type of emerging technologies. It has me looking forward and re-conceptualizing the way I strategise and design for the user interface and user. Thank you and keep on inspiring others!

    BTW not that it really matters, but even Kanye West loves your concept. Your design was featured in one of his blog posts, but he failed to link back to your site :( .

  8. Thank you, P Kayne. I’m honored. I was surprised to hear about Kanye West!

  9. Hi Mac! I really liked your idea about the Transparent Slide Mobile Encyclopedia. I am doing a project on Emerging Technologies and want to showcase and share your concept in the classroom.I would really appreciate it if you could share some more pictures or videos and explain us about the basic technology that is used in developing this gadget as i come from a non-technical background:)) Thanks a Lot!

  10. dear mac,

    i work for the belgian magazine focus knack (sort of like rolling stone and the face into one) and we would like to do a short piece on ‘the looking glass’ in our e-section.

    do you have some photos in high resolution that we can use them in the magazine?

    of course we’ll also put a link to your website under the article.

    my deadline is friday morning but if you could already send me stuff sooner, that would be great.

    thanks a lot,

    ben

  11. Hey Mac, I enjoyed viewing your ideas. I blogged about one of my own the other day if you’re interested.
    http://blog.levitat.com/2008/03/04/so-where-to-start/#respond

    What are the patent laws like in Japan? Over here in Ireland I would lose all rights to an idea if I published it before filing a patent.

    Stephen

  12. Levitat, thanks for your comment.
    I know almost nothing about patent in Japan. ‘Cause I’m doing this just for fun!

  13. Well that’s okay then, they can’t take the fun off you! :-)

  14. :)

  15. Hi Mac–I’m an amateur inventor and I love your ideas. If you are open to collaboration I would love to get in contact with you. My email and website are included. Thanks!

  16. I’m featured in the May issue of a Russian magazine “Interbizness”!

  17. Just wanted to quickly say that I really enjoyed your ideas. They are extremely interesting and thought provoking. Subscribing now!

  18. Thank you so much, Clint!

  19. hi,
    my name is kumail, your work is truly amazing.
    have you ever heard about linux ubuntu ,
    it is a very famous operating system booming and increasing in market share.

    it is free and open source which mean any one an use and help create it.

    i really like the idea of the thrash can icon changing with time , and the cd with the space.

    i would recommend it if you could participate and provide them with the ideas so they could implement them on the operating system.

    anyways , keep up the good work, and it would be a shame if it all went waste.

    good luck

  20. Hi Kumail, thank you very much for your comment and suggestion. I’ve heard of linux ubuntu, but didn’t know what it really is. I’ll take a look to see what I can do. Thanks!

  21. Very nice!

  22. Hi Mac,

    Like your work very much.

    I’m an editor of a Chinese online magazine (www.noline.net.cn). This online magazine focuses on ads, design, innovation, invention on new media. Any new and fresh ideas are welcome.

    If you agree, I hope to cover your inventions on our website, of course we’ll indicate the author and put your link address on. Besides, we’ll explain your works in Chinese to the huge Chinese market.

    Please drop me a line when you have time.

    Good day. :)

    Jane
    Greeting from China

  23. Jane
    Thank you so much for your contact! Yes, of course I agree. Please tell me if there’s anything you need.

  24. Thank you Mac!
    Is that possible to get your email address for a better communication?

    Jane
    Greeting from China

  25. Hi Jane. OK, but your e-mail address here doesn’t work. Send me your address through Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/mac_fun/)
    or
    Behance Network (http://www.behance.net/mac_fun).
    Thanks.

  26. Your mobile search mockups kind of look like the Thrrum product which was doing the rounds in blogs recently.

    http://www.thrrum.com/en/

  27. nice

  28. Some great ideas on here, I’m also in Tokyo!

  29. Hello all,

    I really feel out of my dept here but here goes. I’m the MD of an international search company in Germany. We’ve been working on and off with Vodafone for over 5 years and are recruiting heavily at the moment for their Düsseldorf/London offices. We’re current looking for Conceptual Designers, UI/UE Managers and several heavyweight management roles.

    If anyone would like to look over some Job Descriptions then please do not hesitate in contacting me directly. I look forward in speaking with anyone interested.

    Kind Regards

    Jayson
    +49 212 233 627 0
    brown@bw-recruitment.com

    p.s. please not that all roles are permanent. I apologise if this is the wrong forum.

  30. フナミズ様、こんにちは。
    雑誌・ウェブサイトのためにインタビューさせていただきたいのですが、もし興味がありましたらご連絡ください。詳しいことは後で説明します。

  31. Got interviewed by The Pakistani Spectator!
    http://www.pakspectator.com/interview-with-blogger-mac-funamizu/

  32. just found your blog very cool. was wondering if you have seen any natural AI working with avatars kinda like what humanityonline and amyauto are doing?

  33. seth crofton, thanks. I don’t know. What are they?

  34. Hello Mac,
    Some really cool stuff!!! would like to contact you,
    Do you do project work?

    Please mail me back
    Thanks

  35. Hi Mac,

    Considering you as a real influencer in the world of design, we take pleasure in inviting you to be a part of our “Design Geek’s Mantras” series on thedesignblog.org.

    My name is Radhika and I’m associated with Instablogs News Network, an interactive platform reaching to over 2.5 million trans-continental audience each month.

    The “Design Geeks’ Mantras” series will highlight your expert viewpoint on a single topic. Your viewpoint will appear along with opinions expressed by other design experts in a single article.

    It’s simple. You just have to give your opinion in brief on the given question.

    This week’s question is:
    Design Geeks’ Mantras: Is iPhone the best-designed phone ever made?

    You can forward us your answer via mail.

    Your cooperation will be highly appreciated.

    Waiting for your reply,

    Radhika
    Editor
    Instablogs News Network
    Email: radhika@instablogs.com
    Gtalk: radhika@instablogs.com
    Phone: +91- 0177-6450126
    Mobile: +91 – 9418060696

  36. great concepts you have.. really inspiring for a student like me :D

  37. Mac,

    you’re a complete genious. thanks for sharing your ideas with us

    I love your works not only for their aestethical aspect (great), but because they are so deep in technology understanding

    great vision ahead. really thanks again

  38. Nice work Mac,

    Can you give some more info on shade or did I miss something here.

    If you like to see something from my side check out

    http://www.controller.tmfweb.nl/3dalert/

  39. Ed, thanks for your comment.
    Here’s the info of Shade.

    Japanese
    http://shade.e-frontier.co.jp/index.html

    English
    http://shade.e-frontier.co.jp/en/shade9e_080827/index.html

    I guess the latest version 10 is only in Japanese.

  40. Hey Mac Thanx for your input!!

    Ed

  41. Hello Mac! You make wonderful things, your blog is a discovery.
    Fully share your passion to moleskine and apple =).
    Cheers!

  42. You’re really creative, I have to say.

  43. You are very talented and inspiring! I really hope to see some of your ideas put to use someday. Keep it up man.

  44. Hello Mac, I’m a big fan of your work. I got so used to receive your crazy stuff via feed reader that I forgot to blog about it. I did it now.

    I hope I can buy one of your designs one day.

    • newpeoplemanagement
    • Posted November 20, 2008 at 7:44 am
    • Permalink
    • Reply

    Wow, this is simply amazing what you’re showing us here! You’re so creative! Something good will come from it, I’m sure! I guess it’s only a matter of time until Apple will knock on your door (unless you’re already working for them :) )

  46. newpeoplemanagement, thanks a lot for your comment. Yeah, I hope Apple will.

  47. Wow, this site is very inspiring and I love it. Great ideas and well presented.

  48. would be cool to have one of your phones in real world.

    _
    Dexflu http://www.dexflu.eu Tshirts

  49. hi Mac!

    I just say only mindblowing fantastic mab work.

  50. This is possible dear. This certainly is

  51. Great concepts!

    Are there any english tutorials for shade available?

  52. Florian, thanks for your comment.
    Here’s the info about Shade in English, but it’s about ver.9.
    http://shade.e-frontier.co.jp/en/shade9e_081107/index.html

  53. Mac, I am an MBA student in London and taking the internet marketing course, where we discuss a lot about internet, search and etc.. As an exercise we have to write a blog during the course. And that’s why I’m contacting you. I am a really fan of your designs/ideas and would like to post some pictures in my blog.. of course I ‘d mention you and your URL.. is that ok?
    cheers

  54. Hi Mac, nice to see u…
    Have you wonder ever? You’ve Great site you know

  55. Hi!

    Great work! Great graphics! Simply love it! Your work looks really simple yet beautiful. :)

    I wish if I could learn all these! I am a newbie and tried my hand on a few things. If you don’t mind, please can you provide me place from where I can learn a bit like you?

    –
    Rahi
    xDesigning.wordpress.com

  56. absolutly possible

  57. Hi Mac,

    There’s a competition by Triflow (tap manufacturer in the UK) that’s going on where the winner can get his/her invention produced. The deadline in September 9,2009. I figured it might be something that you’d be interested in. Here’s the link : http://www.triflowconcepts.com/competition and good luck if you decide to participate.
    - Marie

    • Thanks for the info. I’ll check it out and see if I can try.

  58. Just so you know Mac, your awesome Future of Internet Search was featured on a My Modern Metropolis blog

    http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/future-of-internet-search

    • Thanks, Abeer A!

  59. I have nothing more to say than AMAZING, your concepts are so cool. :)

    • Alex, thanks!!

  60. Dear Mac,

    I represent a new weakly Informational TV program TECHNODROM (TV Center Broadcasting Company (Moscow, Russia), we are highly interested in your Concepts and would like to have some additional information. Could you please contact me asap by e-mail: poison_ivy9@mail.ru

    Looking forward to hearing from you,

    Ksenia

    PS: You’re great!

  61. I love it. I love it all. Notable, were the Looking Glass and the Iaqua2… Fantastic. Has Apple yet to discover such a talent? *raises eyebrows*

    Congratulations must be given to you, for taking on this path. From what I’ve understood, you have only been doing this ‘professionally’ for a short ammount of time. As a 16 year old aspiring architect/designer, living in (relatively safe) Brisbane, Australia, I like to think my work might eventually be understood and achknowleged, instead of disregarded as a small-time hobby.

    It’d be fantastic to talk to someone who shares similar thoughts. Please, contact me at jakechurches@live.com

    • Thank you, Jake!


37 Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. By Ένα ψηφιακό παράθυρο στον κανονικό κόσμο at Wiggler on 22 Feb 2008 at 12:58 pm

    [...] ένα φανταστικό gadget που επινοήθηκε ένας Ιάπωνας designer, o Mac Funamizu, που αν ποτέ υλοποιηθεί (αν και αμφιβάλλω) θα βοηθήσει [...]

  2. By Leve o mundo em suas mãos | Reporter Net on 23 Feb 2008 at 1:23 pm

    [...] A notável invenção é do designer japonês Mac Funamizu. [...]

  3. By In the future, acquiring information may be as simple as “framing it” : Optimized Executive on 26 Feb 2008 at 8:14 am

    [...] As Posted by Anthony James in Yanko Design, here is an interesting concept by designer Mac Funamizu… [...]

  4. By Looking Glass, la conexión entre el mundo real y el mundo virtual de la información on 28 Feb 2008 at 2:35 pm

    [...] trata del Looking Glass, un concepto realmente innovador, obra del diseñador japones Mac Funamizu, el cual nos muestra en su página web sus creaciones y diseños. El looking Glass es una especie [...]

  5. By Looking Glass: Información virtual del mundo real al instante | GadgetoZone on 29 Feb 2008 at 7:31 pm

    [...] hablando de un proyecto del diseñador japones Mac Funamizu, el Looking Glass. Este aparato es simplemente un marco con una pantalla transparente y táctil que [...]

  6. By Looking Glass: Información virtual del mundo real al instante | Actualidad Gadget on 29 Feb 2008 at 7:31 pm

    [...] hablando de un proyecto del diseñador japones Mac Funamizu, el Looking Glass. Este aparato es simplemente un marco con una pantalla transparente y táctil que [...]

  7. By eat-this.info » Window To The World on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:24 am

    [...] Ik kan niet wachten op de toekomst. Een concept voor een zoekmachine van de ontwerper Mac Funamizu. Een touch screen gecombineerd met scanner, camera en Wi-Fi gekoppeld aan Google geeft op elk gewenst moment informatie over de plek waar jij je bevind. Bron: Yankodesign.com > Ontwerper: Mac Funamizu > [...]

  8. By neuerdings.com » Blog Archiv » Internet-Suche der Zukunft: Die digitale Leselupe on 13 Mar 2008 at 4:17 pm

    [...] Designer Mac Funamizu aus Tokio hat sich da seine eigenen Gedanken gemacht und Technologien wie Scanning und digitale Tinte mit [...]

  9. By Looking Glass, la conexión entre el mundo real y el mundo virtual de la información « CURIOSIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS on 15 Mar 2008 at 6:24 pm

    [...] trata del Looking Glass, un concepto realmente innovador, obra del diseñador japones Mac Funamizu, el cual nos muestra en su página web sus creaciones y diseños. El looking Glass es una especie [...]

  10. By Le blog d’Arnaud Valliere » Blog Archive » Patate chaude on 20 Apr 2008 at 2:23 am

    [...] de pouvoir refiler la patate chaude en toute tranquilité, Mac Funamizu a pensé à l’intégrer dans les clients [...]

  11. By Basic Thinking Blog | ich sah die Zukunft on 28 May 2008 at 11:12 pm

    [...] vom japanischen Designer Mac Funamizu (PetitInvention) [...]

  12. By help me design my invention on 01 Jun 2008 at 6:35 pm

    [...] has been blogged in more than 50 other blogs including Yanko Design, which I??ve wanted my idea …http://petitinvention.wordpress.com/about/Rip-off Report: Western Invent Help ISC Mr. Brain K. Wood sucked …Western Invent help ISC Mr. [...]

  13. By HELLWEISS » Blog Archive » this IS future on 22 Jun 2008 at 12:26 am

    [...] This is the idea of the Japanese Designer Mac Funamizu (PetitInvention) [...]

  14. By one of a kind interaction / whats up / Future of Mobile on 26 Sep 2008 at 7:33 am

    [...] Funamizu alias Petitinvention illustriert wie die Zukunft des Mobile bald aussehen könnte, das könnte echt hinhauen! [...]

  15. By Double Layered LCD Screen for 3D Effect | Trends Updates on 27 Oct 2008 at 3:37 am

    [...] Mac Funamizu is a web/graphic designer and if this concept design interested you then check out of Mac’s concepts at his design website, PetitInvention. [...]

  16. By Nouveau Mac mini (concept) « Web Divers on 28 Oct 2008 at 7:35 pm

    [...] Ceci est bien sûr un concept imaginé par le designer Mac Funamizu. [...]

  17. By Transparentes Designer-Handy von Mac Funamizu on 10 Nov 2008 at 11:14 pm

    [...] Mac Funamizu ist ein Designer aus Japan der Dinge entwirft die schockierend einfach und zugleich revolutionär wirken. So auch dieser Bildschirm bzw. das dazugehörige Handy. Es ist transparent und von einer überwältigenden Schlichtheit. [...]

  18. By Holographic Fireworks to Help You Find Your Car | SensoryMetrics: re-inventing the User eXperience on 14 Nov 2008 at 9:32 am

    [...] I love about industrial designers is that they’re dreamers. One of my favourite dreamers is Mac Funamizu from Tokyo. The creations on the Petitinvention blog are stark, but [...]

  19. By Rechargez votre iPod Touch ou votre iPhone, à l’aide de la force de votre poignet. « Web Divers on 14 Nov 2008 at 9:11 pm

    [...] Ce Concept a été imaginé par le designer Mac Funamizu. [...]

  20. By Transparent concept phone uses double glass layers | Your articles stop on 21 Nov 2008 at 12:43 am

    [...] the Designer: Mac Funamizu (Mac is the nickname) is a web/graphic designer working in Tokyo, Japan. The man is designing for [...]

  21. By MediaTechNews.com » Transparent concept phone uses double glass layers on 24 Nov 2008 at 9:53 am

    [...] the Designe&#114: Ma&#99 Fu&#110amizu (Mac i&#115 th&#101 &#110ick&#110am&#101) i&#115 a w&#101b/graphic d&#101&#115ig&#110&#101r [...]

  22. By USE DESIGN blog » Blog Archive » Concept d’interface “holographico-tangible” pour régler la climatisation on 25 Nov 2008 at 6:26 pm

    [...] (désolé pour le barbarisme) Voici un concept d’interface plutôt sympathique pour régler son climatiseur personnel. Concept de Mac Funamizu [...]

  23. By Gesture-controlled light switch directs all the lights simultaneously | Wisconsin Designer on 27 Nov 2008 at 5:15 pm

    [...] Mac Funamizu is an in-house web/graphic designer currently working in Tokyo, Japan. [...]

  24. By Smart Switches : Move your finger, control the lights! | Wisconsin Designer on 27 Nov 2008 at 6:35 pm

    [...] Mac Funamizu is an in-house web/graphic designer currently working in Tokyo, Japan. [...]

  25. By Konzept für die Zukunft: Lichtschalter-Trackpad - Gizmodo DE - Gizmodo DE on 29 Nov 2008 at 2:55 am

    [...] dvice, petitinvention] [...]

  26. By I New Idea Homepage » Gesture controlled light switch on 05 Dec 2008 at 4:35 pm

    [...] Designer: Mac Funamizu [...]

  27. By VisionWang: Computer Vision Expert Blog » Future iPhone Applications on Image Recognition on 09 Dec 2008 at 12:25 pm

    [...] are the future iPhone applications on computer vision?  Mac Funamizu, a graphic designer, came up with a set of new concept of using computer vision and image [...]

  28. By VisionWang: Computer Vision Expert Blog » Augmented Reality for Home Furniture Placement on 18 Dec 2008 at 1:39 pm

    [...] In one of my previous post, Future iPhone Applications on Image Recognition, I talked about one of future computer vision applications, Virtual Shopping, by designer Mac Funamizu.  [...]

  29. By Gesture controlled light switch | Fashion wave on 31 Jan 2009 at 10:22 am

    [...] Mac Funamizu .adHeadline {font: bold 10pt Arial; text-decoration: underline; color: #0000FF;} .adText [...]

  30. By petitinvention « [Todo es digital] on 10 Mar 2009 at 6:51 am

    [...] estemos en los niveles del futuro de la película El Quinto Elemento. Os invito a concer el “acerca de” del blog para que poneros en materia (en [...]

  31. By Conçois le toi même | Do it yourself | UnSigne™ on 19 May 2009 at 7:02 pm

    [...] Mac Funamizu en avait marre de se faire voler son parapluie dans les lieux publics. Il créa un concept de parapluie qui intégrerait une poignée sous forme de menottes que l’on fixerait  à un montant de son rangement. Ce parapluie adapté à une contrainte de “disparition” est un concept qui n’attend qu’à être industrialisé. jQuery(document).ready(function() { jQuery(‘#mycarousel18′).jcarousel(); }); [...]

  32. By Design proposals to personalized umbrella | UnSigne™ on 22 Jul 2009 at 2:04 am

    [...] Mac Funamizu was fed-up to get his umbrella stolen. He has designed a concept umbrella with an integrated handcuffs ready to be fixed to its locker. This custom umbrella personalized to city life is a concept waiting to be industrialized. jQuery(document).ready(function() { jQuery('#mycarousel18').jcarousel(); }); [...]

  33. By The future of search? | Designer Daily on 16 Sep 2009 at 8:09 pm

    [...] Mac Funamizu shares on his blogs his mockups of a gadget that could contextualize search in 3D environments. This is an approach of the Internet that I really like and share, taking the web beyond the browser or the mobile phone. [...]

  34. By iHammock Concept Phone Charger | Andy Law Design on 29 Sep 2009 at 4:04 am

    [...] POST]This iHammock Concept by Mac Funamizu is a great way to charge your phone in Caribbean style. The iHammock relaxes your iPhone off the [...]

  35. By Future of Mobile Technology – You’ll be amazed with its power « Knowliz on 05 Oct 2009 at 8:48 am

    [...] what will be the implications of such products.  Lets look at those designs.  I am telling you this guy is a genius. The concept is a mobile device with built-in camera, scanner, Wi-Fi, has a transparent screen and [...]

  36. By SOUNDWALK.COM/BLOG › Soundwalk at Barcelona MoMo on 02 Nov 2009 at 5:20 pm

    [...] to market. More information about this event and how to attend information are here Image by Mac Funamizu licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported [...]

  37. By David Chartier | Design Portfolio » Archive » Make every future count on 04 Nov 2009 at 4:34 am

    [...] more juicy designs, check out Mac Funazimu’s work, wonderful visualizations for augmented reality apps for mobile devices. To delve further into [...]

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