Trending Mini bag, Anime, Silent Tire, Vacuum holder & more Hello Subscribers,
It’s been a while! I didn’t expect our reunion to take this long, but a lot has happened in the meantime. (I’ll share more details at the end of this newsletter!)
Yesterday (September 18), an "open run" took place across various parts of the U.S. You might think it was for luxury brands like CHANEL, Gucci, or Louis Vuitton, but nope — it was for Trader Joe’s!
Trader Joe’s, headquartered in California with 560 stores nationwide, is known for selling affordable organic food and household items. They’re also famously offline-only, refusing to open any online stores. Many people visiting the U.S. from Korea make it a point to grab their famous Everything but the Bagel seasoning (though it’s no longer allowed due to certain ingredients being banned in Korea). But recently, something else has stolen the spotlight — the Mini Eco Bag! |
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The "open run" star that I posted in the cover photo was none other than the Mini Eco Bag! When it was first released earlier this year, it sold for $2.99 (about 4,000 KRW). But on resale sites like eBay, a set of four bags was going for as much as $500 (around 660,000 KRW). Yesterday, during its second nationwide release, stores were flooded with customers trying to get their hands on it, and some locations even had security on hand.
So, why has this eco bag become such a massive hit? |
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First and foremost, the unbeatable price of $2.99 is a huge draw. It's so affordable that if you lose it, it’s no big deal, making it an attractive hot item among young consumers.
Additionally, it's the perfect size for Gen Z, who prefer to carry light. Despite its small size, it can hold everything: perfume, cosmetics, hair clips, wallet, keys, water bottle, iPad, small toys, sunscreen, six lip glosses, headphones—you name it. With a variety of colors (navy, green, red, yellow), it's not only practical but also doubles as a stylish fashion accessory. While it may technically be a grocery bag, the effortlessly cute design makes it much more versatile!
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Another major factor driving the trend is its viral popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Influencers have been customizing the bags by adding fabric stickers, embroidery, or decorating them with scarves, turning them into a must-have item with a personalized twist for Gen Z and Millennials. Even though I missed out on snagging a bag during yesterday's release, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one! |
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Here are a few of my favorite Trader Joe’s items that I’d recommend (though, of course, everyone's taste may vary):
1. Reggiano Lambrusco Wine: An affordable, light wine ($5) that's easy to enjoy, even for non-wine connoisseurs.
2. Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Coffee: Smooth, no bitterness, and perfect for drip coffee lovers ($9).
3. Macarons: Delicious and budget-friendly macarons.
4. Mini Cooler Bag: Ideal for golfers, it can hold about eight canned drinks at a great price ($3.99).
5. Ube Snacks: All are delicious except for the pretzels. Highly recommend the other snacks, and the pancake mix is also a winner!
Lastly, I highly suggest pairing the Olive Fougasse bread with the Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Warm the bread in the oven or toaster for that perfect crispy outside and soft inside—it’s a match made in heaven! |
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The Lord of the Rings Reimagined as an Anime
Warner Bros. recently released the trailer for the new prequel to The Lord of the Rings, reimagined in anime style, titled The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Set 261 years before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring, the film follows King Helm Hammerhand defending Rohan. Slated for a global release on December 11th this year, the film features the involvement of key figures from the original trilogy, including Peter Jackson and actors Brian Cox and Miranda Otto.
In the U.S., anime was once considered a niche genre, but it has now firmly established itself in mainstream culture. The rise of streaming platforms offering anime with English subtitles and dubbing has contributed significantly to its global popularity. In fact, the most-watched TV show worldwide in 2023 was the anime Jujutsu Kaisen (which, by the way, my daughters and their friends are huge fans of).
Luxury brands have also taken note of anime’s influence. Collaborations like Loewe x Studio Ghibli, Gucci x Doraemon, and Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon demonstrate how brands are turning products into collectibles by partnering with anime. These collaborations have elevated anime’s cultural standing and strengthened its ever-growing popularity. It will be interesting to see how future partnerships between brands and anime open new opportunities.
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Jenna's Insight
The animation adaptation of major IPs, like The Lord of the Rings, not only draws significant public interest but also expands collaboration opportunities across various industries. This trend is particularly relevant to UX design, where entertainment elements from anime can greatly influence user experience.
Below is an image I created that applies anime elements to the EV9’s infotainment system. While the execution isn’t perfect, you can immediately see how the bright color scheme and cute characters drastically change the interior atmosphere of the car. Personalized digital experiences within vehicles can play a key role in strengthening a brand's connection with its customers. By collaborating with anime IPs, car dashboards, and navigation UIs could be customized with anime themes, offering a more personalized experience. This could be a valuable strategy, blending vehicle design and technology to foster a deeper emotional connection with users.
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Michelin and Henkel Present Solutions for Electric Vehicle Tire Noise
A friend of mine who drove a Mach-E for three years once mentioned the noticeable noise problem he experienced when switching from summer to winter tires. I realized, after driving a Tesla, that in vehicles like electric cars, which lack engine noise, the difference in tires can significantly affect noise levels. This was an eye-opening experience for me, as I had never considered tire noise before.
Tire manufacturers are increasingly aware that tire noise in electric vehicles (EVs) can be more bothersome to consumers compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. To address this, Michelin has been working on developing quieter EV tires. They conducted tests by adding custom polyurethane foam rings inside the tires, which help reduce vibrations from the road and decrease internal noise by up to 20%. This foam ring minimizes noise resonance, allowing drivers to use hands-free devices more easily and quietly, ultimately reducing fatigue during long drives.
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Additionally, Henkel has partnered with surface treatment company 4Jet to develop an innovative process for creating quiet, EV-specific tires. They discovered an efficient method to coat the inside of tires with polyurethane foam, significantly reducing noise both inside the vehicle and in the surrounding environment. This breakthrough promises to greatly enhance the overall driving experience by minimizing sound emissions, making for a quieter and more comfortable ride. |
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Customizable Vacuum Mount - SeaSucker's Portable Kitchen System
The "Modular Wall" design likely stems from the growing need for space optimization tailored to individual preferences. Recently, an innovative solution has emerged for car camping enthusiasts, utilizing a suction-based vacuum mount system.
This manual vacuum device can be easily attached to any exterior part of a vehicle and is designed to accommodate a variety of setups, from workstations and sinks to trash bins and even heavier components like water tanks. The system offers flexibility, allowing campers to customize their space efficiently and adapt it to their needs.
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The vacuum mount maintains suction for up to 24 hours. If it begins to lose pressure, a small orange indicator pops up, alerting the user that it's time to re-pump the vacuum to restore the hold. This feature ensures that the mount remains secure and reliable, providing peace of mind during use. |
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The vacuum mount is designed to maintain suction for up to 24 hours. When it starts to lose pressure, an orange indicator pops up, signaling to the user that it's time to re-pump the vacuum to restore proper suction. This feature ensures that the mount remains securely attached, offering a convenient and reliable solution for extended use. |
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Digital Sheet Forming
Sheet metal forming is a traditional yet costly process that requires large presses, molds, and tools, taking up significant space. Moreover, molds are typically limited to creating a single shape, leading to inefficiency. To address these issues, Desktop Metal has introduced a machine called Figur G15, which revolutionizes sheet metal forming.
Using Digital Sheet Forming technology, the machine employs a ballpoint technique—much like pressing metal into shape with a ballpoint pen. This method allows for direct deformation of metal, layer by layer, according to CAD designs. The ballpoint tool traces the desired shape onto the metal, creating complex forms without the need for traditional molds, thus offering greater flexibility and efficiency.
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This Week’s U.S. Auto News Summary
1. U.S. EV Sales Up 18%
- New car registration data shows an 18% increase in EV sales in the U.S. market for July. Key factors include:
- The introduction of more EV models, such as the Honda Prologue.
- An increase in EV sales from automakers (rising from 7.6% last year to 8.5%), driven by substantial incentives.
- Tesla’s Cybertruck sales, totaling 5,175 units.
- EV sales in July: Tesla led with 57,000 units, followed by Hyundai (11,000), GM (9,700), Ford (9,500), and BMW (5,500).
- 24-Hour Unmanned Factory Operation: Denso has announced plans to establish a fully autonomous factory in Japan. The factory will produce electronic control units and operate without human workers, running 24/7. It will automate not just manufacturing, but also material handling, internal transport, packaging, and shipping processes.
- Remote Monitoring and Maintenance: While the facility will be fully automated, workers will be able to remotely monitor the system for repairs or troubleshooting. This ensures operational efficiency and safety.
- Timeline: Construction is set to begin this year, with full-scale production expected by 2028.
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The Intersection of Sustainability and Lightweight Design: BMW's New Seat Concept
BMW's M Visionary Materials Seat showcases innovation in automotive seating for the future. Crafted from a textile composite created by robots, it features a simple yet robust structure and utilizes a new layered manufacturing technology that eliminates the need for chemical post-processing and finishing.
This seat is made from eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester fibers, hemp fiber composites, and bio-leather alternatives. Notably, it replaces petroleum-based materials with algae and plant-based fillers. As a result, the CO2 emissions have been reduced by 90% compared to traditional BMW M carbon bucket seats, while also enhancing recyclability.
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BMW's Innovation Manager, Falco Hollmann, stated, "This seat is not just about changing materials; it's a completely new design that considers circularity," highlighting the potential for a sustainable future. By developing lightweight and sustainable seating solutions, BMW aims to shift the paradigm of automotive design.
JC: Unfortunately, when looking at the design through photos alone, the seat does appear to be completely uncomfortable. |
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It’s been a while since I last wrote the newsletter, and it’s a mix of nostalgia and challenge for me.
I’ve been doing well, but I’ve been quite busy helping a colleague transition to a new job, training a new staff, returning from a long vacation in Korea, and sending my oldest off to college. It’s been a whirlwind!
I thought I might feel empty nest syndrome, but keeping busy has really been the best remedy. This year, 2024, is flying by!
If anyone has faced challenges this year, I hope you find strength in the words below. They’ve been a great source of encouragement for me as well. (Let’s keep pushing forward!)
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Kia Design America / By Jenna Chwee / Jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92802
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