Who would have taught of transforming a first aid box into a soccer ball? Looking like something inspired by a Transformer merchandise, the Dream Ball is actually the brainchild of a Korean company, Uplug Design Studio, whose mission is to make life better for the human race.

The Dream ball project was developed for the children of Third world countries like Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and  Somalia. Children in these poor nations would typically make a ball out of anything — as long the material creates some sort of projectile when kicked — so why now turn an empty vessel used to contain medical supplies into one?

The Dream Ball is made of a Relife box, which uses  paper that can be recycled and may vary in intensity and elasticity depending on its thickness. Available in both square or cylindrical formats, the containers can be easily disassembled and, by following a few simple instructions, fashioned into a soccer ball.

Besides football, various sized balls such as baseballs or handballs can also be formed from different first aid boxes. A little bit of fun with a life-saving kit. Life’s a ball, indeed.

Loving these objects from House Industries inspired by or based on the works of reknowned textile designer Alexander Girard. While working in Herman Miller in the 50s to 70s, Girard designed fabrics for the likes of Ray and Charles Eames. He had a great interest in folk art and colorful, exotic designs from around the world.

Aptly, folksy elements in bright palettes are featured heavily in these collections. Top: solid maple nativity set (currently sold out) based on a Girard illustration; below: basswood memory game.

This may look like a toy camera built using Lego bricks but it’s a fully functional 3 megapixel  digital camera with 1.5″ color LCD screen and 128mb internal storage. You cannot pull the body of the camera apart but you can attach Lego bricks to the top and bottom. So much fun for the kids! Will be available in Fall 2009 at Digital Blue.