One of the week’s first articles, an exclusive pre-BKLYN DESIGNS video interview with Nandinee Phookan of I Make Studio, got us thinking seriously about productivity. Come May, I Make will debut Octavo, the team’s modular conference table system designed specifically with a deep sensitivity the ever-changing needs and moods of office meetings. Inspired by Octavo’s remarkable functionality, here is short digest of other recently featured design products that likewise, aspire to make you more functional as well.

Octavo. Designed by Nandinee Phookan of I Make Studio.

1. The words modular, triangular and humanistic are not the first words that come to mind when conjuring a picture of your typical executive conference table. Check your preconceptions at the boardroom door with I Make Studio’s Octavo, a simple and intelligent solution to the infinite variables of the dreaded annual review. Octagonal, serpentine and/or straight, the Octavo can be re-configured in just about any way possible.

2. Out of the boardroom and on to the running path, we recently stumbled across new terrain with KBI’s ingenious Flexi-Pave building material for park paths. An asphalt-esque material which affords runners/walkers more cushioning and hence more joint relief when pounding the pavement, Flexi-Pave is one of those smart civic solutions we hope the Parks and Recreation folks will catch on to VERY soon.

3. Desk 51 is one of those simple home office solutions we all know we need. Designed with a sliding, recessed keyboard tray, Minneapolis-based Blu Dot’s Desk 51’s form is just basic enough that it embodies the much-desired visual versatility of being able to pair well with vintage and modern interiors.

4. 3rings staffers are incredibly psyched about stateside newcomer Itoki Design, the inventive young American arm of Japanese manufacturing powerhouse Itoki, now headed up by creative director Jeff Miller. The Spina chair has been quite the hit chez 3rings – its obvious technical sophistication and surprising affordability already have us begging for upgrades.

5. No productivity-focused wrap-up would be complete without a little indulgent icing on the cake. In total contrast to the aforementioned design products, Cassina’s Privé collection is exactly how we imagine winding down after a long stint at work or on the running path. Composed of deep sofas, armchairs and daybeds, Cassina’s Privé collection has got the luxury goods.

Stay tuned for productive products and the like next week. Starting Monday we will kick off our 3rd exclusive BKLYN DESIGNS video interview preview featuring Scott Behr of Total Metal Resource NYC, with more pre-show coverage of Salone and much, more more!