Imagine a future where food waste has become a
key source of energy instead of adding to our carbon footprint.
What if billions of expectant mothers in developing countries could
get access to safe surgery during childbirth? Could it be that we
already know what space tourism will look like in 2040? On May 31-
June 1, graduates present their degree projects at Umeå Institute
of Design's yearly exhibition, UID18 - Design Talks & Degree
Show.
During UID18, students at Umeå Institute of Design (UID), one of
the world's top rated design programs, will present their degree
projects through talks, with 3D models and by digital
visualizations.
Many of the 48 projects are inspired by the digital evolution,
aspiring to answer the question "Can technology strengthen our
humanity?". Several projects have a strong connection to
healthcare. Fransizka Heuck utilized app technology to develop a
digital training device for health care workers in developing
countries. The training kit aims to help medical personnel train
their skills to provide safe cesarean section in low resource
settings.

In another project, Tyler MacDonald has turned towards the sky.
Since 1961 only 556 people have ever been to space. That number is
about to go up, drastically. A new age of space travel, dominated
by private companies, will see actual tourists venture into space.
But what will those spaceships look like? Tyler MacDonald provides
a sneak peek into space travel in the year 2040.

"This year our students explore themes that truly challenge our
notion of concepts like sustainability and diversity, stretching
the limits of creativity and imagination. We are, of course, proud
to be able to showcase their solutions and perspectives to how we
can face the complex challenges facing modern society" says Johan
Redström, Rector at UID.
UID's global attraction has led to a highly international
student base, close to twenty different nationalities among
graduate students alone this year. The school also has strong ties
to a host of multinational corporate giants like Microsoft, Google,
Apple, Samsung, BMW and Airbus. Each year, representatives from
companies travel to the event to follow up collaborations with
students, to view demonstrations and portfolios, and to recruit the
next generation of industrial designers.
About UID18 - Design Talks & Degree Show:
Location: Umeå Institute of Design, Östra Strandgatan 30, Umeå,
Sweden
Time: Thursday 31 May-Friday 1 June
Read more about UID18
Press Information & Press Kit:
Media can obtain preliminary information on four selected student
projects, one from each program, in the UID18 press kit. The press
kit also contains high resolution press images for download.
Journalists can book interviews and an exclusive preview of the
exhibition by contacting Communications Officer Jens Persson;
jens.persson@umu.se
Press
kit
For more information, please contact:
Jens Persson, Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of
Design
Phone: +46 (0) 73-626 35 51
Email: jens.persson@umu.se
Maria Göransdotter, Vice-Rector, Umeå Institute of Design
Phone: +46 (0) 90 786 70 36, +46 (0) 70 336 70 36
Email: maria.goransdotter@umu.se