For their first conceptual design challenge, called "Under one
Roof", in collaboration with Electrolux, APD1 students explored
future design solutions within the areas of taste (kitchen
systems), care (laundry and textile care)
and wellbeing (cleaning, comfort and health).
More and more, young adults, children and the elderly are coming
together under one roof, a trend that has been further
accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. For this project,
twelve APD1 students were challenged develop new consumer
experiences that empower and enable all members of the family
household.
So, what did they come up with? From flavored water to a clothes
refresher, a three-in-one cleaner to a high-tech hoodie, the
innovations appeal to young and old alike.
Collaborating with young people on the home of the future is
essential for Electrolux, says Thomas Johansson, Design
Director at Electrolux.
"Enhancing home experiences is in our DNA. A key part of that is
understanding the sociocultural shifts that impact human behavior
now and in the future. Working with the next generation of talented
designers is rewarding for that reason. Together we find solutions
to help people and enrich their lives."
This is the fourth year of the UID-Electrolux
collaboration. This year, the students represented seven countries:
Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, India, China and the
Netherlands.
Thomas Degn, Associate Professor and Director of the MFA
Advanced Product Design Program at UID says:
"Electrolux is a great partner to work with. Not only do
they present the creative kind of challenge that really prepares
our students for careers in product design, but the support and
guidance they offer is really appreciated by all."
The product ideas
ELUXIR, a sleek water infuser that uses
ultrasound to maximize the extraction of fruit flavor to the
water with anything from oranges to cucumber to ginger, and can
carbonate as well. Meeting rising demand for sugar-free flavored
water, this appliance will help people avoid buying bottled drinks
and encourage people of all generations to drink more
water.
Student team:
Emile Chuffart, Felix Wildberger, Adrian
Heymann
SOFTCARE, a steamer to refresh, rather
than wash, clothes. The steam refresher doubles as a table that can
be placed in bedrooms, so there's less need to carry clothing
around the house and wash large loads, minimizing work and
distributing responsibility across generations.
Student
team: Erik Ivarson, Valerie Feiertag,
Chinmay Bhogaonkar
TRIO, a vacuum cleaner that works as a
robot, a handheld or a stick cleaner. The robot is convenient for
working parents. Kids might use the handheld to clean their play
spaces. Grandparents or others with mobility issues can easily
connect the stick to the robot and use the cleaner manually.
Student
team: Oscar Olsson, Nils Achenbach, Yue Zhao
NORA, a noise-canceling hoodie that anyone
can wear in order to have privacy while living with many family
members.
Student
team: Yuan Hong, Heinrich Zaunschirm, Niels van
Gils