Sixteen University students from around Australia have created revolutionary products for the home, landing them on the world stage of innovation and design.

University of New South Wales student, Andrew Hollands, has designed a revolutionary fence that he hopes will minimize the number of drownings in Australian pools. The Sentry Smart Gate uses a combination of image processing and active proximity sensors to calculate whether an approaching user is a child or an adult and allows or disallows access to the pool area. If access is granted, the system uses an electric motor to open the pool fence and close it once the user has moved through, removing the possibility of human error in leaving the gate open. 

Australia’s graduating class of industrial designers and engineers is breaking new ground in product innovation, starting with a record number of inspiring concept designs entered into the 2010 Australian Design Award – James Dyson Award (ADA-JDA).

 A total of ninety eight entries were submitted in the 2010 ADA-JDA, with the increase in numbers a clear indication of the significance now placed on this well established student award, the student category of the Australian International Design Awards (AIDA). 

Australia’s most notable design industry award program, the Australian International Design Awards is a division of Standards Australia, recognising and promoting product design and innovation excellence. 

Below are the 16 Student Entries relating to lifestyle products

1. Student Designer Mr Jinghao Lin

University UNSW
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Black Ice
“Black Ice” is the perfect way to store your favourite wine. Designed to celebrate the beauty of wine bottles, the unique design racking system and glass doors guarant 100% visibility of the labels on each bottle. With a holding capacity of 28 bottles, it’s perfect for luxury wine connoisseur. The product contains 2 storage chambers, each has individual temperature settings.

2. Student Designer Mr Tim May

University University of Western Sydney
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Can Cardboard Cut It?
Corrugated cardboard is a product which has minimal exposure outside of the conventional “BOX”. Therefore this study aims to highlight the potential for corrugated cardboard, while raising its status as a structural material through the design and manufacture of high quality indoor seating. The study attempts to alter current user perceptions through combining everyday disposable materials with simple manufacturing techniques to produce a product which is rich in character and high in value. Central to the study is the importance of creating bonds between consumers and their possessions in order to achieve product longevity and sustainability.

3. Student Designer Miss Alemina Vranas

University University of New South Wales
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Eden Mist
Eden mist is a luxury steam shower unit designed to transform your showering experience into an oasis of comfort while saving water. Eden mist saves water by using existing aerated technology, an instant hot water function and steam. It also is comprised of a thermostatic mixer and a user friendly interface, allowing users to control their personal settings. Eden mist’s simple sliding shower head, allows each user to adjust the height of the shower head to their own ideal height to enjoy a rainfall/curtain of water setting. Other features such as lighting assist in making Eden mist a tranquil experience.

4. Student Designer Mr Hamit Kuralkan

University Monash University
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Elements of Nature
Elements of Nature is an air purification system designed to work with an indoor plant (ivy). It`s mesh surface allows ivy to grow over itself naturally make every product unique for its user. It is a customizable system that can provide for the needs of specific users. Elements of Nature combines the power of nature with manmade technologies to achieve the best results possible. it is a functional solution that is also environmentally aware. Its water based filtering mechanism avoids use of disposable metal and carbon based filters. Elements of nature is a better way to clean your air.

5. Student Designer Miss Lily Hockley

University Swinburne University
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Flat Out
Flat Out provides a comfortable and effortless ironing experience bringing ease to an otherwise mundane and tiresome task. The induction charging iron needs never to be lifted but is simply guided onto a docking station where it sits off the board to charge and to not burn material, offering a sound solution to those with weak wrists and arthritis who find it difficult lifting the iron continuously. The universal Flat Out iron is controlled by the wrist or alternatively by pushing with the palm of the hand resting on the body of the iron, putting less stress on the joints.

6. Student Designer Mr Yohan Gunawan

University Swinburne University of Technology
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Helpmate
Helpmate is a garden mobile work seat. It is designed for both impaired and able-bodied people. It is well featured to help people gardening which provides a safe portable chair and a shelving cabinet for small garden tools. The frames are inspired of the wheelbarrow providing safety brake, and also the telescopic handles provide a help for the elderly and people with lower-body weakness to access the seat easier. Furthermore, the seat can be detached from the container to provide varieties of the use for the users. It is made of plastic and aluminium and consist only few parts.

7. Student Designer Mr Caleb Christie

University University of South Australia
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Multifunctional Bedside Unit
I have developed a multifunctional bedside unit which is intelligently designed to assist the user at a number of levels. Its main purpose is to eliminate the need to add items to the bedside unit, rather it integrates features such as speakers, lighting, charging for electrical devices, storage, wifi and bluetooth connectivity, and a simple touchscreen interface. The solution is in sync with today’s technology at a minimum, with scope to be relevant for the near future and developing technology. The unit can be used on either side of the bed.

8. Student Designer Miss Peichun Lee

University Monash University
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
PIQUE NIQUE- system approach picnic hamper
“Pique nique” is a multiple size picnic hamper system that allows users to integrate different sizes of hamper depending on the number of people at the event and food they bring. It aims to provide designed products of practical utility to people who have a flare for design. “Pique nique” comes in three different sizes with the same foot print but different height. It is sold on individual basis, but customers can always purchase more when needed. Individual hamper includes products like plates, fork, spoon, cup and ice pack.

9. Student Designer Mr Lennard Ewenson

University Swinburne University of Technology
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Push N Go
The Push ‘N’ Go is a toothpaste dispenser unlike any other on the market; it allows the user to put toothpaste on their brush without the usual mess due to the unique handle and roller design. The dispenser offers the dependability and usability that is needed for people who struggle to use regular toothpaste due to illness or disability. This unique product can be used by a diverse group of people, disabled or fully able, ranging from young children to their grandparents all because of its simple straightforward use and low physical effort required to function.

10. Student Designer Mr Benjamin McMahon

University University of Technology Sydney
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Ribbon Ceiling Fan
The ‘Ribbon’ is a next generation Ceiling fan; its innovative fluid blade design gives the product a style and operation unique to itself. The form is based on the three dimensional geometry of a helical loop which gives the blade its dimensional stability and facilitates the airflow; reconciling the air intake principles of a centrifuge fan with but with a simpler more singular form. The undulating wave of the blade reminiscent of a ribbon fluttering in the wind controls/directs where the air is displaced.

11. Student Designer Mr Adrian Lim

University Swinburne University of Technology
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Roatry Kettle
The Rotary Kettle is designed to cater for people with impaired hand strength and control, who struggle to operate tea kettles’ currently in the market – which require the pick-up and pour method of operation. It has been designed specifically through the Universal Design guidelines to reduce the effort needed during its operation, where all that is required is a simple rotation of the kettle body to pour boiled water. It makes boiled water accessible to people who suffer conditions such as, Osteoarthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, and RSI Injuries; but also holds qualities that attracts attention from the mainstream market.

12. Student Designer Mr Andrew Hollands

University University of NSW
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Sentry Smart Gate
Smart Gate is a 21st Century pool fence that combines modern technology with mechanical reliability to reduce toddler drowning deaths in Australian swimming pools. Smart Gate uses a combination of image processing and active proximity sensors to calculate whether an approaching user is a child or an adult and allows or disallows access to the pool area. If access is granted, the system uses an electric motor to open the pool fence and closes it once the user has moved through. This removes the possibility of human error in leaving the gate open and guarantees the gate is properly latched.

13. Student Designer Mr Benjamin Hill

University University of South Australia
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Shower Powered Grey Water Diverter
The ‘Shower Powered Grey Water Diverter’ is powered by the very resource that it is saving. This system utilises the potential energy of the mains water supply in order to elevate shower generated grey water to a height where it can then be gravity fed to water the garden or reused to flush the toilet. The retro-fit system integrates with users’ lifestyles and provides households with the means to effectively conserve water without disrupting their routine. During product development, environmental, ergonomic, usability and manufacturing issues were considered and addressed, producing a functional and unique solution to a global problem.

14. Student Designer Miss Zorana Brnovic

University University of Western Sydney
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Empyrean Pet Lounge
The Empyrean Pet Lounge is the ultimate cloud nine for dogs. It is the stylish peace of comfort for the much loved and pampered pooches. The Empyrean is the arty, fun, elegant, and classy piece of pet furniture. Resembling stylish human furniture it compliments home decors. It can be used indoors and outdoors. The Empyrean can be personalised in style to suit any taste. This easy clean, eco-friendly, rattan design not only looks good but also has an orthopaedic cushioning and is pet-safe creating the complete comfort for the dog.

15. Student Designer Mr Xavier Calluaud

University UTS
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Urb Garden
The Urb Garden is a vertical food garden for the urban gardener. It is designed to encourage personal food production in small urban domestic environments. The Urb Garden integrates a worm farm, for organic recycling and plant fertilization and utilises drip watering, making it water efficient and simple to use. The vertical design is compact and space saving, making it versatile enough for use on balconies, in courtyards, community gardens. The Urb Garden is a low maintenance, simple solution for small spaces that allows consumers to reconnect with their food and the environment.

16. Student Designer Mr Ngo Bun Wong

University RMIT
Product Description and Principal Function(s):
Window Frame Chair
Window Frame Chair is inspired by window and curtain. The chair embedded itself in the window frame and become its body. The window frame chair is designed for living room’s window. Once you need a chair, you just take the window frame chair and fold it to become a chair. Window Frame Chair is ideal for people who lives in small living room and intends to keep some guest chairs in their home.

To see more check out  student.designawards.com.au

Tags: Australian Design Award, James Dyson Award