Tag Archives: Red Dot Awards: Design Concept

Redesigned Kleenex Tissue Box is Stronger, and makes it Easier to Reach the Last Few Tissues

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In the grand scheme of global design, it’s easy to take the basics for granted. Why bother redesigning a tissue box when we’ve got more pressing issues like solving the Climate Crisis, or going to Mars, right?! The case that needs to be made, however, is to look at the small problems with equal intensity as the larger ones. A problem ignored is a problem persisted, and with enough time, it really becomes a part of our life in general. Take for instance the humble tissue box. Outwardly, it’s a pretty simple product – a box with a cutout that you can dip your hands into to reach for tissues. Dig a little deeper and you realize that it isn’t perfect. The box’s inherent design makes it rather flimsy, and when you get to the bottom of the box, reaching for the last few tissues can involve some mildly frustrating deep digging… to say the least.

Designed by studio CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly (South Korea’s joint-venture in charge of the brand Kleenex), this reimagined tissue box has a unique feature that allows it to overcome its past problems. When full, the box holds its shape really well (thanks to the tissues inside giving it volume), but as and when you reach the bottom, the box can be pushed into a new arched/curved structure that makes it much more stable, while reducing the the box’s overall height at the mid-section. This makes it easier to reach the bottom of the box without having the entire structure collapsing on you. The new box design is elegant, clever, and eco-friendly too, with the use of bamboo recycled paper in its construction. Moreover, it uses no ink (helping save cost while enhance recyclability) but rather comes with a simple Kleenex logo embossed on the side. The box is easy to use from start to finish, and once done, can easily be recycled or composted without any material impact on the environment.

The redesigned Kleenex Facial Tissue Box is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

Designer: CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly, South Korea

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A Music Instrument for the Hearing Impaired: This Synth uses Tactile and Color Cues Instead of Sound

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“Play by ear” as they commonly say, doesn’t really apply to people with hearing impairments. The most common example of a hearing-impaired musical genius remains Beethoven, who composed entire orchestral pieces by relying on what he remembered from a time when he could hear. By the time he reached the peak of his career, Beethoven was completely deaf, but his memory served him well when it came to playing music… not everyone today has that luxury, but the Vibra helps the hearing impaired play music by connecting the audio to other senses like touch and sight.

Designers: Ahn Taegwang, Go Yeongseok, Hwang Jimin, Lee Wonjae

A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, Vibra is a new instrument and service that can meet the musical needs of people with hearing impairments. Unlike traditional instruments that rely entirely on auditory feedback, Vibra relies on a combination of vibrations or haptic feedback, and visual cues like color and composition. The musical instrument comes with a modular design that serves the needs of multiple instruments, from key-based to percussive, string, and even electronic. It eventually pairs with an app that allows players to visualize their music. With a fair amount of visual training and consistent practice, hearing-impaired people can use the Vibra to play existing tunes and even compose new music entirely on their own.

The companion app fills in the sensorial gaps left by the auditory impairment. It provides a visual interface that helps conceptualize sound in a graphic sense, allowing people to understand notes, chords, harmonies, and other complex theories through vision instead of sound. The app enables practice, helps users find which instrument they’re more comfortable playing, and also allows them to learn and practice how to play popular tunes!

The Vibra is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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This Award-Winning Foldable Microwave Oven Concept Turns into a Portable Carry Case

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You’ve got portable grills, induction cookers, and portable stoves, but there’s no portable version of the microwave. Most microwaves today are heavy, bulky, and aren’t designed to be carried around… but what if they were? Designer Park Saun created the Foldwave concept to show what a portable microwave could look like. With a collapsible design that turns into a portable carry case when not in use, the Foldwave gives you the option of being able to carry your microwave around. Use it at home from one room to another, carry it to work, or even to a picnic. The collapsible design makes it easier to carry on your shoulders… and if you’re wondering whether portable microwaves are even feasible as a concept, a Japanese company developed the world’s first battery-powered microwave this year!

Designer: Park Saun

The Foldwave’s innovation, as a concept, lies primarily in the way it goes from cube-shaped to compact. The sides of the microwave buckle inwards, allowing the top and the bottom elements to join together into a smaller, more manageable carrying volume. A handle on the top makes it easy to carry the Foldwave around with you, and using the Foldwave is as simple as opening the door in front, adding your food, and turning the knob on top to run the appliance.

Even though conceptual, it’s important to really address how this technology would be feasible in the long run. Microwaves are usually sealed shut to prevent radiation leakage, and it’s important that the Foldwave keeps that in consideration too. As far as the components go, the microwave magnetron sits on the top, while the rotating platform can be found at the bottom. One would assume that the high-voltage transformer sit right at the top with the magnetron, powering the device, while a battery unit could be potentially stored at the bottom, allowing the microwave to balance its components and weight out while still being bottom-heavy enough to stay stable when open.

The Foldwave is a winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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The Asian Tuk-tuk gets an Electrified Upgrade and a Slick Design Makeover

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Referred to as the Tuk-tuk in parts of East Asia and the Auto-Rickshaw in India, Montra Electric is giving this ubiquitous trike the design and tech upgrade it’s needed for decades. Most auto-rickshaws (or called autos for short) run on either LPG or CNG, but Montra Electric is shifting them to an electric powertrain with a respectable top speed of 55km/h (34/1mph) and a range of over 150 kilometers (93+ miles) on a full charge. Designed primarily for last-mile commutes, these rickshaws and tuk-tuks can be found dotted across the Asian landscape, helping passengers (and even cargo) get from points A to B.

Designer: Raghavendra Acharya (Montra Electric)

The vehicle’s design sticks to its familiar format, but turns up the sleekness with chiseled surfaces, a distinct forward-leaning silhouette, clean lines, and a unique front fascia disrupted by a central black graphic. The rear features cute-looking circular taillights and a downward-opening tailgate for boot storage. On the inside, the auto-rickshaw seats three (or even four) including a driver in front who operates the vehicle using motorbike-inspired handlebars. The handlebars are now surrounded by a redesigned dashboard featuring an OLED display that elevates the entire vehicle’s driving experience. Unlike most rickshaws and tuk-tuks, the Montra Electric Rickshaw also gets secure doors for both the driver/rider as well as the passengers behind, along with redesigned seats featuring higher backrests and extra legroom. All this, while maintaining a judicious balance between aesthetic opulence and an affordable price point of $3,700 USD.

The redesigned auto-rickshaw is also accompanied by a new rider experience in the form of an app that helps them monitor the status of their vehicle, track their daily earnings, and even digitally store all their important documents and IDs.

The Montra Electric ‘Super Auto’ is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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This Interactive Snowglobe Clock Turns Time into a Snowy Spectacle for All to Admire

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There’s always a feeling of childlike curiosity watching snow fall. Whether it’s the first snow of the year or even the faux snow inside a snow globe, it’s always fascinating to watch those flakes descend from the skies in slow motion, covering everything you see in a layer of white dust. No matter how old you are, snowfall has the ability to fascinate you and a handful of designers from South Korea are banking on that reaction with their new clock. Dubbed ‘Time to Snow’, this timepiece uses snow-like grains of styrofoam to tell time. The grains are trapped within a rectangular cuboid and are agitated constantly to create a miniature blizzard inside the clock. Meanwhile, cleverly positioned components use static electricity to catch some of those styrofoam particles, allowing them literally defy gravity as they display the time of the day. The result is a clock that absolutely delights with its unique approach to timekeeping. Move over, snowglobes!

Designers: Baek Sunwoo, Kim Myeongseong, Prof. Lee Woohun

The clock is accompanied by a camera module on top that lets viewers interact with it through their presence and gestures. In the absence of any nearby individuals, the hardware generates a snowstorm to attract people from a distance. As someone approaches, the snowstorm gradually diminishes until it completely fades away. At this point, a brief yet intense blizzard is created and as the proverbial dust settles, it displays the time of the day. Viewers can then engage with the ‘snow’ particles in mid-air, using hand gestures to interact intuitively. With each interaction, the wind erases certain parts of the displayed numbers, only to reveal new numbers every minute. Once the viewers depart, the numbers melt away like snow, and the snowstorm reverts back to its original state.

The delicate polystyrene particles dance gracefully in the breeze, mirroring the mesmerizing chaos of a snowstorm. The numerical patterns formed by layering these Styrofoam grains produce a captivating three-dimensional illusion, imitating how snow accumulates on rooftops, windowsills, and other elements on an urban or suburban landscape. This enhances the immersive experience, transporting the viewer into a world of snowy wonder. The formation of the numbers by these particles quite literally defies the laws of physics, creating a sense of amazement and wonder that vastly enhances the time-telling experience. It follows the clever design practice of ‘form following emotion’, as it digs into what makes us curious as humans. The interactive element enhances the clock’s UX tenfold, allowing you to engage with the ‘snow’ while being indoors!

The Time to Snow is a Best of the Best Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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Award-Winning Solar-Powered Aircraft Ushers in a New Era of Zero-Emission Travel

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Carbon-neutral flight seems to quite literally be on the horizon with this conceptual falcon-shaped aircraft. The eponymously named Falcon Horizon embraces the boundless potential of solar power with a uniquely designed body that additionally helps with lift and allows the aircraft to navigate the skies. Departing from conventional aircraft design, this concept harnesses the advantages of flying wings, drawing inspiration from the efficiency of birds of prey.

Designer: Laszlo Nemeth

In an era where solar-powered manned flight is not only possible but actively under development, the aviation industry carries a weighty responsibility to chart a sustainable course. Falcon Solar minimizes the need for cumbersome batteries, leveraging solar energy not just for propulsion, but also for shaping the boundary layer around the wing, unlocking heightened efficiency. The solar panels extend from one wing to another, covering a massive area of the airplane, and therefore providing it with the power it needs to complete its journey. The delicate balance between propulsion and boundary layer manipulation yields superior overall performance.

As we witness the dawn of a new age in aviation, Falcon Solar stands as a testament to the potential of clean, renewable energy sources to reshape the skies. Although just a concept for now, its innovative format speaks to the collective aspirations of a world seeking greener horizons, while propelling us towards a future where the sky truly knows no limits. Explore the future of flight with Falcon Solar – where innovation meets sustainability.

The Falcon Solar is a winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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This Steampunk-Looking Gumball Machine from LOTTE Will Also Play Music for You

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LOTTE chewing gum holds a special place in the hearts of many South Koreans, serving as more than just a minty delight. Its history is intertwined with the nation’s past, offering solace during the challenging aftermath of the 1960s war. While the candy itself has remained a cultural icon, the LOTTE brand has imprinted itself on South Koreans in an indelible way, etched into memory through a memorable TV commercial jingle that resonates with modern consumers even today. Enter the XYLITOL Music Box, a cleverly designed device that blends the humble chewing gumball dispenser with the nostalgic sound of the LOTTE theme.

Designed as a tabletop device, the XYLITOL is an entirely mechanical masterpiece that has a multi-sensorial appeal. It’s beautiful to look at, with an intricate, transparent & chrome design. Rotate the key at the bottom and the machine dispenses one singular ball of gum while playing the iconic LOTTE theme. The result is also an auditory and gustatory experience that ends with the sweet taste of candy!

Designer: LOTTE Corporation, Design and Management Center

Inspired by the sleek contours of XYLITOL chewing gum, the XYLITOL Music Box is a visual masterpiece. Its exterior radiates simplicity and minimalism, while a transparent cover unveils an intricately detailed structure, a delicate dance of gears and components that captivates the eye. The craftsmanship behind this device borders on something you’d expect from a Swiss horologist, with mechanical interactions that work like literal clockwork to deliver your sweet treat.

But don’t let its intricate steampunk-ish design fool you; the XYLITOL Music Box is user-friendly to the core. A simple turn of the bottom handle sets the music box in motion, delivering not just sweet tunes but also a chewy delight. For those moments when you prefer to savor the gum without the fanfare, a convenient dispensing lever is at your fingertips, letting you simply push to dispense a piece of gum… but honestly, where’s the fun in that?!

The XYLITOL Music Box is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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Affordable 3D-printed Bionic Prosthetic declared Luminary Winner at the 2023 Red Dot Award: Design Concept

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Securing the Luminary Winner award at this year’s Red Dot Award: Design Concept in Singapore, the Lunet makes a bold promise of restoring functionality and dexterity in the hands of amputees… without breaking the bank.

Built with a low-cost design that features parametric adjustment for different hand types, and 3D printing to bring down the cost of production, Lunet looks to deliver a more accessible future that doesn’t rely on expensive medical prosthetics. Under the right conditions, Lunet can easily be manufactured even in one’s home using desktop 3D printers and can be assembled without any fasteners or extra components. In doing so, Lunet doesn’t just restore its wearer’s fingers, it restores their lives back, giving them the ability to grip and maneuver objects while also being able to point and gesture just like most people would.

Designer: David Edquilang

A 3D-printed prototype of the Lunet prosthetic

Lunet is a mechanical prosthetic that restores a degree of functionality for finger amputees by using 3D-printed appendages. The prosthetic is produced entirely through 3D printing, eliminating the need for a production line or industrial equipment. With the right 3D files, people can print, modify, and upgrade their own prosthetics for daily as well as situational use.

The prosthetic is made with a modular design and is crafted using parametric modeling, allowing for adjustments on the fly to suit a wide variety of hand types. The final model can be easily tweaked based on the ergonomics of the wearer, allowing for a custom-made solution that fits the user’s hands and needs perfectly. “Produced entirely through 3D printing, Lunet can be manufactured quickly at a low cost and personalized in CMF to the user’s stylistic preferences,” says David Edquilang, a design student at the University of Houston.

The prosthetic features mechanical linkages that can be controlled by flexing your hand. The fingers work by using a novel, robust linkage mechanism that mimics the motion and flexibility of real fingers. The entire design features components that snap together and require zero metal fasteners or fixtures. With the help of a unique mechanism, a user-friendly modular design, and the ever-expanding accessibility of desktop 3D printing, Lunet empowers individuals with finger amputations to restore the functionality of their missing fingers. Remarkably, this innovative solution costs less than 1% of the price of existing commercially sold finger prostheses.

“Lunet is not just a sci-fi looking concept, it’s real and it works; and will be released online to everyone completely for free as an open-source design. This way, Lunet can do the most good, helping as many people as possible,” David told Yanko Design, moments after being awarded the Luminary Winner of this year’s Red Dot Award. “I believe that good design should not be exclusive only to those that have enough money to afford it. Design is about solving problems, helping the fellow human.”

Click here to view the Best Of Best Winners from this year’s Red Dot Award: Design Concept.

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Futuristic Excellence: Red Dot Awards ‘Best of Best’ to Design Concepts that Transform Humanity

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The foundation of innovation lies in how we conceptualize the future… and our capacity to enhance and develop these concepts is crucial for this future. This is why concepts have always fascinated us at Yanko Design. They are the foundation of our work, providing a glimpse into the future of products, technologies, and experiences. It’s also one fundamental thing we have in common with the Red Dot Award: Design Concept, as they celebrate the power of conceptualization.

The Best of Best category of this year’s Red Dot Award: Design Concept showcases some truly exciting concepts. From cutting-edge technology in consumer electronics to innovative designs in the health sector, these concepts demonstrate inventiveness and creativity that deserve recognition. We are particularly drawn to designs that enhance user experiences and environments, as they exemplify the intersection of art and functionality.

The Red Dot Award: Design Concept “Best of Best” is our annual source of inspiration, showcasing designs that embody creativity, collaboration, and impeccable execution. We are thrilled to share a few of our favorites from this year’s selection. And don’t forget to scroll down to discover the winner of the prestigious Luminary Award. You saw it here first!

Click here to view more Award-winning designs from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept

Time to Snow by Baek Sunwoo, Kim Myeongseong & Prof. Lee Woohun

Time to Snow is an interactive installation that displays the time using Styrofoam grains resembling snow. The clock defies the laws of physics with how it causes the particles to form numbers within the clock’s face, while also simulating the effect of snowfall and snow blowing through the breeze. The result isn’t just form and function, it’s emotion too, in the form of awe and curiosity as viewers are captivated by the effects of this faux snow and its ability to tell time. A camera on top also allows people to interact with the snow through gestures, creating an experience so fun you’ll never want to look at another boring clock again!

UFO Intelligent Rotary Stove by Liang Wengan, Li Zhaoping, Wu Qiting, Wu Shengjia & Zhou Jinhui

Who among us hasn’t dreaded cleaning up a stovetop after the pasta water or a saucepan of milk boiled over while cooking?! The UFO Intelligent Rotary Stove features an elevated, rotatable burner that offers an easy stovetop cleaning solution and extra countertop space when not in use. Gas stoves, while essential for cooking, can be tricky to clean given their shape (and sometimes how hot they are after usage). The UFO Intelligent Rotary Stove simplifies cleaning by putting the burners on a rotating arm so they can be moved away whenever needed, making cooking more enjoyable and maximizing kitchen space. The stove also offers precise fire intensity adjustment with an 8-level touch control for better cooking results.

Kid’s Service Design Toolkit For Saving The Earth by Choi Seolyung, Hyun Eunryung, Mun Juyeong

The Kid’s Service Design Toolkit for Saving the Earth helps children understand carbon emissions and develop their solutions using the Double Diamond process. It fosters environmental awareness and encourages creative thinking. The toolkit guides kids through learning phases, including the Carbon Footprint Game, customer journey maps, and idea generation. It promotes cooperation, communication, and concrete action plans to address real-world environmental issues, contributing to climate action for sustainable living.

Tetrix Roof Tiles From Recycled Composite by Adam Friedrich & Kajetan Topolewski

Crafted from recycled plastic composite, the Tetrix Roof Tiles, offer sustainable, lightweight, and durable roofing. They’re frost-proof, waterproof, UV-resistant, and ideal for photovoltaic systems aka solar panels. The tiles come in a series of modular units and are available across a variety of design styles, allowing you to customize your roof design. They’re made to replace hazardous asbestos roofs, and are an absolute breeze to install thanks to their modular design that lets you simply plug tiles together. Produced with recycled plastic and quartz sand, the tiles are eco-friendly and are virtually unbreakable too.

O-Vision Noice Cancellation Sleep Mask by Chen Shaolong, Chen Fengming, Chen Weihao, Luo Qimei, Yang Junlong & Zheng Xiangjing

The O-Vision Noise Cancellation Sleep Mask offers 3D noise reduction and total light blockage for peaceful, high-quality sleep. Its innovative design combines 3D noise cancellation technology with a pressure-free, light-blocking eye mask. Breathable materials ensure comfort, while advanced noise-isolation earplugs create a quiet sleep environment. The earplugs are easily replaceable and come in a convenient silicone package, making this a portable and comprehensive sleep solution.

Ingo – Reusable CGM & Insulin Pump by Chris Kilbane & Maxwell Stevens

Ingo is an innovative, sustainable CGM and insulin pump that combines both functions in a compact design, eliminating the need for separate devices and tubing. It offers wireless charging and on-body insulin pump refilling for user convenience. Ingo features recyclable sensor patches, promoting cost savings and sustainability. The companion app provides real-time feedback, battery monitoring, and customization options for a personal touch.

Geneverse SolarGenerator S1 by Bai Wei, He Jiajin & Yin Xiaowei

The Geneverse SolarGenerator S1 is a customizable modular photovoltaic sunshade with 200w double-sided solar modules. It cools spaces, generates electricity, and stores it in your home energy system. These modules continuously convert clean energy, reducing household expenses. It features a self-circulating lighting system and a sturdy, foldable design for easy transportation and installation.

INO200 Intraoral Scanner User System by Zhao Yachong, Song Weiwei, Su Zhendong, Sun Jia, Wang Gege & Zhao Yachong

The INO200 Intraoral Scanner User System streamlines dental digitization for dentists and patients. Using advanced 3D technology and multifunctional software, it delivers real-time, cost-effective, and accurate impressions. Designed for ease of use, it accommodates different patients, sterilizes easily, and offers intuitive controls. The tiny handheld scanner packs AI technology and cloud integration, helping improve accuracy/efficiency, and enabling real-time tracking and convenience for both doctors as well as patients.

Grass by Lin Chih-Hong Chan Chi-Yin, Huang Yu-Ming, Jian Ling-Chien & Luo Jia-Wei

Dubbed ‘Grass’, this awe-striking light installation uses real-time traffic data to capture the city’s vitality, reflecting the dynamic interaction between cities and people. It offers a unique perspective on urban expansion, breaking away from traditional light and shadow art. Each individual cell varies in size, undulation, and pattern, and depicts major traffic routes in the same way that buildings and roads do in cities. The cells glow bright or dim depending on the activity/area they represent, creating a unique expression of a city that looks at urban planning and life through the eyes of artists.

Lunet by David Edquilang (Luminary Winner)

A winner of this year’s Luminary Award, Lunet is an affordable, 3D-printed mechanical finger prosthesis designed to restore finger functionality for amputees worldwide. Produced through 3D printing, it’s customizable in style (CMF) and anatomical fit, thanks to parametric modeling and a modular design that allows for micro-adjustments based on ergonomics. Lunet’s snap-together, metal-free assembly features a robust linkage mechanism mimicking real finger motion. With 3D printing’s accessibility, Lunet offers a cost-effective solution, priced at less than 1% of commercial alternatives.

Click here to view more Award-winning designs from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept

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2-in-1 Spin Cycle and Rowing Machine lets you easily switch between both forms of Workouts

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Aptly titled the ‘Spin&Row’, this award-winning gym-machine concept lets you work your cardio and legs while cycling, and your arms and core while rowing. Designed to offer people the best of both worlds, the Spin&Row was created during the pandemic, when exercising at home was practically the only feasible option available to people. Moreover, its X-shaped folding design lets it easily occupy less floor space when shut, making it perfect for homes and apartments.

Designer: Zhang Chaoyi

“SPIN&ROW combines two popular types of home fitness equipment: a rowing machine and a spinning bike”, says Zhang Chaoyi, designer of the Spin&Row and student at Hunan University. “It enables the user to switch between fitness modes by adjusting the angle of the X structure, which can also be folded when not in use. As a result, it fulfills multiple fitness functions in a small space.”

The Spin&Row’s clever design gives it the best of all worlds. For starters, it comes with a scissor-style mechanism that allows it to open wide into a low-seated rowing machine, or in an X-shaped stationary bicycle, or closed shut, occupying practically the same amount of floor space as a doormat. It’s designed to be operated by a single person and doesn’t really need any instructor or supervision. The Spin&Row’s frame guides you through setup, allowing you to snap it in any of the three positions, and an adjustable cycle seat lets you tailor the experience to your ergonomics.

The Spin&Row is a winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award for the year 2021.

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