Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards 2013. We will be featuring these projects by category, so stay tuned for your favorite categories of design! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com.
In response to the Smaller but Better trend, I looked at how social seating might be improved by finding a way of making traditional tables and chair into a single flexible multipurpose solution. QMB combines a round bar height table with four fold-out stools to create a new type of seating experience. The main structure is CNC routed, using a single sheet of .75 finished plywood then assembled using hinges and standard fasteners. The fold out stools give the user the option to open up only the seats that are needed, then easily fold away the stools when finished.
- How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
I just happened to be watching the online presentation of awards for DIY, and saw I had not received a honorable mention or even a notable, just about to click away when OMG, QMB got the nod.
- What's the latest news or development with your project?
In August we will be launching the QMBOptions.com web site where people can check out the newest versions of QMB an all the available Options. Part of the site will include a promotional version called QMB MAX which is designed for trade shows, promotional events and exhibitions. QMB MAX comes with an on-board 10' Pop Up display stored inside, so you can have your exhibit with seating for four in a single package.
- What is one quick anecdote about your project?
Since it rains a lot where I live, I had to do all the final wood finishing of the prototype outside. When I had to seal the plywood, there was no dry place to let the sealants cure. So I was forced to carefully stack the pieces inside my mini van while they cured. Now, six months later, my car still smells like conversion varnish.
- What was an "a-ha" moment from this project?
I realized I really had something when some one contacted me and wanted to come to by my studio and buy seven units sight unseen!
View the full project here.
Project Name: Dr. Wagon Designer: Kunal Chawla, Megan Chiou and Alfredo Sandes
Dr. Wagon is a toy that helps kids learn basic programming. It comprises of a series of programming blocks and a wagon-shaped robot. The programming blocks include basic functions ("turn right"), conditions ("if close to a wall"), and loops ("repeat 10 times"). These blocks can be connected in various ways to control the robot's behavior. For example, if you connected the blocks, "if close to a wall" + "turn right," the robot would turn right if it was near an obstacle. Dr. Wagon brings programming from the digital world to the physical world in a fun and accessible way.
- How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
I (Megan) was following the live broadcast, and I called and texted Kunal and Alfredo when I found out! It's a huge honor, and we're thrilled!
- What's the latest news or development with your project?
We've just published a paper and presented Dr. Wagon at the Interaction Design and Children conference at The New School. Looking into the future, we're considering a formal release of instructions and plans so everyone can make their own Dr. Wagon, but nothing has been set in stone. We're also busy working on another project, Tink, that also inspires kids to make and create, this time using their own environments.
- What is one quick anecdote about your project?
Dr. Wagon was a final project for a course at Stanford through the Transformative Learning and Technology Laboratory taught by Professor Paulo Blikstein. The course was really fast-paced, and we only had 2-3 weeks for this project, so we pretty much lived in the lab for those few weeks. I think some of our classmates grew concerned about us because it didn't seem like we ever left lab! We're glad the hard work paid off.
- What was an "a-ha" moment from this project?
In the beginning, there was a lot of uncertainty. We were unsure whether we could surmount certain obstacles regarding the construction and the technology. However, the moment Dr. Wagon started moving, we knew we had overcome a huge hurdle. It was also the first moment our idea moved from words and piles of wood and wires to a physical realization.
View the full project here.
The Chameleon Bag combines RFID technology and RGB LEDs into an interactive messenger bag with a reactive front panel. I combined a Boarduino microcontroller, an RFID reader, and 49 RGB LEDs to create delightful animations and patterns across the bag's front flap as the user places different RFID tagged objects into the bag. It also functions to remind the user if certain objects are missing from their bag.
- How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
I tried to watch the live jury, but it didn't work on my computer. I learned the I had won runner-up when I received the email from Core77 congratulating me.
- What's the latest news or development with your project?
I am currently developing this idea into a wall-mounted unit with the future potential to sell it or a kit version in the future. I also plan on sharing how to make the Chameleon bag online and in print.
- What is one quick anecdote about your project?
The project was originally going to be a skirt that changed colors, but I realized one would not be able to wear it everyday, which is how I decided on making a messenger bag instead!
- What was an "a-ha" moment from this project?
The "a-ha" was when I finally got the code to work and do what I wanted. It can be a long and frustrating journey to troubleshoot code, but the burst of excitement when the issue is solved makes the work worth it!
View the full project here.
InsectOrama is a set of drawing templates. Children (and adults) can use them to draw imaginary creatures. Contrary to most drawing templates insectOrama doesn't contain completed shapes but only parts: heads, bodies, paws... Of course insect parts but as well pieces of other animals and humans. By using a pencil one can trace an endless series of creatures onto paper and afterwards color them.
- How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
We watched the announcement live in our couch on the iPad at 11 pm. local time and were very thrilled when we heard my name J.
- What's the latest news or development with your project?
I just quit the co-operation with my local manufacturer and am again looking for a company to produce my drawing sets. Bad timing when I become a Notable Honoree at Core77. It is difficult to find a company in Belgium who believes in the value of my product and who offers me reliable results when it comes to quality and timing. So I hope this award brings me in touch with the right people.
- What was an "a-ha" moment from this project?
When I found out that it works! I tested and combined the pieces a lot on screen when designing my templates and it looked ok, even as black shapes, so I had my first prototype cut on Ponoko.com. When the first group of children tested them it was magic. They Loved it and the results were great and in full color!
About the images: Toyfactory.jpg is a drawing by guest artist Sam De Buysscher, a.k.a. Toyfactory. I work with guest illustrators who use the templates within their own style to provide my audience with new materials and techniques. Interested illustrators may contact me and receive a drawing set to experiment with.
Depoorter.jpg and Broches.jpg are works from the children of Belgian interior architects Depoorter-Holdrinet. They love my drawing sets to pieces and often send me images of their drawing-collections or even objects they create with insectOrama.
View the full project here.
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