The competition that brought the world a prototype of a virtual shopping game that requires users to ‘catch’ holograms of fish to earn their dinner is back again!
Thirty-five (35) semi-finalists have been announced in the Electrolux Design Lab 2015 competition. The global competition asks design students to develop innovative ideas for products, accessories, consumables and services in three focus areas: Cooking, Fabric Care and Air Purification. It’s a very ambitious, high tech and almost sci-fi look at the future of home appliances.
“The semi-finalist concepts of Design Lab 2015 are original, innovative and thought provoking,” said Thomas Johansson, design director and one of the Electrolux experts. “The students have now received expert feedback and a new brief to further develop their ideas. As always it will be very exciting to follow this process online and engage in a conversation with the semi-finalists. In previous years we have seen good ideas turn into great consumer propositions.”
Based on the next stage of concept development, six finalists will be chosen by the Electrolux experts. First prize in the competition is a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design centre and 10,000 Euros (AU$ 14,500).
The theme for this year’s competition is ‘happy healthy kids.’ Here is a selection of the semi-finalists and a full list can be found here.
“The BioPrinter is a food 3D printer which aims to promote healthy eating for children as well as their creative thinking and environmental awareness through a stimulating and environmentally-friendly system and process.”
Watch out multicookers and kettles, here comes Bloom! “Bloom is a unique kettle that utilises steam – an otherwise wasted form of energy – and recycles it through three separate pods in a safe and accessible way for children. Bloom’s pods unique functions are; 1) Steam Cooking 2) Growing/Air Purification 3) Product Sterilisation.”
For mini masterchefs, the Electrolux Hub is “an educational cooking experience in an augmented reality environment. At the core of the design is the notion of virtual progression by earning experience points to advance in levels and unlock further recipes.”
“Uggla is a bedtime, huggable air purifier which breathes as if it is alive; purifies air and prevents mites and checks health conditions of a kid. It is able to interact with children and provide emotionally familiar experiences.”
![Electrolux Design Lab semi finalist Q.H[Quadruple H]](https://www.applianceretailer.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Q.HQuadruple-H-508x299.jpeg)
Imaginarium is a virtual dreamcatcher that purifies the air and promotes a good nights sleep. It is a “futuristic dream machine that purifies air we breath, emmits relaxing lightwaves, and scented varieties.”
Airy Leaf creates a favourable microclimate around your child’s bed. As well as an air purifier, there is a three-dimensional projection of a variety of toys, light installations, holograms and various audio sounds.
Future Classroom is an interactive and self-sustaining kitchen for educational use with an integrated aquaponic system to grow fruit and vegetables and cooking area.
The KickAir ball purifies the air while it is moving. It is charged when it is kicked, which allows the ball to keep moving and cleaning the air indoors.
Gut is an air purifier and an interactive assistant that grows up alongside the child.
“The ecosystem is composed of flowies, scanning the air, and interacting with your environment and a circular base representing visually the air pollution. Every 20 minutes, one of the Flowies land to the base for 1 minute to refill his battery while transmitting information about the air quality.”
Engage turns daily kitchen tasks into social play and learning activities for the whole family. “Put on your Engage glasses, start your Engage device and the Kitchen will be magic. Your personally chosen augmented reality mascot will guide you through all kinds of activities related to food and health.”