BraunPrize 2018

Walking is a basic need of our locomotion system. For elderly people or those recovering from injuries, it is an excellent exercise for remaining fit and healthy. “Agilˮ is an adaptive walking aid with responsive and flexible polymer support structures designed to maintain a high level of freedom and sensitivity while walking. “Agilˮ allows for a natural walking motion since it provides a more even distribution of body weight, thus creating an equilibrium that reduces the incidence of tumbling. Walking can remain dynamic and spirited, thus promoting health or supporting the recovery process.

Finding of the jury
Jurors were positive about “Agilˮ. They felt that focus here was on the right economic solution and the right functionality. It is an improvement over the current product, achieving more comfort. It is adapted to human function, rather than forcing the user to adapt to it. The overall opinion was that “Agilˮ was well thought through, from how it responds to contact with the ground and a dynamic, almost life-like response to human motion, to its ergonomic form that supports the hand and elbow. It uses flexible material to provide more spring.
Jurors stated that, compared to other products in the market, it is a good optimization of an existing product. It is more rounded and has a better design. In general, it was considered to be a big step in the right direction. The jury stated that it was not a revolution, but rather an evolution, showing that improvements can be made even to those products that seemed to be finally evolved.

“moˮ is an urban mobility system that combines the desire for sustainability with a higher quality of life. The mobility system takes the needs of users as its starting point. “moˮ could be implemented inexpensively and rapidly and would require only a moderate amount of technical infrastructure/outlay. In the form of a smartphone app, “moˮ becomes a practical “location-based serviceˮ that encourages spontaneous use of the mobility system even when on the go.
The heart of the “moˮ system is the strategy of offering local public transportation in connection with various individual rental vehicles. From bikes and cargo bikes all the way to electric bikes and cars, “moˮ members are intended to be able to choose from a comprehensive, single-source range of vehicles as spontaneously as possible – whatever their situation. Bulky goods can be transported with the cargo bike, longer distances travelled with an electric bike – vehicles that represent a more eco-friendly alternative to the car are available for all kinds of usage scenarios.
The system uses positive incentives to encourage “moˮ members to make more sustainable choices. Depending on the means of transport they opt for, “moˮ members collect miles for the distances travelled that can then be redeemed within the system. Even when they use their own bicycle, they earn points in the “moˮ miles system – and are thus rewarded. Their accumulated “moˮ miles can for instance be used for a trip to the furniture store with a “moˮ car. The higher a member’s “moˮ mileage balance is, the less he pays. This encourages environmentally aware behavior and, ideally, gives members an incentive to change their habits in the long term.

Finding of the jury
Jurors were unanimously positive about this concept. It makes improvements not only in a single product; it also optimizes the overall context and increases awareness, actually changing how things are done. The concept is both a public transportation system as well as an individual product.
The jury liked the fact that the designers actually bring together and utilize existing things, without reinventing or redesigning them. Thus, it’s both a design as well as a meta-design. The concept integrates existing elements in the environment and adds value at the same time, as the bicycles are used by others when the owners don’t need them. Jurors felt that this also creates a platform for potentially new things to happen. People are encouraged to share their bicycles through incentives to earn more miles, which can be used for other things. This starts to drive behaviors, which is very positive in the spirit of this kind of system.
Jurors also appreciated the social aspects of this concept. It also provides users with an opportunity to connect with one another. They can use this as an entry point, similar to a club. They felt it was unique how this concept places focus on bicycles, which then spreads to the use of other things. This had been done with other systems or products, but not bicycles.

Edible insects are a healthy, tasty and sustainable source of protein. But how can this become an everyday reality in the Western world? This project is a roadmap for introducing edible insects into the Western diet. This cultural leap could be achieved through a sequence of products and services that will steadily build acceptance.
Insects offer a solution to accelerating global food demand. They are much more space and energy-efficient than traditional livestock and will happily eat unwanted crops. They are also high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, as well as rich in vitamins and minerals. The brand, “Entoˮ, was designed to build awareness of the benefits of edible insects. “Entoˮ will deliver a succession of foods and eating experiences that will gently challenge this cultural taboo. And perhaps by 2020, fresh grasshoppers will be a regular sight in the local supermarket.

Finding of the jury
The jurors felt that this proposition was very thoroughly explored. Often technology drives sustainability by using less power or better engineered products. In this instance, design is used to address cultural resistance to eating insects and to raise awareness of the need to find alternatives to unsustainably produced protein. Jurors found it to be an interesting approach to something people traditionally resist eating. They stated that the potential for success lies in the cleverness of the design, as it reframes the concept of eating insects, almost disguising them. A lot of things are eaten in this basic shape, everything from sweets to tofu, making people more likely to try it.
The jury pointed out that very often solutions go from the West to the less developed parts of the world and that this case is an intriguing reversal. They also found it interesting how the business plan begins on an environmental level, then introduces the product in restaurants, and then goes widespread. Overall, jurors agreed it is important to raise awareness of the need for new sustainable sources of protein and that this is a step in the right direction.

“Swypˮ is a radically simple printer concept. While many companies try to innovate printing by “adding more featuresˮ, the designers felt that the solution could come from “better core featuresˮ. This “radically simpleˮ concept uses a large touch-screen to simplify printing by allowing the user to see and manipulate, in 1:1 scale, what the finished result will look like - before printing. The underlying idea is that users’ frustration and many common problems (such as wasted time, paper and ink), could be fixed by making all aspects of the printing interaction more natural, predictable and understandable. Today most people print from multiple sources. “Swypˮ also simplifies connectivity by enabling a quick way to get printouts from the most relevant sources such as mobile devices, cameras and libraries, e.g. Flickr and Facebook.
Consumer printers represent a very mature and stagnant market. The advance of digital technologies clearly point toward a decline in the long run. Yet, people rarely lament the loss of a printer, nor do they profess the same kind of emotional attachment that they might have for other digital victims such as books, CDs, Vinyl, etc. The main reason is that, even today, consumer printing is still a complicated and annoying experience.
While many companies appear focused on adding more and more features and improving specs, the basic interaction has remained mostly untouched over the last 25 years and it is still broken. People seldom complain that their printers lack the features they desire – rather they struggle with the very basic printing tasks and don’t get the results they expect. The designers chose to focus on a solution that can breathe new life into this humble “peripheralˮ by radically simplifying it.

Finding of the jury
Jurors were unanimously positive about “Swypˮ. They found it to be a good as well as obvious solution that brings an interactive service to the printer. It simplifies the way to access the printer, to modify and adjust the pictures, and all contained in one device. They mentioned how normal document printing can be troublesome, even annoying, but found this solution to be very intuitive. It makes it possible to observe the transition from the virtual version to the printed copy, using the same interface to control the image as well as the printer. This simply makes printing easier.

The jurors commented that everyone has had to deal with a printer that either won’t connect or prints something in the wrong format. With this solution, the user sees the finished product in the actual size before it is printed, serving as a perfect bridge between hard and software. The jury pointed out that since people are increasingly working with small screens, e.g. smart-phones and other small devices, this enables them to check on a big screen before printing.

“Revolverˮ is a portable wind turbine for charging personal electronics when they are off the grid. Transported in a slender tube, “Revolverˮ is easily set up. When compressed, the outer layer blossoms into 4 curved blades, revealing a lower assembly of a tripod base. Spikes on the tips anchor “Revolverˮ to the ground during high winds. It can generate up to 35 watts of power, enough to keep a laptop charged, a lantern lit or power a phone, camera or other mobile device.
A new product category is emerging: “personal powerˮ. This means mobile, unconnected power gathered for free from renewable resources like sun, wind and water. Personal power is the ability to harness the energy potential around us. “Revolverˮ embraces a future beyond toxic back-up batteries and fossil fuel-generated power. As focus turns to renewable energy sources around us – solar, hydro, wind – the designers examined which of these is the most desirable and efficient for certain applications.
Unlike solar and hydro, wind power is not limited to the day, night or geographic location –wind is everywhere outside. Harnessing its potential is a matter of human ingenuity. “Revolverˮ is engineered to harness the greatest amount of wind power with the smallest footprint, in a highly portable configuration. “Revolverˮ has been designed and engineered to package these criteria into a form factor that will become the new archetype and expression for personal power, a form that captures the imagination and emotion of today’s consumers. “Revolverˮ was designed to appeal to discerning and savvy early adopters of technology, as much as to the average consumer, as a highly elegant and functional solution to answer a universal need: mobile power and true freedom from the grid.

Finding of the jury
They jury thought that this could be a very effective and useful way to generate power. They were impressed by the complete design, function and level of efficiency. It’s a very attractive idea deployed in a very simple, elegant form with its curved blades. It is compact, simple and easy to fold.
Jurors stated that this also has potential for other applications in daily life. Moreover, it would be helpful in many situations, not just at campsites or in emergencies. They felt the product conveys awareness and puts users in charge of their own electricity needs. It provides them with greater flexibility to generate power without requiring any other means.
The jury found that it was an interesting way of thinking, having one small generator for one small purpose. They felt that the direction, in which this product is headed, is very promising and makes a lot of sense.

The Clam OLED Lamp is based on the image of a flower opening in daylight, but the light behaves in purposefully contrary way, opening to provide light as soon it is switched on. The light’s opening angle – and therefore the light emission of the lamp’s’ bulbs and the colour and intensity of the light – can be adjusted. The ceiling lamp includes a remote control that can  also be used to pre-select different dynamic light programs. The lamp’s visual characteristics have also been intensified as part of this eye-catching design, namely, slimness, transparency, lightness and flatness.

Jury statement
This design not only makes good use of technological innovation, but also represents a high degree of design quality resulting in an entirely positive user experience. Even though the project has neither changed the general idea nor the function of a lamp generally, the design uses the thoughtful application of latest OLED technology with a well-judged calibration of wavelength to create a highly functional and aesthetic object.

Skylino has been designed to safely secure children under the age of two when flying, even during take-off, landing, turbulence, emergency landings and possible evacuation. Skylino does not incur any extra costs for parents, as no additional seat is required. Instead Skylino enhances the natural bond between mother and child, which soothes the latter and causes it to cry less. From the departure gate onwards, this innovation makes it easier for the family to board the aircraft and to move about in narrow aisles.

In the event of an emergency, mother and child can leave the cabin just as quickly as other passengers, as the child is secured to the mother at all times. A back stabilizer provides protection against acceleration forces during landing and helps to prevent injury during evacuation. The carrier function gives the mother the necessary freedom of movement to prop herself up and to keep her balance on the emergency chute.

Jury statement
This project is a perfect example for approaching a problem in a holistic, conscious way. Accordingly Skylino does not only address the multiple‚ technical scenarios of flight safety when travelling with a baby, but also keeps the psychological importance of parent-child connectivity during emergencies in mind. In addition, the idea of the design can be easily transferred to other transportation vehicles as well where similar solutions do not exist yet.

This product is a new type of walker for children suffering from cerebral polio or spina bifida. ‘LeapFrog’ encourages and supports children with impaired mobility to rise from a sedentary position, allows them to practice walking and attaining balance as well as allowing for short sedentary breaks. The adjustment between the various positions, (i.e. sitting, standing and walking) takes place in an automatic way and responds to the intention and movement of the child. In addition, ‘LeapFrog’ stops moving automatically when the child assumes a sedentary position. This feature prevents crashing and sliding when sitting and therefore prevents the child from acquiring erroneous movement patterns. The mechanism for the support when in a standing position can be set according to weight and therefore can be adjusted according to the child‘s development. ‘LeapFrog’ not only supports the physical development, but also the independence and selfconfidence of the child. It reinterprets a ‘painfully’ medical appearance with a product that appears to be caring and playful.

Finding of the Jury
This design product is the result of thorough user research and offers a complex yet practical solution to different forms of physical disability. The jury was impressed by the product’s adaptability to different disabilities, the way it adjusts to individual users’ unique challenges and its effectiveness as a form of physical therapy that motivates improvement and self-worth.

‘triops’ is a robust digital camera which allows the user to experience new perspectives and perceptions and takes the potential of digital photography to a new level. The camera is equipped with three protected fisheye lenses and allows for an active, spontaneous and playful photographing experience. This product can take images while being thrown, suspended or just being placed in an unusual location. It captures the moment by responding to sound or movement, or by reacting to the manually operated release. Sequentially taken photographs are possible as well as 360 degree panorama images. All working parts are integrated in the robust casing and can be operated easily and intuitively. Pictures can be wirelessly transmitted to a separate display unit for display. This unit functions as a processing and storage device and the camera‘s charging station.

Finding of the Jury
This innovative, conceptual yet practical product captures the spontaneity of the moment by showing unexpected images and perspectives of our experiences. The product develops the idea that our point of view is sometimes arbitrary and not controlled by the photographer. As a result the act of picture taking does not remove the photographer from the experience. The jury believes that further development and extension of the basic idea could result in a wide range of exciting applications in many different areas, such as children’s education and artistic expression.

The Rescue Buoy is a life guard assistant in the form of a rescue buoy that monitors the water to detect possible rescue situation in time. Life guards are able to find the rescue situation from land, but have problems locating the spot while out on water. The Rescue Buoy solves this problem by identifying the problem, contacting the life guard on shore to determine the right action, and if needed, moving towards the location to act as a floatation device and a positioning marker until further assistance arrives. The buoy is meant to work in a team with other buoys cover-ing the whole width of the beach, each observing a distance of 150 meters. Besides emergency situations, it also makes beach guests feel safe from off shore winds and shark attacks. The Rescue Buoy brings the robotic application into a new field by finding, consulting and solving an actual problem that would save human lives.

Finding of the Jury
The jury found that this project touches a very interes-ting category, which is the one of life saving in com-bination with robot technique. Currently you see many projects in the area of serving robots; the topic of live saving robots is quite rare and has a higher social value. “Rescue Buoy” is a floating robot, which observes beaches, can track somebody in case of an emergency and save him (with some control of the live guard). Several problems are obviously: The deep, which restricts the performance in shallow waters; the water stream of the drive in the direction of the person, who is rescued; energy. Finally, there is a long way to go until the project becomes a product.

Yolk is a design for a head protection device which revolutionizes the image and associations the specific user group has with safety equipment. Under regular use, Yolk is semi-rigid and comfortable, but when subjected to impact it instantaneously forms a stiff shell dispersing and absorbing the energy. This is achieved by utilizing a polypropylene beaded liner and a Kevlar skin impregnated with thickening fluid. The liner can be fitted with a choice of skins to match the users’ personal style, breaking the boundary between safety and fashion. This head protection also allows the user to plug in a two way radio, music player or mobile phone to the integrated headphones and controls. Yolk addresses the physical, psychological and social barriers young skiers and snowboarders have with wearing head protection. This product should decrease the percentage of young adults that reject the use of helmets due to comfort, inconvenience and negative image association.

Finding of the Jury
The jury chose this project because it addresses a very important safety issue for snowboarders. The target group is very unique in their needs and desires, they would prefer to take the risk of injury than wearing a safety helmet. This new product is a really nice example of function meeting fashion. Strong aspects of the project are the well resolved integration of technology and the innovative use of a gel like material that changes its properties under impact. The way that the helmet is secured on the head could be further developed.

The Mesh Editor wants to reveal the idea that a design can extend the possibilities of a specified plan. The Mesh Editor is a mobile space design that helps people to create large span space structures fast, easy and safe. The size of the space made by Mesh Editor depends on the number of triangular repetitions. It can form either long corridor type or hemisphere type structures. The shape can be varied by loosening or fastening the ropes of the frame. Since the shape of the structure can be altered, there are a variety of applications for it. It can be used for sports, concerts, outdoor events or as a stationary cover for a certain purpose. Its function comes from exploring its possibilities. The characteristics of the Mesh Editor permit this product to be not only considered as industrial design, but also as experimental architecture.

Finding of the Jury
This is an architectural concept with many varying app-lications. It can be considered as an industrial design at an architectural scale. The ability for buildings to change shape and size quickly is very intriguing. The concept of structure becoming a living organism is very exciting. The mechanisms and applications require further development.