Under One Roof - Student Design Concepts
Swipe to see all projects from the 2021 APD1 course in collaboration with Electrolux
Image:Mattias Pettersson, Foto: Mattias Pettersson
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Designing for the post-pandemic, multi-generational home
Is the global trend of multi-generational homes here to stay? If so, how can innovative design make the most of the opportunities and challenges presented by these households?
Text: Jens Persson
Image:Umeå Institute of Design
For their first conceptual design challenge, called "Under one Roof", in collaboration with Electrolux, APD1 students explored future design solutions within the areas of taste (kitchen systems), care (laundry and textile care) and wellbeing (cleaning, comfort and health).
More and more, young adults, children and the elderly are coming together under one roof, a trend that has been further accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. For this project, twelve APD1 students were challenged develop new consumer experiences that empower and enable all members of the family household.
So, what did they come up with? From flavored water to a clothes refresher, a three-in-one cleaner to a high-tech hoodie, the innovations appeal to young and old alike.
Collaborating with young people on the home of the future is essential for Electrolux, says Thomas Johansson, Design Director at Electrolux.
Enhancing home experiences is in our DNA. A key part of that is understanding the sociocultural shifts that impact human behavior now and in the future
Thomas Johansson, Design Director at Electrolux
"Working with the next generation of talented designers is rewarding for that reason. Together we find solutions to help people and enrich their lives".
This is the fourth year of the UID-Electrolux collaboration. This year, the students represented seven countries: Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, India, China and the Netherlands.
Thomas Degn, Associate Professor and Director of the MFA Advanced Product Design Program at UID says:
"Electrolux is a great partner to work with. Not only do they present the creative kind of challenge that really prepares our students for careers in product design, but the support and guidance they offer is really appreciated by all."
ELUXIR - A sleek water infuser that uses ultrasound to maximize the extraction of fruit flavor to the water with anything from oranges to cucumber to ginger, and can carbonate as well.
Student team: Emile Chuffart, Felix Wildberger, Adrian Heymann
Image:Umeå Institute of Design
1 / 4
SOFTCARE - A steam refresher that doubles as a table that can be placed in bedrooms, minimizing work and distributing responsibility across generations.
Student team: Erik Ivarson, Valerie Feiertag, Chinmay Bhogaonkar
Image:Umeå Institute of Design
2 / 4
TRIO - A vacuum cleaner, convenient for working parents, that works as a robot, a handheld or a stick cleaner.
Student team: Oscar Olsson, Nils Achenbach, Yue Zhao
Image:Umeå Institute of Design
3 / 4
NORA - A noise-canceling hoodie that anyone can wear in order to have privacy while living with many family members.
Student team: Yuan Hong, Heinrich Zaunschirm, Niels van Gils
Image:Umeå Institute of Design
4 / 4
