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2008 2024
No Signal!

PRODUCT DESIGN

No Signal!

with Reed Kram

No Signal! Is the the outcome of an exploratory one-week workshop completed for, and now exhibited in, the Mudac’s exhibition ‘We Will Survive’, which delves into the world of ‘Preppers.’ Guided by designer Reed Kram, students from the MA Product Design program, worked in pairs to create solutions for a hypothetical scenario in which phones no longer work, the internet is down, and grid electricity is unavailable. Faced with this breakdown of modern infrastructure, their mission was to reimagine how we might fulfill one of humanity's most essential needs—communication.

SORTIR DU CADRE – ECAL + DECATHLON

PRODUCT DESIGN

SORTIR DU CADRE – ECAL + DECATHLON

with Camille Blin

On the occasion of Paris Design Week 2024, DECATHLON is partnering with ECAL's Product Design Master's programme to unveil "Sortir du Cadre", an installation showcasing two prototypes of electric-assisted trekking bikes based on research into eco-design. Through this collaboration, DECATHLON engages the younger generation of designers around eco-design themes. These concept bikes, envisioned by students from Product Design Master’s  programme, express a vision of the future in which sustainable development and the pleasure of outdoor activities go hand in hand.

Yichen Wu – Haitang

PRODUCT DESIGN

Yichen Wu – Haitang

by Yichen Wu

Haitang Stool is the result of a culture-based form study, a blend of tradition and democratic ubiquity. The popularity of the New Chinese Style demonstrates a growing recognition of traditional culture in the Chinese market. Building on extensive research into Ming-style furniture, this project aims to extract and bring its beauty to everyday objects, challenging the common perception that it only serves a select few. By redesigning the iconic red plastic stool, the local Monobloc alternative, Haitang Stool explores the communicative power of cultural forms while keeping its low cost and universal functionality.

Jiahao Huang – Foamless upholstery

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jiahao Huang – Foamless upholstery

by Jiahao Huang

Polyurethane foam has been taken granted as the go-to material in creating comfort and softness for upholstery and caused immense pressure to environment. This motivates me to use spacer fabric, which features a sandwich structure with 3 layers, knitted altogether one time by 3d knitting machine, as the alternative to PU foam. I developed a sofa with this particular material in the core. It is cushioned, padded and covered all by spacer fabric. Without glue nor staples, all components are designed to be easily assembled and separated. The concept spins around the inherent tension and flexiblity of the material that enables it to naturally form voluminous yet smooth shapes. The idea is to build the cushioning core and contacting layer in one piece of fabric wilhout stiching and triming.

Meri Hozumi – Meno Mosso

PRODUCT DESIGN

Meri Hozumi – Meno Mosso

by Meri Hozumi

Meno Mosso transforms consumers into creators through the traditional technique of «papier-mâché» – akin to “hariko» used for Japanese toys. In contrast to mass production and fast consumption through online shopping, crafting a Meno Mosso product is a meticulous and intimate process of layering and drying paper repeatedly. Formed with sustainable materials – scrap paper and starch glue – Meno Mosso’s slow crafting also fosters deep connections between creators and their products. Experiences are shared alongside loved ones and each Meno Mosso product bears your signature: symbolising the personal connection embedded in the unique piece made from your choice of used paper. Who would discard such products, nurtured with care, time and memories?

Antonio Severi – VAC (Vacuum Assembled Composites)

PRODUCT DESIGN

Antonio Severi – VAC (Vacuum Assembled Composites)

by Antonio Severi

VAC focuses on assembling objects without conventional fasteners, using vacuum as a binder. This technique, known as «jamming,» originates from soft robotics but also occurs when vacuum-sealing goods like coffee. It increases friction between parts like glue but allows the process to be reversible. Various bags were filled with different materials, creating unique seating options that address technical challenges and explore material combinations. The project produced five chair prototypes using different methods, showcasing binding techniques that allow for easy separation and recycling, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Lilian Onstenk – uien

PRODUCT DESIGN

Lilian Onstenk – uien

by Lilian Onstenk

Many discarded jackets have malfunctioning zippers. Before repurposing, textiles and hardware need to be separated within the recycling facilities—a labor-intensive procedure. The uien collection proposes a system in which the fabric and the zipper are easily exchangeable and separable. The cotton inner lining is connected to the water-resistant cotton outer fabric. Similar to a pillowcase, the felted wool insulation is encapsulated between the cotton layers without using additional fastening systems. The slightly modified zipper ties into the fabric and can easily be removed and replaced. uien aims for easier recycling but above all encourages consumers to replace broken items without special equipment or prior knowledge.

Loïs Weber – ilo

PRODUCT DESIGN

Loïs Weber – ilo

by Loïs Weber

A report from the Swiss Office for the Environmental forecasts annual summer heatwaves, increasing the number of «tropical» days (>30°C) throughout the year. In response to this phenomenon, some Swiss cities are seeking solutions to combat these urban heat islands. The Ilo project proposes a solution to address heatwaves in Lausanne. In collaboration with a local brick manufacturer, the cooling potential of bricks, which absorb and slowly evaporate water, has been harnessed in a modular seating installation, providing shade and refreshment. Adaptable to various locations, this installation can be deployed during the four months of summer heatwaves, thus improving urban comfort and fostering social interactions.

Fanny Marrot – Encore Bon

PRODUCT DESIGN

Fanny Marrot – Encore Bon

by Fanny Marrot

Encore Bon is a system designed to change the way we think about food waste by reusing existing unsold but consumable resources produced by supermarkets. These spoiled, less attractive products are often neglected, even though they have tasty and nutritious qualities. The Encore Bon system communicates and educates people about food waste whilst creating new products. Raw ingredients are collected and then combined according to their aromatic match using a dedicated application, creating new and unusual flavours. They are then dried to extend their shelf life. The result is attractive, tasty dry products that encourage consumers to take a different look at unsold food.

Aurelia Pleyer – With kind regards

PRODUCT DESIGN

Aurelia Pleyer – With kind regards

by Aurelia Pleyer

The way we work is changing. Today, we no longer stay at a fixed desk in a single place but need flexibility and movement. As we perform a variety of tasks during the day, we wish for an equally diverse range of spaces to create, concentrate, communicate, and think within. With Kind Regards proposes an open way of working on two surfaces. Sitting or standing, the furniture explores different possibilities of work situations. The simple and direct, yet versatile structure uses wood to create a warm, welcoming surrounding. Encouraging to work in new ways, With kind regards is a flexible place for both short and longer E-Mails.

Justus Hilfenhaus – ECAL x ECAL

PRODUCT DESIGN

Justus Hilfenhaus – ECAL x ECAL

by Justus Hilfenhaus

ECAL x ECAL is a collaboration between myself and the institution. This project showcases a collection of objects designed and crafted at ECAL to address small yet significant problems I encountered during my time here. Each object, from classroom essentials to communal space enhancements, is created for optimal usability. With a galvanized steel finish, these items ensure durability and recognition, reflecting our contemporary architectural aesthetic. Crafted by ECAL artisans and myself, they represent our dedication to design, enhancing everyday life as they seamlessly integrate into our school environment.

Gabriella Duck Garnham – B+

PRODUCT DESIGN

Gabriella Duck Garnham – B+

by Gabriella Duck Garnham

Switzerland’s mobility infrastructure comprises of dynamic transport modes, from ‘hard’ steel tracks of train lines to ‘soft’ elements of buses and bikes. Soft elements are often the most accessible, making them essential in the mobility network to encourage people to use public transport. Traditionally, soft mobility infrastructure has been monumental, featuring concrete foundations and structures resistant to adaptation. Hence, they are difficult to adapt to the evolving needs of cities as they shift and grow, resulting in additional resources and even demolition. B+ is an ephemeral bus shelter for Transport Lausanne, designed to be secured on-site using local stone and timber, allowing for agile infrastructure that can shift and integrate with neighbourhoods as they develop.

Youssef Bassil – OoO_Out of Office

PRODUCT DESIGN

Youssef Bassil – OoO_Out of Office

by Youssef Bassil

The average adult spends 24 hours a week on their smartphone, leading to health issues like eye strain, disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, and reduced concentration. Many, especially Gen-Z, recognise smartphones are designed to capture attention and are switching to "dumbphones" – traditional mobile phones predating the iPhone. However, using a dumbphone daily ends up being impractical and frustrating. Modern society and services are tailored to smartphones for payments, transport, and more, alienating non-users. OoO_Out of Office offers a solution: an alternate device for basic communication, navigation, contactless payment, and tickets without distractions. Allowing users to stay connected and reach their destination without the overwhelming presence of a smartphone.

Altamirano Castro Eduardo – Sonido Material

PRODUCT DESIGN

Altamirano Castro Eduardo – Sonido Material

by Altamirano Castro Eduardo

Today’s audio industry has turned loudspeakers into small, wireless, battery-powered plastic objects. To challenge this, I created the Sonido Material project, which explores the relationship between music and human experience, emphasizing our interaction with sound. The outcome is a minimal satellite flat speaker with three components. It uses magnetic energy to activate a paper membrane with a layered copper coil, amplifying the sound. Each prototype showcases the material’s rawness, creating a poetic dialogue with its sonic environment. The design is fully modular and dismountable, facilitating repair, recycling, or a variety of configurations/installations.

Sofia Biondi – Campana

PRODUCT DESIGN

Sofia Biondi – Campana

by Sofia Biondi

Campana is the culmination of a collaboration with the Swiss company Ateliers Firmann, known for crafting cowbells and railings, leveraging their well-honed skills and tools. The outcome is a pair of lamps, each a different size, sculpted from curved and welded steel profiles. At the heart of each lamp, the bell itself shines as the light source. The aim was to transform the iconic bell from its traditional setting, giving it a new purpose. Just as the bell's sound guides and signals the presence of the animal, its light now graces domestic spaces with a gentle presence. The lamps are distilled to their essence: the radiant bell, the supporting structure, and a cable that connects these two distinct elements, all made under the same roof.

Louis Ferraz – Volume

PRODUCT DESIGN

Louis Ferraz – Volume

by Louis Ferraz

Table and bench system for common spaces. The tension of the project resides in the contrast of visual heaviness with the actual lightness of this family of objects. Big-scale products to occupy large spaces in an efficient way. The lightness and flat pack of the big table and bench allow an agile installation, yet they are durable and sturdy objects. This was made possible by using very thin plywood filled with a cardboard honeycomb structure.

Clémentine Merhebi – 75

PRODUCT DESIGN

Clémentine Merhebi – 75

by Clémentine Merhebi

In 2023, a person residing in Switzerland consumes 140 liters of drinking water per day. Half of which is used for showering. 75 is a showerhead that saves up to ¾ of our consumption. Developed by SICT, its mechanism visually imitates but reduces the flow of a classic showerhead from 20 to 4 liters of water per minute. Deprived of its handle, it also represents a material saving by fitting in the palm of your hand. Assembled with a single screw, all its components can be separated, including its magnets, which offer different inclinations when in contact with its support. Like a canvas, this adhesive sheet deconstructs the architecture of the shower through a simplification of its systems and accessories, allowing us to better understand our consumption.

I as an Island

PRODUCT DESIGN

I as an Island

with Chris Kabel

Like Robinson Crusoe scavenged the wrecked ship for materials to build his home, First Year Master Product Design students, guided by Chris Kabel, were invited to delve into the flotsam of their creative minds for this open workshop. The workshop began with collecting, organizing, and analyzing creative flotsam and jetsam to create a self-portrait as a designer. Unrealized projects, obsessions and fascinations, irritations, vague dreams, (bad) jokes, and ideas too weird to talk about—all these resided within a designer's mind. Beginnings already existed: inspiring photos on phones, inviting materials, first ideas hastily scribbled down, quick sketches on paper, half-baked assemblages, or flimsy maquettes. These fragments and particles were analyzed to discover the kind of designer each participant was, extracting a direction for development during the week. This process of analysis, ideation, and translation, including the ‘end result,’ became visible as an island, shaped and populated by each individual's design process. It featured fragile beginnings, iterations, and the choices made along the way, culminating in a final conclusion shaped by material samples, shape research, 3D sketches, the development of a mechanism, a campaign, a film scenario, or whatever else was distilled from the initial flotsam.

ECAL X HORGENGLARUS The Future is... Older

PRODUCT DESIGN

ECAL X HORGENGLARUS The Future is... Older

by Youssef Bassil, Meri Hozumi, Altamirano Castro Eduardo, Sofia Biondi, Gabriella Duck Garnham, Louis Ferraz, Justus Hilfenhaus, Clémentine Merhebi, Fanny Marrot, Lilian Onstenk, Aurelia Pleyer, Antonio Severi, Loïs Weber, Yichen Wu, Tom Jacquérioz

Who will we be? What will we need? How will we live? What will design offer? “Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.” — World Health Organization Led by Tutor Sam Hecht and completed by first-year students of ECAL Master Product Design with input from the senior-lab, this project presents a range of objects designed for Horgenglarus that cater to the growing population of elderly users. The aim of these objects is to challenge the stereotypes associated with this frequently medicalised category, while leveraging Horgenglarus’s extensive expertise in wood-based craftsmanship.

Fleur Federica Chiarito – ACCA

PRODUCT DESIGN

Fleur Federica Chiarito – ACCA

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

ACCA is a floor lamp designed for the outdoors, especially suitable for commercial use, e.g. in restaurants and cafes. In line with the advancements in rechargeable battery technology, the lamp includes an integrated battery that can be easily detached and recharged, eliminating the need to move the lamp during the process. Made entirely from aluminium components, ACCA features a sturdy design that can withstand all weather conditions. Its stability is further reinforced by an integrated space at the bottom, allowing for additional weight such as stones or gravel to be added for optimum stability.

Marcus Angerer – Layer

PRODUCT DESIGN

Marcus Angerer – Layer

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Despite being hailed as the next industrial revolution for a long time, 3D printing has yet to make the final step into mass manufacturing. This can be attributed primarily to its limitations in precision and efficiency. However, a printing setting known as Vase Mode shows promise as a potential solution to overcome these limitations. By enabling printing in a continuous spiralised line, it offers significantly cleaner and faster results, although it also presents its own set of challenges. This project investigates the potential of the Vase Mode by exploring its unique features and pushing the boundaries of what it can achieve. The outcome of this exploration is Layer, a lighting system entirely printed in ABS, that leverages the unique capabilities of the technology to its advantage.

Matteo Dal Lago – Natura Molta

PRODUCT DESIGN

Matteo Dal Lago – Natura Molta

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Marble, a popular resource worldwide, holds special significance in Carrara, Tuscany, where around 4 million tons are annually extracted. Extraction leads to the production of significant amounts of marble slurry, a dense mixture of dust and water. Proper management of this waste is crucial to prevent environmental pollution. With a focus on sustainable resource utilisation, my project seeks to upcycle this waste into a valuable resource. In collaboration with local companies, I spent most of the semester conducting on-site work in Carrara. The research conducted aims to highlight the potential of marble slurry as a valuable resource rather than waste material. The outcome presented features a collection of material samples and a bench designed and crafted entirely from marble slurry.

Yohanna Rieckhoff – re- club

PRODUCT DESIGN

Yohanna Rieckhoff – re- club

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Children’s feet grow quickly. Considering the need for shoes for different weather conditions, seasons and activities, the number of pairs per child is relatively high – and so is the cost for parents and even more for the planet. Shoes need to fulfil an array of consumer requirements in terms of style and function. They are composed of many parts and up to 40 different materials, including all types of plastics and glues. Hence, they are complicated to disassemble and recycle. In this context, Re- club features an everyday unisex shoe for children aged 1 to 6 that is built to be easily disassembled, allowing for recycling and refurbishing to extend the product’s lifespan.

Luca Vernieri – Campà

PRODUCT DESIGN

Luca Vernieri – Campà

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Campà features a series of decorated ceramics developed with I.C.A Giordano, a terracotta factory located in my hometown in the Amalfi Coast area. Originally, the production of ceramics was dedicated to locals who wanted to purchase objects that transformed everyday images into art. These objects depicted animals, fishermen, rural life and landscapes. Over time, as tourism developed, these objects became souvenirs, and decorators focused on reproducing the same patterns for decades with minimal variations. These once representative illustrations now serve as distant reminders, lacking emotional connection with younger generations. Campà aims to restore this bond by introducing self-ironic drawings, illustrating how modern lifestyle has found its unique form in this area.

Jule Bols – Disassembly Dialogue: Sketches and Dummies

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jule Bols – Disassembly Dialogue: Sketches and Dummies

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

In 2021 the EU commission passed new regulations that have forced the lighting industry to change: lighting needs to be manufactured and disposed of in more sustainable ways. In recent years, LED technology has dominated the industry as it is efficient, affordable and long lasting. However, the problem is that there is currently no feasible way to recycle LED lights. Disassembly of the components – LEDs, LED drivers/PCB boards, cables, sensors and casings with varying materials – is a key design challenge and would allow easier recycling. DISASSEMBLY DIALOGUE features sketches as well as physical models called DUMMIES, which showcase approaches to disassembling LED components. The DUMMIES are not luminaires or lamps, but rather playful and provocative ideas that intend to generate a discussion.

Paula Mühlena – Living in a Wall: A Feasible Fantasy

PRODUCT DESIGN

Paula Mühlena – Living in a Wall: A Feasible Fantasy

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Living in a Wall: A Feasible Fantasy merges contemporary construction standards with design, shifting our perception of products. The project explores built-in furniture, transforming it from an isolated practice into a replicable solution. It focuses on timber frame construction and prevalent prefabrication. By integrating furniture into the development and construction process of a house, this project demonstrates how furniture becomes an integral part of a cohesive, long-term system. The project is showcased in a book that serves as a scale model and a guide, leading readers through the evolution of built-in furniture, prefabrication and design iterations for living in a wall. The 1:10 scale, engineer-approved drawings and augmented reality features ground the concept.

Maxine Granzin – Project Beam

PRODUCT DESIGN

Maxine Granzin – Project Beam

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Project Beam is a home entertainment hub consisting of a projector and two speakers. Seeking to integrate the projector further into the living environment, Project Beam references the architecture of floor lamps. The stand in this case not only enables the user to reach the desired projection height but also to charge various devices thanks to a low-voltage circuit.

Luis Rodriguez – Coalesce

PRODUCT DESIGN

Luis Rodriguez – Coalesce

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Coalesce is a speculative design research project which explores the use of artificial intelligence to create a gender-fluid design language. By using AI image blending and text-to-image AI models, it is possible to create intersections between unnecessarily gendered products and question the biases and stereotypes that are linked to gender identities within the product design industry. The project consists of an interactive installation that showcases the results of blending razors for women and men through a trained AI model and physical prototypes made through 3D sculpting and modelling as reinterpretations of the AI-designed products.

Lucas Hosteing – Kouéno

PRODUCT DESIGN

Lucas Hosteing – Kouéno

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

During my cabinetmaking studies in 2016, I discovered slabwood, which is the name given to the edge pieces milled from a saw log. Slabwood is flat on one side and convex on the other. Because of its asymmetrical and irregular shape, it is discarded by woodworkers. The abundant offcuts from sawmills are sold at a low price (CHF 1 per linear metre of wood). Seven years after my cabinetmaking studies, I started to think about this unexploited material. Going against the tradition of working with pristine wood, my research resulted in a collection of benches. The planks are mitre-cut to create different volumes. Geometric extrusions of inverted trees are transformed into seats. In this way, slabwood is integrated into our interiors in its rawest form.

Cedric Oder – Skin

PRODUCT DESIGN

Cedric Oder – Skin

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Skin is a case for discarded smartphones. In combination with an app, it transforms the device into a child-friendly communication product. A redesigned interface allows children to explore the main functions of a phone in a more playful way while old hardware is used meaningfully. Concentration disorders, loss of creativity and imagination, and impaired development of the ocular apparatus are only a few of the consequential damages of premature smartphone usage. Skin challenges the traditional perception of tech for children and offers new conceptual and experimental solutions. Children get the opportunity to grow up with a healthier relationship to technology while being independent and connected. The aim is to create experiences with interactions that feel magical and that bring joy.

Chiara Torterolo – MedGum

PRODUCT DESIGN

Chiara Torterolo – MedGum

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

MedGum: Effective Alternative to Traditional Drug Delivery Systems Chewing gums are recognised by scientists and medical researchers as a highly effective alternative to conventional drug administration methods like pills, tablets and capsules. MedGum is a research-driven project that integrates food production, medical research and design, to develop a range of functional gums with additional health benefits. By designing the gum and its structure, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness of the medication, improving the speed and dynamics of absorption of active ingredients. Tailored to specific diseases such as stomach disorders, allergies, migraines and oral injuries, each MedGum, together with a new packaging, offers patients a discreet and convenient way of taking their medication.

Oscar Rainbird-Chill – Point de Charge

PRODUCT DESIGN

Oscar Rainbird-Chill – Point de Charge

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

A proposal for a streetlight-mounted socket for charging electric vehicles for the city of Lausanne, in anticipation of the 2030 ban on non-electric vehicles. The focus has been to create a compact design with an appropriate level of visibility that references the familiar and established typology of cast street signage.

Donghwan Song – Circuit Riff

PRODUCT DESIGN

Donghwan Song – Circuit Riff

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Unleash the power of music and technology with the Circuit Riff. This remarkable MIDI instrument combines a minimal design with the endless possibilities of MIDI technology. With carefully designed printed circuit boards, sensors and transducers, every detail of your performance is captured and translated into a digital language, empowering you to compose, improvise and experiment like never before. Seamlessly switch between playing the guitar and atmospheric soundscapes, manipulate effects with ease and explore a vast sonic palette. This PCB MIDI Guitar redefines musical expression, inspiring awe and admiration from musicians and enthusiasts alike. Embark on a musical journey where tradition meets cutting-edge technology and experience the evolution of music in your hands.

Sophia Götz – Smell&Tell

PRODUCT DESIGN

Sophia Götz – Smell&Tell

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Olfactory stimulation for people with dementia Using the power of smell – one of the senses most strongly associated with emotion and memory – Smell&Tell creates meaningful interactions and provides stimuli for communication and playful engagement. People with dementia can maintain their quality of life and promote well-being by participating in activities and social interactions that stimulate the brain and help maintain daily functions. The outcome of this research project is an olfactory game consisting of a series of ten selected odours and different ways to trigger (verbal/nonverbal) conversations. The design of the interaction between the caregiver and the affected person is not only intended to be enjoyable, but also to strengthen their relationship and provide a sense of meaning and identity.

Sebastiano Gallizia – FrameCraft

PRODUCT DESIGN

Sebastiano Gallizia – FrameCraft

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Framecraft focuses on redesigning the production process of custom-made bikepacking frame bags. As a foundation for my research I have drawn upon my prior experience in a small business where I handcrafted bikepacking bags. These bags are directly strapped to the frame instead of using a traditional pannier rack but, due to the unique nature of each frame, bikepacking bag producers cannot achieve a proper fit. To solve this, I suggest automating the manufacturing process and establishing a Micro-Factory that bridges the gap between custom craftsmanship and industrial efficiency. Every aspect of production, from pattern design to fabric cutting and graphic tracing, is fully automated. This approach addresses challenges in achieving a proper bag-to-bike fit, while promoting local production in Europe, and tackles concerns related to labour-intensive sewing.

Ecal for Schätti

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ecal for Schätti

with Camille Blin

ECAL for Schätti is a inspiring collection created by ECAL’s Master students in Product Design, under the guidance of Camille Blin, head of the programme, Jörg Boner, designer and Thomas Schätti, co-owner of the company Schätti. In the lighting industry, Schätti is synonymous with high quality manufacture and proven know-how. The brand is driven by a modernist vision and a fresh perspective: “The lighting industry is in upheaval; LED technology is the center of attention. A significant research and development effort is devoted to this technology. Light is being redefined.” A premise that ECAL students followed to create portable, battery powered LED lamps. The result is a multifunctional collection featuring the potential of this technology. Collapsible or foldable, wall or desk lamp, portable and rechargeable, indoor or outdoor: the selection translates Schätti expertise and ECAL students' creative minds.

U.F.O.G.O. Wind Turbines

PRODUCT DESIGN

U.F.O.G.O. Wind Turbines

with Camille Blin, Anniina Koivu, Anthony Guex, Marvin Merkel, Arthur Seguin

In 2023, the significant role of renewable energies in tackling the environmental crisis is blatant. In this context, wind power has once again been presented as a promising avenue for regions seeking to transition to renewable energy. However, concerns about their visual intrusion on surrounding environments pose a significant obstacle to their deployment. From a design perspective, this aesthetical factor is not insurmountable. On the contrary, it highlights the need for greater consideration of how we shape these technologies and integrate them into the environment and our lives. This project, completed by 16 MA Product Design Students of ECAL, has set out to explore how wind turbines can fit into natural landscapes and cultures not only sensitively, but beautifully – if we focus on their design. To complete the project effectively, a case study location was required. Fogo Island (Newfoundland, Canada), described locally as "this rock in the battering Northern Sea," was chosen due to its natural beauty, abundant wind, and tight-knit community of approximately 2,500 inhabitants. The island's climate and geography make it ideal for wind turbines. Additionally, Fogo Island is home to Shorefast, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a sustainable, renewable economy for the island. In October 2022, the students and tutors of ECAL visited and immersed themselves in Fogo Island. The project resulted in eight speculative yet practical wind turbine designs, considerately informed by various perspectives. U.F.O.G.O. is a sustainability project  grounded in reality, but not limited by what already is. Collaboration Partners: Shorefast HEIG-VD/School of Management and Engineering Vaud (Marc Pellerin, Philippe Morey and Marco Viviani) Media Partner: Disegno Funding: Summer University Programme of the Board of Higher Education (DGES) State of Vaud HES-SO Recherche Transdisciplinaire en Durabilite (under the project title 'INTEGRATED WIND TURBINES’)

The New Final Form

PRODUCT DESIGN

The New Final Form

with Christophe Guberan, Camille Blin

The New Final Form is the result of a cross-disciplinary workshop run by the 1st year students in the Product Design Master's programme. Working with Ceramaret, a company based in Bôle that specialises in new ceramic manufacturing processes, the students imagined today's electrical sockets and switches. Our daily habits and our relationship with these devices have changed considerably over the last few decades, particularly with the battery-powered appliances that surround us. Thanks to the development of new technologies and new manufacturing processes, and to the properties of ceramics: good resistance to heat and pressure, and very good electrical insulation, the students came up with a series of original proposals rethinking the Feller electrical socket of today, an icon of Swiss design established by Max Bill in 1946.

Fogo Island Plastic Free Kites

PRODUCT DESIGN

Fogo Island Plastic Free Kites

with Camille Blin, Maxwell Ashford, Anthony Guex, Anniina Koivu

Fogo, nicknamed ‘a rock in the ocean’ is a small island situated off Newfoundland, Canada. As a part of a larger on-going semester project, 2nd Year Master Product Design students of ECAL, completed a short, fun, few day workshop, utilising one of the most abundant resources on the island - wind. Working in collaboration with the ShoreFast Foundation - an organisation working in numerous avenues to create a sustainable economy on the island, students developed plastic free kites. Fogo Island has the intention of becoming completely plastic free in the coming years and as their tourist numbers increase memorabilia of this special place are in higher demand. The developed kites are therefore to be made on the island and intended for the Fogo Island Workshop gift shop. Using Birch Wood, Ripstop Organic Cotton and hemp fibre string the students created a range of designs, taking reference from the unique features of the island.

ECAL x On 2040

PRODUCT DESIGN

ECAL x On 2040

with Christophe Guberan

Master Product Design students from ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne have created, in collaboration with Swiss brand On Running, shoe soles of the future. Under the guidance of Christophe Guberan, guest designer of MA Product Design and support of Thilo Alex Brunner, head of design at On, students explored within the context of the year 2040, concept shoe soles. The outcomes range from exploring the use of new materials and processes, to reinterpreting and re-contextualising common place aspects of todays world, all with a focus on future performance. A select number of the designs were developed into elaborate prototypes and exhibited at On’s new headquarters in Zurich in collaboration with works from other ECAL MA’s photography and Type Design.

ON 2040 - MASTER PRODUCT DESIGN

PRODUCT DESIGN

ON 2040 - MASTER PRODUCT DESIGN

with Christophe Guberan, Camille Blin

Following a collaboration with the Swiss avant-garde brand On, ECAL is proud to present the interdisciplinary work carried out jointly by the 2nd year students of the Product Design, Photography and Type Design Masters.

Antoine Jacquat – Aura

PRODUCT DESIGN

Antoine Jacquat – Aura

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, affecting over 50 million people worldwide. The seizures this disorder causes greatly limit the autonomy of the people concerned who often cannot drive or venture out on their own. Thanks to artificial intelligence and electrodes, it is possible today to predict and warn about epileptic seizures before they occur. Although such devices have the potential to save lives, the majority of these people refuse to wear them because of their stigmatising aspect. Thus I designed a 3D knitted cap, including all the necessary technology to securely predict seizures. The product, with its subtle aesthetics, invites people with epilepsy to wear such devices to enable them to move more freely in their daily lives.

Yoosung Kim – Zest

PRODUCT DESIGN

Yoosung Kim – Zest

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common diseases in the world. Despite their disability, people with CP would like to be more physically active, as evidenced by the Paralympics, which features many disabled players and sports. However, there is a lack of shoes for such people. Simply putting on the shoes and lacing them often presents a challenge for the user, who most of the time has to ask for help from their coach. My Zest shoe is easy to put on with one hand. In addition, it can be customised according to personal physical ability using knitting and 3D printing technology. This project was developed thanks to feedback from professional athletes with CP and testing in the lab of Swiss sportswear brand On.

Borja Suqué – Hand-Assembled Portable Light Series

PRODUCT DESIGN

Borja Suqué – Hand-Assembled Portable Light Series

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

When designing an object, ad hoc processes are frequently used to imitate industrial ones. These improvised methods are often as intriguing as the ones they represent. At a time when it is difficult to rely on conventional producers due to constant changes in supply chains and the market, it is engaging to seek alternatives that allow for creative interest and production outside of industrialisation. Triggered by these factors, my project explores a method of self-producing a limited series of portable lights in a way that falls outside the traditional discipline of design and the standardised processes of mass production. All the lamps are hand assembled and made using off-the-shelf materials, techniques and electrical components.

Stefan Troendle – HydrogenCooker

PRODUCT DESIGN

Stefan Troendle – HydrogenCooker

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

According to the WHO, the use of fossil fuels in the home, including cooking, and the resulting indoor air pollution causes 3.8 million deaths each year, mostly in developing countries. HydrogenCooker is a green hydrogen-powered cooking station developed in collaboration with EPFL’s Renewable Energy Research Laboratory and Softpower, a start-up from Cameroon. The stove can replace current open fire or natural gas cookers while using locally solar-generated hydrogen and only emitting water vapour during the cooking process. As a result, cooking becomes less harmful and more sustainable. Local production of the appliance and deviant cooking habits discovered on a research trip to Cameroon guided the design process.

Reo Koda – In Fill Out - TPU

PRODUCT DESIGN

Reo Koda – In Fill Out - TPU

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

In Fill Out is a new manufacturing process that inflates a 3D printed object by heating the air inside. In order to achieve the most effective use of activated air, I designed the shoe sole to take advantage of its cushioning function with TPU – a kind of material that is flexible, recyclable, and widely used in the footwear industry. The result introduces new possibilities for digital manufacturing: fewer materials, lightweight, zero waste, recyclability, short printing time, less post-processing, personalisation to the foot, and much more.

Tsubasa Koshide – Printed Picture Frame

PRODUCT DESIGN

Tsubasa Koshide – Printed Picture Frame

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Picture frames are objects that have been developed for a long time to display pictures. As a designer and illustrator, I have designed a unique system that can be quickly produced and customised. A picture frame is a simple object, but it still combines many materials, costs a lot of money to produce and does not offer a choice of colours or patterns. However, when manufactured with a 3D printer, you can easily produce colours, patterns and shapes that suit illustrations and moods. It also makes it possible to create elongated shapes and circular picture frames that would have had to be custom-made in the past.

Lukas Lüttgen – Voie

PRODUCT DESIGN

Lukas Lüttgen – Voie

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Voie is a modular, barrier-free bench for the platforms of the Swiss Federal Railways, designed to improve the quality of the experience in stations and to make travel easier for people with reduced mobility and the visually impaired. Its open, modular design allows for a variety of configurations and invites users to rest and meet spontaneously. To allow for more greenery, pots serve as a link between the modules. Locally produced and sustainably treated ash wood provides a comfortable yet robust seating surface. Voie was developed in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Railways.

Thomas Manil – Lemanne

PRODUCT DESIGN

Thomas Manil – Lemanne

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Jewellery is a product, the result of know-how, that raises questions about its materials, manufacturing techniques, aesthetics, etc. From high jewellery to costume jewellery, via the stances taken by contemporary jewellers, the jewellery sector – whether it comes under the heading of craftsmanship, art or design – has found its way into innovation and creativity. Lemanne is a collection of jewels inspired by the Lake Geneva region, which makes use of its traditional know-how. The refined combination of pearls, made from pure guanine of fish scales from Lake Geneva, combined with manufacturing processes and fishing techniques, generates the DNA and character of the project in its entirety.

Clemens Neureiter – A Soup a Day

PRODUCT DESIGN

Clemens Neureiter – A Soup a Day

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

A Soup a Day is a mobile soup kitchen concept developed in close contact with Canisibus, Vienna. Canisibus is a social project that serves up to 400 soups a day to the hungry on the street. The design concept is based on the idea of cheap reproduction and easy cleanability. It is built on a standard trailer from Hinterher, is adapted to Euronorm boxes and a Rieber thermal container. A tarp covers and protects the goods and can be easily removed for cleaning and replacement.

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