Feed

Type

Course

Know-how

Years

2006 2022
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.

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.

Beat Baumgartner – Instelloni - Local Grown Instant Pasta

PRODUCT DESIGN

Beat Baumgartner – Instelloni - Local Grown Instant Pasta

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

We all know instant noodles that provide a whole menu within a few minutes. And we all know that cannot be healthy! In addition, the pasta is usually made from imported durum wheat. This is precisely what I focused on, looking at which grain grows best in my area and whether you can make pasta from it. The result: instant whole wheat pasta made from emmer, which achieves depth of flavour through two fermentation techniques. The delicate dried vegetables and spices are not packed in a plastic bag as usual but are enclosed in the pasta. In this way, we can completely dispense with plastic in the packaging. It is plastic-free, healthy, local and vegan!

Paul Rees – Futuristic Objects

PRODUCT DESIGN

Paul Rees – Futuristic Objects

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Futuristic Objects is a collection of props representing daily scenes caused by contemporary environmental issues. Existing objects are adapted to projected changes caused by environmental deterioration to make potential future realities more tangible. The resulting changes in behaviour are represented in imagery and video. The current discourse on climate change and environmental issues seems to be repetitive and stuck in a dilemma between scientific facts that call for change and immutable, established systems. The project provides an alternative communication tool to long scientific papers or legislation, intending to re-establish our emotional connection with these pressing issues.

Danpeng Cai – TEXTure

PRODUCT DESIGN

Danpeng Cai – TEXTure

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

TEXTure is a fingerprint for physical objects that integrate information through a texture on their surface. It converts encoded texts to assigned machine-readable textures, which were once relatively arbitrary. Inspired by the Turing pattern, a reaction-diffusion system portrays how nature brings uniqueness to each creation, TEXTure can develop automatically and individuate each product through fabricating processes like 3D printing. An embedded fingerprint enables industrial products to move toward full life cycle traceability. It has a high potential for phone-scannable accessibility, anti-counterfeiting, extended producer responsibility, recycling, vintage markets, etc.

HsinHung Chou – Nimble

PRODUCT DESIGN

HsinHung Chou – Nimble

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Changing posture while working at a desk not only benefits your physical and mental health but also increases productivity and concentration. Unlike the desk-centric environments of the past, the office of the future will be a gathering space that facilitates interaction and collaboration. Nimble is an active task chair with an inviting shape and adaptive mechanism that encourages changes in posture and dynamic sitting. Its pared-down aesthetics and carefully selected materials break with the traditional office chair. This simple yet versatile chair is a handy companion that serves numerous contemporary work scenarios such as co-working spaces and home offices.

Carolin Schelkle – The Black Sheep of the Wool Industry

PRODUCT DESIGN

Carolin Schelkle – The Black Sheep of the Wool Industry

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

There are more than 1000 sheep breeds in the world, producing fibres of different colours, lengths, and textures, but only the finest wool is suitable for the textile industry. Since European wool does not reach these high standards, large amounts of raw wool have turned from a source of income into a waste product. With increasing interest in sustainable use of natural resources, wool should be re-considered as an underrated and underused renewable resource, worthy of better exploration. This project investigates the potential of European wool by exploring a new production process, i.e., automatic felting. The resulting jacket illustrates the potential of this technology and takes advantage of the natural properties of wool, turning it from waste into a valuable raw material.

Cheuk Yin Chow – M-01 Illumination-induced Multispectral Camera

PRODUCT DESIGN

Cheuk Yin Chow – M-01 Illumination-induced Multispectral Camera

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Investment in fine art painting is a huge, opaque market and art authentication is crucial. Multispectral imaging reveals erased signatures and underdrawings, helping identify artworks and providing information about their history and manufacturing process. There is a demand from art experts for a user-friendly multispectral camera that might provide instant readable results and help make comparative study more efficient and robust. My mission was to develop the hand-held multispectral camera in collaboration with the start-up MATIS and CSEM (Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology). The unibody module takes into account the ease of installation and usability for art experts when photographing paintings. The structure was developed based on cost-effective, 3D printing production in small batches.

Giacomo De Paoli – Dipolo

PRODUCT DESIGN

Giacomo De Paoli – Dipolo

with Augustin Scott de Martinville, Camille Blin

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motion of the wrist tendons. The disorder mainly affects people in the manufacturing industry and those who spend long hours in front of a screen. Approximately 3-6% of the adult population suffers from it. Dipolo is a device that helps relieve and treat the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. It consists of an electrostimulation unit strapped to the arm and a stress ball made of a conductive material. By creating an electric field between the two units, it is possible to stimulate the nerve in the wrist, which is beneficial to the user. The person can actively contribute to the therapy by exercising with the custom designed ball.

Manuel Steffan – Bing!

PRODUCT DESIGN

Manuel Steffan – Bing!

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Bing! is a music composition tool that enables anyone to visually compose and create melodies in an analogue way. Colourful aluminium rods that are tuned to different notes can be freely arranged and played with a sliding steel ball. Simplifying the idea of rhythm into sequence and interchanging the notes helps create intuitively – especially for people without prior musical education. The project derives from my MA thesis on how we – even as adults – need to play in order to learn, as well as from my personal passion for musical instruments.

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.

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.

Ecal×Yamaha Sound Machines

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ecal×Yamaha Sound Machines

with Camille Blin

Master Product Design students from ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne have created, in collaboration with Japanese brand Yamaha and its Design Laboratory, new types of music players in order to meet new requirements related to listening to music. Under the guidance of Camille Blin, Head of the project, the students first investigated and documented different contemporary processes and ways of listening to music, specifically through photographs and videos. The aim was to create a cartography of these practises. In a second step, they transcribed and applied these findings to new music playback devices – relevance and innovation being essential in this phase of the project. Finally, with the help of specialists from the Yamaha Design Laboratory based in Hamamatsu (Japan) and Los Angeles (USA), they developed the formal and technical qualities of their initial concepts into prototypes. Six projects were finalised, with great attention to details and materials, which are now presented thanks to a scenography by Anthony Guex. Hence, the exhibition features a music player that offers musicians a new way to practise their instruments using artificial intelligence; an installation that responds to the growing demand for live concerts at home by using a combination of sound and light to mimic a real concert environment; ASMR instruments that offer listeners a soothing moment by playing the sounds of relaxing movements; a home speaker that allows for a smoother transition between the different music players commonly used in the home; a player that offers an unexpected experience by displaying the rotation of a vinyl record vertically on a pedestal, and a speaker that allows people to listen to their music using their favourite objects as a trigger.

Ecal×Mini Rethinking the Wheel

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ecal×Mini Rethinking the Wheel

with Christophe Guberan

"Rethinking the Wheel" – a series of projets on steering wheels. Will we be controlling our cars through voice recognition in future? With a soft toy? How about a pizza box? The digital transformation and electrification of cars has opened up a world of possibilities at the wheel. MINI’s design team and ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne have collaborated closely on a sophisticated design study to develop unexpected ideas for the future of steering wheels. Under the direction of ECAL tutors Camille Blin and Christophe Guberan, Master students in Product Design have addressed the topic and come up with spectacular designs, developing, improving and ultimately achieving their vision in ongoing consultation with Christian Bauer, Head of Interior Design at MINI. The result: nine innovative and surprising designs that question existing shapes and materials – and, as such, the way in which we might interact with our cars in the future – with a lot of creativity.

Trolle Rudebeck Haar – Löyly

PRODUCT DESIGN

Trolle Rudebeck Haar – Löyly

by Trolle Rudebeck Haar

Löyly is a prefabricated floating sauna on Lake Geneva. This microarchitecture offers a unique experience of relaxation from the lake while watching the water and the Alps through its translucent walls. It can be reached by swimming to the floating pontoon and opening the sliding door. The sauna is built with Swiss wood and consists of a bench for 2-3 people and a wood stove.

Oscar Kwong – Belay

PRODUCT DESIGN

Oscar Kwong – Belay

by Oscar Kwong

Belay is an active office chair that questions the state of our sitting culture. All stuck in the same position, hunched over desks, our posture undeniably suffers. The chair lies somewhere between the bouncy extravagance of exercise balls and the technical possibilities offered by ergonomic chairs. Correcting one’s posture requires a conscious effort. This awareness is initiated by an active element consisting of an oscillating seat combined with a rotating base. This mechanism actively stimulates the muscles of the seated person, making them reflect on the quality of their posture. The initial intention was to inject a level of playfulness into the office space that did not interfere with work, reflecting a more balanced approach to our health at work.

Alexander Schul – Monomaterial Bra

PRODUCT DESIGN

Alexander Schul – Monomaterial Bra

by Alexander Schul

Three points are problematic regarding the current method of bra production: the assembly usually consists of different materials, which makes the object difficult to recycle; the traditional sewing process takes time, resulting in outsourcing of labour into third world countries; and the use of standard parts and sizes does not allow much customisation, making bras often uncomfortable to wear. The Monomaterial Bra is a vision of how bras could be manufactured in the future. Using a robot arm, soft and hard layers of TPU can be extruded on a curvature, resulting in a bra made from a single material. The process is fully automated and allows for customisation.

Alessandro Simone – Movement of Change

PRODUCT DESIGN

Alessandro Simone – Movement of Change

by Alessandro Simone

The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly important and time is running out to act. Protests are taking place on the streets and online through the promotion of information, media and visual content. Movement of Change has been developed to explore new protest tools to raise awareness of the climate emergency. The project links outdoor sports with climate propaganda to create unusual ways of spreading messages by collaborating with a growing community strongly connected to the natural playground and its protection. Movement of Change is a series of technical tools for sports that use athletes’ performances to create powerful visuals, shaping a community to protect what is, for some, a playground but above all our home.

Silvio Rebholz – On the Way to Work with…

PRODUCT DESIGN

Silvio Rebholz – On the Way to Work with…

by Silvio Rebholz

Mention Excellent Prix EXECAL On the Way to Work with… is a series of video interviews in which I accompany designers, artists or other creative professionals on their way to work. For each episode, I designed a vehicle or a camera device adapted to the guests and their means of transport. These tailor-made objects are designed to create a surprising interview setting and to serve as a camera set-up to capture the conversation on the go without a big film crew. The daily commute is a transition period between private and professional life and forms the stage for an interview which sheds light on the guests’ personality and their passion for their job. The interview series is an experimentation to develop a personal ongoing project as an extension of my practice as a product designer.

Ming Sum Kwan – E-Wheelchair Trolley

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ming Sum Kwan – E-Wheelchair Trolley

by Ming Sum Kwan

With the world’s aging population and the increasing number of travellers, wheelchair services at airports will become more demanding and intensive in the future, which could require assistance providers to increase their manpower. Thanks to its electric-powered wheels, the E-Wheelchair Trolley reduces airport attendants’ workload, who have to push heavy wheelchairs and carry cabin luggage during their service. The wheelchair is equipped with technology that allows it to be completely autonomous when not in use, returning to the battery charging station by itself. Like the airport trolleys, the wheelchair can also be nested, which saves a lot of space.

Jimin Jeon – Water Marble

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jimin Jeon – Water Marble

by Jimin Jeon

Water Marble is a collection of low-tech toys, free from environmentally harmful elements (plastic, batteries, etc.) and prescriptive gender roles. The toys are made from densely moulded paper with a plant-based super-hydrophobic finish and can be enjoyed by simply adding a drop of water. On the water-repellent surface, drops of water roll around like marbles. By simply using water and gravity, children can develop their sense of balance.

Maxwell Ashford – RUEI-01 - Robotically Recyclable Shoe. In collaboration with ABB.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Maxwell Ashford – RUEI-01 - Robotically Recyclable Shoe. In collaboration with ABB.

by Maxwell Ashford

Mention Très bien Prix BCV + Prix Eyes on Talents In standard recycling, objects arrive in industrial warehouses facilities as unknown entities, with no communication about the components. They are fed into shredders which reduce them to a mixture of materials that are then painstakingly sorted. Coatings, glues, colours and other aspects mean that pure material fractions are near impossible to extract. The RUEI-01 shoe concept was designed to be recycled by a robot and contains all the information pertaining to itself in a digital form. This allows robots to “un-manufacture” the shoe, disassembling and separating materials with all data provided, even colour codes and original sources of materials. Existing recyclable shoes focus on mono-materialising. RUEI-01 evaluates the potential for multi-material durability and performance, with recycling by automation.

Nadav Goldenberg – Earthen Playground

PRODUCT DESIGN

Nadav Goldenberg – Earthen Playground

by Nadav Goldenberg

Mention Très bien Prix BG Ingénieurs Conseils Inspired by the earthen landscapes of my childhood, I explored the relationship between the environment and play. Discovering the ancient building technique of rammed earth led me to design a series of play structures and elements that showcase the natural processes and open new channels of imagination and experimentation. The project centred around a workshop with the third grade students of the Steiner school of Lausanne, who built their own playground using locally sourced material from a neighbouring quarry, and learned the process of earth construction.

Charlotta Åman – Babybo

PRODUCT DESIGN

Charlotta Åman – Babybo

by Charlotta Åman

Mention Bien Babybo is a portable baby nest that offers a safe environment for babies from 0 to 6 months. The compact design easily converts into a play mat, changing pad or sleeping pod. In general, the use of second-hand foam products is not recommended for newborns due to the risk of mould, dust mites and bacteria. They are also a source of toxins that the baby may inhale. Babybo is therefore made entirely of non-toxic, organic material and allows for a biodegradation process at the end of its use. The mattress core is made of hypoallergenic and breathable mycelium foam (Mycoflex™) and banana fibre textile (Bananatex®).

Julian Ribler – Plinth

PRODUCT DESIGN

Julian Ribler – Plinth

by Julian Ribler

Passive heating systems are constantly evolving and becoming ever more present, yet in the field of public construction, the need for radiators is recognised as predominant in large open spaces. This provides an opportunity to rethink the traditional radiator archetype and its integration as an architectural element in symbiosis with passive heating systems. Plinth is a reinterpretation of the traditional radiator typology that bridges the gap between seasonal use as an object of heating and comfort and a year-round sitting solution. In collaboration with Zehnder, the design is based on a modular construction system that allows freedom of customisation.

Jingxiang Zhang – Pop-up Terrain

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jingxiang Zhang – Pop-up Terrain

by Jingxiang Zhang

In 2020, miniature games took off in the field of 3D printing. As a product designer and miniature player, I designed a 3D printable pop-up board to materialise fantasy worlds.  The board is an essential part of tabletop war gaming. However plastic injection products are difficult to store and make, so I created a new form of board that can be folded into book form. Players can easily keep it on a bookshelf next to their game book. They can also take them out easily to share and play with friends. Compared to a plastic injection board, this new system also simplifies the traditional production process, from moulding and injection to packaging, transport and display.

Ka Yin Cheung – Heat-Sync

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ka Yin Cheung – Heat-Sync

by Ka Yin Cheung

Developed in collaboration with MITHRAS Technology, Heat-Sync is an electronic paper watch using thermoelectric technology to convert body heat into electrical energy. Heat-Sync visualises and reinforces the principles of thermoelectric technology. The watch strap collects heat from the wrist and the watch case works as a heat sink for cooling. The energy is generated by the temperature difference between the watch case and the strap.

Jonas Villiger – Guardian

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jonas Villiger – Guardian

by Jonas Villiger

Insomnia is a widespread problem that reflects our busy society. Certain sounds played in-ear at the right moment are capable of promoting sleep. IDUN Technologies is a start-up specialising in in-ear sensors. These sensors detect the electricity that is produced when braincells communicate with each other. Using generative sound, Guardian is able to record, process and interpret brain signals in real-time to improve your sleep. In collaboration with IDUN, I designed a discreet in-ear device that is comfortable to wear while sleeping. A cable connects the two earpieces, and the enclosed electric components are placed on the back of the neck in a braided tube that provides a cushioned feel.

Till Ronacher – Bæg

PRODUCT DESIGN

Till Ronacher – Bæg

by Till Ronacher

In addition to awareness raising, one of the main challenges of our throwaway society is the disposal of recyclable waste. We have to start to see our waste as a material resource and sort it efficiently in order to keep it in the material cycle. Bæg is a hybrid between a shopping bag and a recycling bin, made from recycled truck tarp from FREITAG. Unlike ordinary bins, the portable bag eliminates the need for bin liners. A wall hook makes it easy to fix, fill and remove the bag. Bæg aims to change the stigma towards domestic waste and acts not only as a bin for home but also as a tote bag on the go.

Jisan Chung – RollerJet

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jisan Chung – RollerJet

by Jisan Chung

Printed paper has been gradually replaced by digital documents such as e-books, e-tickets, e-mails and so on, changing the role of home printers. Yet, at the same time, we still value tangible interactions, such as taking notes on printouts or simply carrying them around for reference. RollerJet offers new possible uses for home printers in our digitalised world. Using a roll of paper instead of sheets, it can print out any length you want, from small sizes for tickets, check-lists or memos to A4 size for larger, typical documents. After printing, the paper can be easily torn off with a single hand.

Terre Vaudoise

PRODUCT DESIGN

Terre Vaudoise

with Augustin Scott de Martinville

The objective of this project is to facilitate access to quality products from local agriculture. Terre Vaudoise is launching a new concept of Self-service 7/7. The 1st year students presented an innovative concept for the exterior and interior.

Excerpts from Master Product Design theses

PRODUCT DESIGN

Excerpts from Master Product Design theses

with Anniina Koivu

AUTHOR: Adam Huxley-Khng TITLE: ON in the absence of OFF On and off – at the flick of a switch, or the touch of a button. We are able to switch between the states of being of an object without thought, rarely questioning what makes an object ‘on’. Is it the presence of electric power? A sense of agency, or animism? What if on-ness is a state of being reflected by the cultural, rather than technological, capacity of an object – the embodiment of a moment of possibility? ----- AUTHOR: Alessandro Simone TITLE: What is next? SUBTITLE: The evolution of mountaineering and human limits This research examines the mountain landscape in the context of the evolution of mountaineering. Starting from the activity’s origin, the research investigates the shifts in technology, mindset, and limits that enabled the transformation of a destination for challenging expeditions into a place for second homes and weekend enthusiasts. How were humans able to overcome their limits, and what were the motivations for this drive? Products and objects played an essential role in guiding the story of mountaineering from the old ages to nowadays, making the user and his/her experience safer, but subsequently opening this terrain to mass tourism. This research retraces historical events and technical innovations to better understand mountaineering’s evolution, imagining a possible approach to this form of high-altitude tourism for the future. ----- AUTHOR: Alexander Schul TITLE: Visual language of sustainable design Different “sustainable” design proposals have been made in the past decades: from (literally) green looking objects, to normal looking ones, to objects whose visual language speaks to sustainability in their own individual way. In this research, I analyse a few examples in regards to the way the visual language of sustainable products has been approached in the past, what sustainable design looks like today, as well as what it will look like in the near future. The essay is led by the question “How does a sustainable approach to an object influence its visual language?” ----- AUTHOR: Charlotta Åman TITLE: Waste matters SUBTITLE: Valorising secondary products for a resourceful future Throughout history, humans have been expert in utilising every element of a given re­source. The heritage of husbandry has been car­ried from generation to generation – until today. Now, we are more disconnected than ever from original assets. In present manufacturing processes, secondary matter from production is often considered as waste rather than as a resource – an unfortunate conclusion as we are running out of raw materials and landfills grow. What does it entail to fully utilise a resource by valorising its secondary products, and how does it relate to the practice of a designer? The loose connections in manufacturing chains provide an opportunity to re-think: by considering the source, the scale and the system, design can be used as a tool for transition. ----- AUTHOR: Grace, Ka Yin Cheung TITLE: Japanese miniature culture: netsuke and gachapon SUBTITLE: Why are we so fascinated with small things? Miniatures are smaller than a normal objects, and include small replicas or models. Miniatures are present in different cultures all over the world and throughout time. The miniaturisation of mundane objects is recurrent, and has been an integral part of the memory of a culture. Among the different international miniature cultures, Japan has one of the most distinctive and apparent spirits of miniaturisation. To understand why people are so fascinated with miniatures, this research looks for the answers by delving into the miniature culture of netsuke and gachapon in Japan. ----- AUTHOR: Hsin Hung Chou TITLE: Unpack flat-pack SUBTITLE: The value of ready-to-assemble furniture This research studies flat-packing from its origins in the mid-19th century to its contemporary form as one of the prevailing typologies of the global furniture industry. Guiding questions have been: If the objective is to design and produce products from a logistical and sustainable point of view, is there any other solution to knock-down furniture? Does furniture lose its aesthetic and value in the process of being flat-packed? If the future is flat, could we make it better? ----- AUTHOR: Jimin Jeon TITLE: Soft, small and far, far away SUBTITLE: Our understanding of software Fire is the first profound tool in human history that cannot be grasped with the naked hand. Fire was considered a mysterious or religious thing – a gift from God, or punishment. But it was also an essential tool for human evolution. Today, we have found another tool surrounded by mystery and misunderstandings: software. It doesn’t smell, make noise, or come in any fixed form. It just occasionally flickers through a screen. This new tool takes us to another world, beyond physical limitations, that no caveman could have imagined. But, first, we need to understand the nature of software in relation to hardware – that is, the tools we are already familiar with. ----- AUTHOR: Jisan Chung TITLE: Assemblage in design Assemblage is mainly considered an artistic technique. However, by reviewing works of various designers, we can see that the same technique has been used in the field of design, too. This study aims to examine the characteristics and the meaning of “assemblage design” and its potential. Assemblage can trigger innovate manufacturing processes and create its very own aesthetic. ----- AUTHOR: Jonas Villiger TITLE: About repairability SUBTITLE: Rules, incentives and approaches to keeping things in circulation We want our products to be durable. And, if they break or become outdated, they should be repairable and upgradeable, too. It can be a very satisfying feeling to make something work again, or to make it work even better than it did before. Unfortunately, the industry does not make this easy for consumers. Not being able to intervene when something goes wrong with an object, consumers end up simply buying new things. However, giving a device an extended lifespan keeps us from wasting valuable resources. Starting from recent legislation and public movements that call for the right to repair, this research questions the role of designers within these changing circumstances. ----- AUTHOR: Julian Ribler TITLE: The Factory SUBTITLE: An investigation into modern design principles The Modernist movement promoted the appreciation of the advancements of industry. Modernism went on to integrate industrial advancement as part of the fundamentals of the movement as a whole. The principle of applying an engineer’s perspective was thought to inform the practice of designers and architects. Exploring modern factory environments and investigating the advancements in manufacturing technology today can help us revise these principles and examine the changing factory context. ----- AUTHOR: Kwan Ming Sum TITLE: Stagnation and innovation in the wheelchair industry A wheelchair is an essential tool for people with mobility issues to perform everyday tasks and achieve social participation. Unfortunately, modern manual wheelchairs hardly satisfy the emerging need of a well-resolved wheelchair design. A fundamental shift in understanding of today’s needs and innovation in this field are urgently required. Given the growth of the aging population, a rethink of wheelchair design is critical. Through conducting several interviews with different stakeholders, including wheelchair users, producers, and designers, this research aims to investigate the underlying reasons behind the stagnation in the wheelchair industry, and looks at how that might change. ----- AUTHOR: Maxwell Ashford TITLE: Fractions SUBTITLE: Cost-effective recycling A fraction is the result of any recycling process. It refers to the amount of materials from an object that can be recycled cost effectively, and is used broadly across the recycling industry. Objects are by standard practises designed independently from any end-of-life system and inevitably, the result is that objects cannot be effectively recycled. Historically, there has been little incentive for producers, and thus designers, to deal with the death or disposal of objects. But this is due to change, as incoming legislation from the EU will force producers to use recycled materials and create more recyclable objects. In turn, this demand will affect designers. So how can we work to create more sustainable goods? ----- AUTHOR: Nadav Goldenberg TITLE: Empire State of Play SUBTITLE: Playground design in the urban environment How did the design of playgrounds evolve throughout history? And how does the urban environment play a part in their evolution? To answer these questions, I look at New York City. Here, we see a dense urban space for play development, with a long history of constant shifts in play ideals, safety regulations and the pioneering of playground design. ----- AUTHOR: Oscar Kwong TITLE: Comfort and the curve The curve exists in all ranges of expression, from the flamboyant to the modest. In the past decade there have been multiple studies that have set out to confirm our instinctual desires for the curvaceous shape, proving in every measurable scenario that humans prefer the round compared to the rectilinear. This intuitive response to the curve has been hard-wired as part of our evolutionary bias. The relationship that connects comfort and the curve will be the premise of this essay: from the buildings of Sanaa that employs the familiar curve, as a reminder of our connection with nature; to trace the postures supported by the comfy lounge and its intimate bond with the human body; to the conforming contours of everyday objects. ----- AUTHOR: Silvio Rebholz TITLE: TV studio sets SUBTITLE: A space for reality and fiction TV studio sets are spatial constructions in which TV formats such as news, talk shows or game shows are produced. On these sets, hosts interact with guests, newsreaders broadcast informa­tion and hosts entertain – always with the intention of reproducing the scene on screens. Focusing on the designs of TV studio sets, it is striking how unusually shaped they are. Elaborately sweeping curves of sofas; LEDs highlighting the edges of a desk. Remarkably, these and other exceptional elements aren’t isolated cases, but repeat across shows, broadcast genres and national borders. Their similarities suggest that it’s about more than free formal expression. What are the parameters for consideration in a “good” TV studio set? How did this unique style develop? ----- AUTHOR: Thomas Manil TITLE: The typology of coins This research project explores the history, production and formal language of coins. They are part of our lives and accompany our daily gestures. We give them, we receive them, we pocket them, or we place them carefully in a wallet. We have the impression that we know them very well, and yet, we have a hard time describing them with precision. It is an integral part of the country’s identity and embodies the link between art, design and technology. In a society that is gradually seeking to dematerialise money, the coin deserves special attention. ----- AUTHOR: Till Ronacher TITLE: The robotic arm Industrial robots have been involved in the manufacturing of products since the 1960s. But over the last decades, industrial robots have been moving out of the factories into new contexts such as architecture and design. Now, in some experimental contexts, digital fabrication is explored with the help of industrial robots. In such laboratories, the cooperation between humans and industrial robots is being investigated and applied in a design context, within which new forms and transformative design processes emerge. In this thesis, I examine some of these developments with regards to the possibilities of their integration into the design process. ----- AUTHOR: Trolle Rudebeck TITLE: A writing and drawing instrument In the age of typing, scrolling and audio-recording, cursive writing might seem endangered, particularly among younger generations. As handwriting has become more and more obsolete, it has come to be considered as a poetic or romantic act rather than a fundamental tool. Looking back to ancient civilizations and their instruments for drawing and writing, the pen’s stick-like shape has remained surprisingly constant. By looking to the past, could we predict the future of the pen?

Diplôme 2021

PRODUCT DESIGN

Diplôme 2021

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Diploma project 2021 www.ecal-diplomes.ch

Benjamin Bichsel – Biodegradable Medical Clothing

PRODUCT DESIGN

Benjamin Bichsel – Biodegradable Medical Clothing

by Benjamin Bichsel

Disposable clothing is an essential part of everyday life in hospitals. It protects the staff and patients from infections and the spread of disease. However, each procedure generates about 30m2 of synthetic textile waste. To change this, I designed a fully biodegradable clothing collection. Based on the knowledge of experts, my own experiments and close contact with manufacturers, I developed functional, pleasant to wear garments for the unique requirements of daily hospital routine. The project offers a new solution for a sustainable hospital environment, medically and ecologically. mail@benjaminbichsel.ch https://www.benjaminbichsel.ch

Evelyn Yu-Ying Wu – Tofu To-Go

PRODUCT DESIGN

Evelyn Yu-Ying Wu – Tofu To-Go

by Evelyn Yu-Ying Wu

The project consists of using quality Swiss soybeans and to make tofu appealing to Europeans. Tofu is a great source of protein. However, tofu products are often presented as large blocks swimming in liquid, which confuses people about how to consume them. Also, most people do not know that they can eat tofu cold. The “Tofu To-Go” project features a new type of tofu inspired by traditional cheese that is made entirely from soybeans. The snack portion of tofu is wrapped with soy string and covered with soy wax, which makes it easier and more hygienic to eat. “Tofu To-Go” is a snack for both adults and children. uyingwu@gmail.com https://evelynyuyingwu.com

Timothée Mion – CSTM-01

PRODUCT DESIGN

Timothée Mion – CSTM-01

by Timothée Mion

Space debris is a growing threat to current and future space activities. The “ClearSpace-1” project under the Adrios programme, which is partially funded by ESA (European Space Agency), was created with the aim of fostering and developing space debris capture and deorbitation technologies in order to help preserve a sustainable future in space. My mission was to develop a concept study of the capture system in collaboration with the ClearSpace start-up. The four aluminium and rubber robotic arms are designed to be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner. The plates are cut, folded and put under tension to form a light, yet rigid structure. timothee.mion@gmail.com https://timotheemion.com

Lorenz Noelle – Footwear – Be on the Way

PRODUCT DESIGN

Lorenz Noelle – Footwear – Be on the Way

by Lorenz Noelle

Driven by the motivation to try things out, to make things with my own hands and with the curiosity to explore a subject under many different angles, I carried out physical research on the topic of footwear. Shoes are objects that are extremely functional and closely related to human use but at the same time they create multiple expressions through their material, character and social identification. Process-oriented, every idea that came up was consistently realised – the strongest designs were developed further. mail@lorenz-noelle.com https://www.instagram.com/slippers_lab

Samuel Lodetti – Verdello

PRODUCT DESIGN

Samuel Lodetti – Verdello

by Samuel Lodetti

Nowadays 53% of the world’s population lives in cities, according to Ricky Burdett, professor at the London School of Economics. This social change has seen private green areas decline and has changed our relationship with nature and its resources. Hence, I designed an urban greenhouse system for the home environment. “Verdello” promotes and simplifies horticulture so that people may enjoy growing their food and benefit from the presence of nature in their daily lives. samuel.lodetti@studiolodetti.it https://www.lodettisamuel.com

Jeffery Lambert – Shift

PRODUCT DESIGN

Jeffery Lambert – Shift

by Jeffery Lambert

As contemporary workplaces continue to transform, recent events have accelerated the shift to a more remote working culture, with more people using shared workspaces and increasingly working from home. This project aims to create a functional, everyday work chair that is versatile enough to fit these flexible work and living spaces. “Shift” is designed around a new production and distribution model that aims to make quality and sustainable furniture accessible to everyone. It is flat-packed, purchased online and its parts are easy to replace or recycle. mail@jefferylambert.com https://www.jefferylambert.com

Mathilde Lafaille – Printlet

PRODUCT DESIGN

Mathilde Lafaille – Printlet

by Mathilde Lafaille

Nowadays only 30 to 60% of people are truly responsive to one-size-fits-all industrial tablets. Recently pharmacists have proven the possibility of additive technologies to produce personalised tablets with high precision dosage. In the future, tablets (“imprimés”) can be produced in your local pharmacy. Software generates your “imprimés” according to your personal clinical data requirements (dosage, release profile and number of active substances), which are then 3D printed. Each pill is custom-made in a unique shape. Welcome to pharmacy 4.0. mathilde.lafaille@gmail.com https://www.mathildelafaille.com

Ryo Katayama – Corner Urinal

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ryo Katayama – Corner Urinal

by Ryo Katayama

Corner urinals do not require partitioning but can protect privacy and reduce urine splashing. By standing at an angle, the field of vision between neighbours does not overlap and privacy is protected, so people do not need to have partitions. In addition, hitting the urinal surface at an angle reduces splashing. The urinal’s opening is oriented towards the entrance to create a smooth flow of people. Furthermore, there is no need for partitions, which allows for more space. riokatayama@gmail.com http://ryokatayama.site

Sarah Hossli – Lotte

PRODUCT DESIGN

Sarah Hossli – Lotte

by Sarah Hossli

We should all be independent in getting up and sitting down, no matter our age or ability. However, this becomes challenging for many elderly people, limiting their freedom in everyday life. With its extended armrests that go all around and act like a handrail, this armchair enables the user to get up intuitively in a position with minimal resistance. The design has been developed based on research carried out in care homes, prototype testing with residents, evaluations from medical and care experts, and the technical expertise of the Swiss furniture manufacturer Girsberger Customized Furniture. info@sarahhossli.ch https://www.sarahhossli.ch

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