Hasta La Ideas

Background

Through sensors, data and mobile technology, “smart” products provide us with a wealth of intelligence and feedback, changing how we interact with objects, buildings, and each other. More and more products come with some form of electronics, and these are increasingly made hard to repair.

We throw away millions of tons of electronics worldwide each year. This creates not only toxic pollutants in our air and waterways, but also leads to loss in valuable materials. Disposable, non-repairable electronic products put an enormous strain on ecological systems: they create enormous amounts of e-waste and require a constant stream of raw materials and energy.

Repair and recycling is thwarted by design decisions: glued-in batteries, irreplaceable parts, and confusing interfaces. By transforming user interactions, expectations and behavior, designers can change the end-of-life and environmental impacts of the things they design.

Eligibility

This contest is open to students age 18 or older, from anywhere in the world, currently registered in an educational institution at the college/university level. See Rules for full eligibility information.

Submission Requirements

• Tell the story. One-page storyboard. (This can be a one-page poster/graphic or 2-minute video). Tell a story, describing your user’s experience and the problem being solved. What environmental issue are you seeking to address? How does your design solve that?
• Solution Description. Show off your design with at least 3 product images/renderings. These can be hand drawn or computer generated/rendered with Autodesk software (see Resources) or other design software.
• Describe the details: 200-300 word written description of solution, including environmental impact improvement (with supplementary details if you have them).
• Format: All submissions must be in English and packaged as a single PDF document, or zipped folder with PDF documents, video files if relevant and CAD files.

Judging Criteria (100 Points possible)

• Design Concept (50 Points)
  • User benefit—How compelling is the solution? (evaluated with storyboard/video)
  • Environmental benefit—How much potential is there for improving the environmental impact of the design (specifically end-of-life)?
• Design Communication (50 Points)
  • How well do your illustrations and/or renderings communicate your concepts? How compelling is the product appearance? (Evaluated with images and design files, if submitted.) Those submissions that include use of Autodesk software will be more favorably judged in this section.

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