January 30, 2013

Industrial Design students win 2013 Housewares awards

Congratulations to (left to right) Morgan Perry, Yutong Wu, Yunqi Yuan, and Justin Bechstein, who will attend the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago on March 2-5, 2013, to showcase their winning designs from the student category of the new product competition.

Yutong Wu was awarded second place, with a $2000 cash prize. Yunqi Yuan was awarded third place, with a $1000 cash prize. Morgan Perry and Justin Bechstein were each awarded honorable mentions, with $250 cash prizes.

Yutong, Yunqi, Morgan and Justin devoted their Autumn semester design studio course with Associate Professor Scott Shim to their projects for the contest, which they submitted in December 2012 to compete against 256 student applicants from 26 design schools across the U.S.

According to the International Housewares Association (IHA), Ohio State had the most winners, accounting for four of the 11 student category awards.

Examples of student projects

Yutong Wu created "Dolly+," which safely transports packages in its two-wheeled position or extends to become a four-wheeled cart. It features a soft shaped handle, lightweight aluminum folding frame, and rotating, broad deck that packs convenience into a sleek form.

Yunqi Yuan's product is "Bella," a belt and strap device worn on or under clothing that helps pregnant women maintain a healthy posture. Designed to grow along with the mother-to-be, the soft and gentle elastic straps shift the weight to relieve or prevent lower back and hip joint pain.

Morgan Perry conceived "DuoPress" as an all-in-one glucagon delivery system. It is designed specifically to alleviate caregiver concerns with mixing and drawing medicines in hypoglycemic emergencies. The innovative, color coded design eliminates the need for multiple components and saves steps when moments count.

Justin Bechstein's "Pulbak" roof rack attachment addresses the needs and physical limitations of active mothers. With just three simple steps the product can be unlocked, pulled out, and pivoted down to safely and easily secure bulky objects.