14 February 2007

Reaching a peak of design excellence

A team from the NUS Design Incubation Centre (DIC) has been recognised for outstanding creativity and innovation by topping 424 entries from 35 countries to win the most prestigious design competition in Japan. Industrial designers Tan Yong Kai and Priscilla Lui Sik Peng were presented the Gold Prize (by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize) at the International Design Competition Osaka 2006 for their award-winning creation called Dandella.

Tan Yong Kai and Priscilla Lui with their prizes

A hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device, Dandella helps guide those who are travelling or have lost their way by always physically pointing towards their intended destination. Combining GPS and robotic technology, Dandella units can also be programmed to track each other and their buds (pointers with light pulses) respond by pointing towards one another. This intuitive design feature also allow users to locate each other by just following the direction which the bud points – making Dandella useful for both the young and old.

Dandella will point you in the right direction

Dandella derives its name from the metaphorical image of a dandelion in flight, floating towards its destination. Its minimalist form is likened to holding a flower in the hand. Inspired by how young sunflowers always point towards the sun, Dandella simplifies the complex interface of current GPS devices to a simple notion of 'just follow where it points'.

This annual design competition is organised by the Japan Design Foundation and sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, amongst others. Based on the theme 'Robot' with sub-themes 'Communicate', 'Transport' and 'Support', the competition sought proposals with innovative use of robotic technology that would help society, and demonstrate high potential to be commercialised.

A total of 19 finalists presented their concepts to about 160 business representatives at a workshop of the competition held at the Osaka International Convention Centre from 1 to 2 February 2007. Finalists included participants from countries renowned for design accomplishments including France, Germany, Japan and Korea.

Judging criteria used include:

• Usefulness and feasibility for creating new businesses;
• Accurate understanding of contemporary social demands;
• Originality, novelty and aesthetic quality; and
• New ideas of using feasible technologies and materials.

NUS Design Incubation Centre was established by the Department of Architecture in March 2006 to promote, initiate and conduct design R&D activities, with a strong focus on Asia.