Previous Winners

The idea for this design came from a problem I faced most days on my way to work in the morning.  I, much like many people don’t have time before work to eat breakfast at the table so I bring it in the car with me which is inconvenient and messy while driving.  I wanted to create something straightforward that would be relatively universal to use for anyone that drives to work.

The Car Tray is a device created to make eating on the go simpler, easier and cleaner.  Driving while eating is notoriously messy and distracting.  This device solves that problem with a sleek, easy to use design.  The Car Tray’s cylindrical base slides into the already existing cup holder of a car, while still leaving room for a cup through it’s hollow base.  The upper portion has a large indentation perfect for holding small meals.

A canteen designed for casual outdoor use, while considering the worst case scenario by allowing the user dirty water by turning the canteen into a solar still.  Using twin sheet thermoforming it is able to have a clear top and black bottom for absorbing sunlight.  The idea for it came from looking at outdoor survival techniques and seeing how I could simplify that into a product.

I designed a storage case intended to hold vinyl LP’s but is essentially all-purpose.  I wanted to create something that was cost efficient, stackable (easty storability), protective for both weather and collisions, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing while sticking to the vintage/retro feel that surrounds the vinyl LP listening experience.  I was inspired to make this design because of my own search for convenient storage for my vinyls and I noticed that almost every option out there lacked many if not all of those traits.  I believe it’s a product that can sell, and with the more inexpensive and efficient thermoforming process, I believe the idea is a lucrative one.

In my exploration of applications of thermoforming I began to look at everyday products that have had little development in the last number of years. Among my findings was the analog wall clock. I was then intrigued to create a visually striking design while keeping the manufacturing cost inexpensive. The Blume shadow clock is the result.

The Blume clock represents a history of time-telling technology. A combination sun-dial, analog clock, and digital technology, this timepiece creates visual interest unlike a standard analog wall clock. Experimenting with various methods to represent the clock hands, I came upon the idea of using two rings of sequential LEDs and a small post, which would cast two individual shadows, thus creating clock hands, similar to a sun-dial. Due to the properties of polystyrene and the thermoforming process, I was able to create a form inspired by and clean and fluid aesthetics.

Muse acoustic wall tile provides acoustic properties to any space while also having an optional speaker system. Utilizing thermoforming technology and 80 mil polystyrene plastic, Muse is an innovative solution to interior acoustic challenges. Looking at current acoustic products in the marketplace, there was a void. The opportunities were sound enhancement, sculptural integration and technology utilization. Muse will enhance any location that suits a modern solution to sound and aesthetic. Connected by Bluetooth, you can control the mood of your space with a simple application on your smart phone. This product is versatile in size & shape to fit any interior setting.