From toothbrushes to towel racks to transit vehicles, we often live with inefficiency, inconvenience, and downright discomfort simply because we accept dated and subpar designs as a part of the daily grind. It's time to put your foot down.
Dwell is pleased to announce Innovate It! sponsored by the all-new Volkswagen CC. Our spring 2009 design contest and competition are set up in two phases. First, send in suggestions for everyday objects that you think need a rework. Either they don’t function well, are poorly designed or are just downright useless for the task they were designed to perform. Dwell editors will choose the items for redesign. Then the competition phase launches where you are invited to submit design proposals for recreating one (or all) of the three most tragically troublesome objects. You may participate in one or both phases of this contest and there is no limit to the number of entries.
Rules & Regulations
Phase I: Submit Your Product
Feb 11-March 31, 2009
The Dwell community is invited to submit suggestions for everyday objects that need re-imagining. Dwell editors will vet the submissions and choose the three best ideas. The people who entered the winning submissions will receive credit on the Dwell.com blog and a free ticket to Dwell on Design Los Angeles, June 26-28, 2009.
Submit your product information
- Item name
- Image or drawing of item
- 100 word explanation of why it does not function well in its current state
- 100 word explanation of how you would like to see it improved
Selection criteria for Phase I
- Must be a functional object that is used frequently
Phase II: Submit Your Designs
April 5-June 10
The Dwell Community is invited to participate in the competition, in which you may submit design proposals for redesigning one (or all) of the three chosen selections. The Dwell editors and select experts will jury the competition. The 3 winners will receive a cash prize from Volkswagen CC and VIP tickets to Dwell on Design Los Angeles, June 26-28, 2009.
Submit your designs
- 3 images of redesign including front, back, side
- 500 word explanation of how it meets the criteria above and improves upon the old design
- Give the redesigned product a new name that suits its improved state
Visualize your ideas in 3D. Create a model of your redesign using Google SketchUp, 3D modeling software that is easy to learn and fun to use. Download for free at http://sketchup.google.com
Selection criteria for Phase II
- Judging Criteria for Phase II (all equal weight)
- Improvement of functionality
- Improvement of design aesthetic
- Consideration of materials
- Durability
- Sustainability
Competition Notes
- No formal training or design expertise necessary.
- Design submissions may be illustrated or rendered in any format - hand sketches, digital drawings, or renderings – rendering tool used will not affect judging process.
- Designers may submit more than 1 entry for each option.
