The Muwi innovation lawn mower takes the seemingly useless byproduct of grass cuttings and turns it into something fun. But first, Muwi calculates the size of the lawn and automatically cuts the grass. As the grass cuttings accumulate inside the machine, Muwi constructs and compresses them into cylindrical blocks. The blocks can become balls for children to play with or be combined to make a chair or anything else you can think of. After the blocks are used, they can be left to return to nature.

Adaptable to different spaces, terrains and architectural styles, the Interactive Lounge was designed to provide relaxation and interactivity with the surrounding environment. The furniture is composed of plastic balls with an undulating fabric lining and a surface that can be arranged in various configurations. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and was inspired by the lounge and “chill out” concept. This single piece of furniture can take on different shapes for different activities, such as listening to music, reading, chatting or simply resting.

The Eject Powerstrip is a universal power strip that makes it easy for the elderly and the disabled to unplug electric devices, by stepping on a small foot paddle to release the plug. This eliminates the need for bending and the unsafe practice of pulling on the cord. Although those with limited mobility will especially benefit from this device, its design will attract the average consumer, too.

Credits: Mansour Ourasanah of University of Notre Dame
Contact: Mansour Ourasanah: mourasan1@gmail.com

VIDEO is a two-part system designed to overcome the hurdles of the video-making process, making it more accessible and appealing to a wide user group. The dynamic user interface allows people to select the level appropriate to their ability. To prevent confusion, it only displays relevant, user-specific information. Advanced users are given the option of using various manual functions. The rotating lens encourages users to operate the camcorder with two hands, which increases stability and leads to better recordings. In addition, filming from various angles becomes much easier.

Now users can enjoy all the advantages of digital photography without the need for a computer. The system consists of a digital camera and a photo viewer that enables people to take, view, edit and archive photos. The operational structure of the digital camera and the picture viewer is identical, making both easy to understand and operate. The camera and the picture viewer both allow for a flip function that protects the displays and the lens. To transfer data the camera has to be inserted into the picture viewer, which also serves as a transport solution.

Some women face complications during pregnancy that force them to make frequent hospital visits for ultrasound testing. The Peapod Home Ultrasound System is a prescription-based product that alleviates any accompanying anxieties by communicating data to doctors and qualified technicians around the clock from the comfort of the mother’s own home.

Credits: Gregory H. Schultz of California College of the Arts
Contact: Gregory Schultz: greg@gregschultz.me

Haptica is a moveable Braille timepiece that provides a quick and accurate time reading. Current Braille timepieces only help the user orient the watch hands in relation to the watch face but can lead to an inaccurate time assessment. Digital devices use sound to communicate the time, thus inhibiting the user from checking their watch unnoticed. Haptica provides the perfect solution by displaying a real-time readout in Braille using a military time format. The wearer simply scans along the Braille channel with their finger to check the time.

During the cycling portion of a triathlon, athletes are constantly switching between two different handlebars, depending on the terrain. SplitStream has simplified this process by combining the functionality of separate handlebars in one unit. A hinge mechanism at the center reconfigures the handlebars between a wide configuration for accelerating, decelerating, climbing and turning through corners and a compact, elongated position that optimizes aerodynamics for flats and straightaways.

The U-Cap solves the difficulties many users experience when trying to open a plastic bottle. The soft asymmetric curve of the U-Cap provides enough torque to allow even users with limited strength to open it. Furthermore, the use of biodegradable plastic makes the U-Cap more eco-friendly.

Credits: Jeong-Hoon Cha and Jung Chan-Min of Ulsan University and Cho Hun of Seoul National University
Contact: Jeong Hoon Cha: vision5555@hanmail.net

Close Up is an art lab table that provides a collaborative learning experience by stimulating children’s curiosity when drawing. With pleasant organic qualities, it has an inviting light feature that facilitates tracing, sketching and observation. Even more attractive for kids, Close Up has portable containers for gathering samples, such as bugs and leaves. Embedded in each container’s lid is a magnification lens, giving children the chance to get a closer look at their finds.