Innovations and Inventions over the years have brought about innumerable changes. Some of them catered to the needs of the user while others enhanced the quality of life. The design of products and the way each is perceived has also evolved. In recent years, with the growing emphasis on sustainability and Artificial intelligence, design trends have also taken a new shift with Minimalism, simplicity, personalisation, and customization. Product design involves creativity with unique solutions rotating around the users’ needs and with each developing year, it brings fresh ideas to the table. The year 2023 has seen a crazy shift in the field of product design with better solutions and enhancing the aesthetics of a space. Let’s look into some of the designs in the year 2023:
O-SOW: Biodegradable toilet Paper Alternative
Designed by Avia Revivi, a biodegradable toilet paper helps make a difference in the field of sustainability. Made from citrus residues and plant seeds, the product promotes zero waste and grows our ecological system. O-SOW can be used by travellers and trekkers who can assist in fertilising the earth instead of adding to human waste. These biodegradable products consist of different seeds that help in natural seeding, and nutrient-rich products that help in soil enrichment. The constituents can be altered and customised as per the needs of the place. The product helps with its minimal presence to achieve bigger changes.
B-Wise
As sustainability has become a priority in various fields, Product designers have adapted unique procedures to create eccentric sustainable designs. B-wise, a similar eccentric product designed by Myceen, is a pendant lamp that distinguishes itself from others in the sense of materials and its look. It is made of mycelium which is the vegetative part of the mushroom that grows inside the earth. The material is able to grow and mould itself into any shape and is relatively strong with its intertwining fibres making it a part of future creations. Within 5 weeks, the mycelium grows along with organic materials like sawdust and straw in the mould of the designed lampshade and is further treated to prevent growth. With a grungy look and 600mm wide in size, this lampshade is a step towards newer innovations.
Popsicle
Derived from the concept of an ice cream, Popsicle is a waste bin that works indoors and outdoors. What’s different? Its minimalistic and aesthetic character differentiates it from the other basics. Designed by Jangir Maddadi, the product has won an award for the German design award of 2023, a dynamic and functional design with a frame made of galvanised sheet steel. With sustainability in question, the materials used in the products are recycled and recyclable. The material of the bin alters with the application of use i.e. stainless material for outdoors and Swedish material for indoors. The form and its colours express aestheticism and enhance the quality of space with its presence.
Bamboo Washing Machine
Bamboo as a material has always been experimented in the form of a roof, or the form of a structure, or a part of a product. The experimentations have always proven to be a success with their sustainable character and earthy wood appearance. The Bamboo Washing Machine, another experiment with the material, is a successful innovation that enhances the quality of living. The machine is entirely made of Bamboo and runs without electricity. It is an effective low-tech product with no wastage and emissions. The bamboo machine is an automated device in the form of a simpler and traditional appearance that works using the river currents in the shallow river bed and helps wash the dirt off. Designed for the rural community, this self-sufficient washing machine design expresses nature’s prowess.
Agricultural Grain Silos and Architecture
Minor changes can create bigger differences, similarly, a distinctive coffee machine can make a big difference to your living space. Alexander Shayle changed the way coffee products can be perceived by users. Inspired by the industrial charm of grain silos and agricultural influences, the coffee grinder and vacuum storage have transformed into a visually pleasing industrial look with steel corrugated panelling and achieving the characteristics of being raw. The design of the mill inculcates a tactile dial that allows users to have fine or coarse grind sizes. Easy assembly and repair contribute to the extended lifespan of the products. The products showcase a bold aesthetic, promote sustainability with low maintenance, and enhance the spaces with their presence.
The designs of products not only help in enhancing the life of the living but also to achieve the goal of creating a sustainable living. Furthermore, the products strive to create positive perceptions of the user with increasing environmental awareness and social issues. Assisting in redefining the spaces with characteristics that involve sustainable materials, being cost-effective, and efficient. Inventions of newer trends and newer technology with personalization and customization create unique and distinct products that focus on enhancement, evolution, and experience.
Reference List:
Erichsén, M. (2023). Popsicle and Hightower wins German Design Award 2023. [online] TreCe. Available at: https://trece.se/en/popsicle-och-hightower-vinner-german-design-award-2023/ [Accessed 9 May 2024].
designboom, ravail khan I. (2023). TOP 10 reader submissions of 2023 – design products. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/design/top-10-reader-submissions-2023-design-products-12-08-2023/ [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Mitra, S. (2023). Top 10 sustainable designs to help you go green in 2023 – Yanko Design. [online] www.yankodesign.com. Available at: https://www.yankodesign.com/2023/01/07/top-10-sustainable-designs-to-help-you-go-green-in-2023/ [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Reports, C. (n.d.). The Most Influential Products of the Past Decade. [online] Consumer Reports. Available at: https://www.consumerreports.org/emerging-technology/most-influential-products-of-the-past-decade/ .
Image List:
Image 1:
Qubstudio.com. (2024). Available at: https://qubstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/product-design-banner.png [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Image 2:
Dezeen.com. (2024). Available at: https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/08/avia-revivi-o-sow-biodegradable-toilet-paper-aloe-vera-orange-pulp-seeds-design-hikers_dezeen_2364_col_2.jpg [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Image 3:
Surfacesreporter.com. (2024). Available at: https://surfacesreporter.com/myuploads/square/20221104032345.jpg [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Image 4:
Trece.se. (2024). Available at: https://trece.se/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Popsicle_choklad_vit_inkast-ba%CC%8Ada-sidor.jpg [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Image 5:
Yankodesign.com. (2024). Available at: https://www.yankodesign.com/images/design_news/2022/12/auto-draft/bamboo_washing_machine_1.jpg [Accessed 9 May 2024].
Image 6:
Designboom.com. (2023). Available at: https://static.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/455588/2023-10-16/domestic-coffee-products-playfully-inspired-by-industrial-grain-silos-11-652da5b33dbf1.jpg [Accessed 9 May 2024].
