Challenged by Product Design? Check Out These Wins to Gain Inspiration

The technical and functional design of a successful product is seldom an easy task. But often, the actual shape and visual appeal of the final product can be just as challenging, especially in the commercial market

Recognizing the efforts of talented international product designers has been the goal of the European Product Design (EPD) Award since the mid-1980s. The EPD awards go to individuals, teams, and companies with the best strategic thinking and imagination in product design.

Last year’s awards highlight the diversity and skill of these product designers while hopefully encouraging new entries for this year – due by June 30, 2021. Here are a few examples from last year’s winners.

UAV Charging Station Product

“Light and electricity” is the name of a wireless charging station for a UAV based on a high pole lamp. It is a project to optimize the deployment of charging stations for drone delivery. At present, UAVs have been applied in many fields, but their short traveling endurance limits their wider use. “Light and electricity” provides eight charging positions for UAVs to park in the idle space of high pole lights. For UAVs that do not support wireless charging, wireless charging can be supported by external receiver accessories. As a node, “light and electricity” will effectively increase the use scope of UAVs so that UAV can be better used in communication, rescue, logistics and transportation, and other fields. (Image Source: EPD Awards, Yuhang Li)

Related:Engineers Honored in LED Field

FiBo – Weed Control Robot

The Field Bot Concept FiBo product is an agricultural weed control robot used for row fruit and vegetables. A camera with an algorithm and plant recognition software identifies crop plants from weeds. A laser can then be used to make the weeds harmless. The autonomous robot is connected online with his farmer via his transport and loading station. Using an app, the farmer can send him to a field to collect data or weed. The industrial design bachelor thesis is an environmentally friendly herbicide alternative and cooperation with the start-up Escarda Technologie. (Image Source: EPD Awards, Marinus Pfaffinger)

Related:2021 Trends Foreshadowed in 2020 Tech Awards

Blood Vessel Camera

The BVC is a vascular detector module designed to facilitate medical personnel in locating blood veins. The BVC vein-visualizing device is designed with an adjustable visible light of 600-750um based on the light absorption characteristics of deoxygenated blood. This enables medical personnel to quickly locate blood vessels and differentiate them from muscles. The vein-visualizing device can also be used repeatedly as it is designed with a UV sterilizer wireless charger. For hemophilia patients, for example, this product can largely reduce risks derived from the injection of clotting factors. (Image Source: EPD Awards, Yu-Ching Chiu)

5G Water Rescue Drone

The SUCCOR is based on the design of a water rescue drone under 5G technology. The automatic drone is used to transform the lifeboat method. The wing innovatively uses 90-degree rotating motors and front-end sensors and cameras to complete search and rescue tasks more quickly. In addition, there are lidar sensors on both sides for navigation and personnel prompting. Combining the two methods of drone and lifeboat can help to complete the rescue of unique waters, and it is practical to transfer and transport rescue cargo; improve the rescue speed. (Image Source: EPD Awards, BoFan Di)

The European Product Design Award recognizes the efforts of talented international product and industrial designers who aim to improve our daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations. The EPD Awards shares its innovative and ground-breaking products with the world. The deadline for this year’s submittals is Jun 30, 2021. Click here.

John Blyler is a Design News senior editor, covering the electronics and advanced manufacturing spaces. With a BS in Engineering Physics and an MS in Electrical Engineering, he has years of hardware-software-network systems experience as an editor and engineer within the advanced manufacturing, IoT and semiconductor industries. John has co-authored books related to system engineering and electronics for IEEE, Wiley, and Elsevier.