THE 2024 EDITION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS! SUBMIT HERE.

Product Design for the Automatization of Home

September 23, 2020
With fast emerging technologies, the home media is continuously evolving and becoming smarter and faster in every iteration. An example of technological progress can be seen in the PC hardware industry, an industry where developments happen fast following Moore’s Law.

The idea that the processing speed of computers would double every 18 months has contributed greatly to the speed of progress as hardware makers may be compelled to follow this guideline as other competitors in the industry are most likely going to do so as well, to not follow meant being left behind. It’s gotten to a point that computers the size of a credit card, in the form of a Raspberry Pi and other imitation products like it, now exists.

Along with smartphones and single board computers, it seems like even the most basic piece of electronics at home like a doorbell can be wired to the internet to allow homeowners to monitor who is visiting while they are away. Now, even people can post a tweet from their smart refrigerators.

1. Compact and Powerful - Nooie Cam 360

Prizes: Gold in Home Interior Products/Electronic Device Accessory, Platinum in Media and Home Electronics/Consumer electronics and cameras

Company: Nooie Inc., United States

Lead Designer: Sasha Tseng

The Nooie Cam 360 is an indoor security camera that is equipped with a vertical and horizontal rotating camera module which enables to track movement with 360 degrees panning view. With a 1080p crisp HD resolution, you can record clips and videos on a secure cloud storage or on your own MicroSD card.

The camera has the ability to perform image and motion detection all viewable in crisp 1080p High Definition quality. Sounding the alarm is also possible with the two-way audio feature. With this affordable piece of security hardware at your doorstep, you won’t have to worry about finding out when someone is at the door.

2. Robotics - CanguRo (Partner Robot)

Prizes: Winner in Media and Home Electronics/Robotics, drones, UAVs

Company: Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRo) at Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan

Lead Designer: Shunji YAMANAKA and fuRo

Advancements in neural networks or artificial intelligence and the rising speed of computational power of computers, we are now able to create devices that were once seen as science fiction. The CanguRo is a personal assistant that can also act as a personal ride. It’s built in a neural network and sensors allow it to navigate the world in real time, allowing it to avoid obstacles like an actual animal. It is also equipped with sensors that allows it to sense the rider’s intentions and make the necessary micro adjustments in posture when making quick turns for a more comfortable ride.

3. Automated Temperature Control - Hitachi Advanced Color Wired Remote Control

Prizes: Winner in Home Interior Products/Switches, Temperature Control Systems

Company : Hitachi–Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc., Japan

Lead Designer :Liu Yang, Nikhil Nair, Irene Ding, Iris Yuan and Chia Yen Hsieh

Getting the room temperature in residential and commercial spaces is important especially in this wireless age. Researchers have discovered that having a remote controller that gives clear information, allows for easy navigation within its software interface, and a good aesthetics to match the environment is beneficial for people who are living or working in such spaces. Thus, this new and improved product with physical touch-points and cleaner user interfaces is a superior choice over other similar products in the market.

4. Discrete Security - Cisco Meraki MV Security Cameras

Prizes : Winner in Media and Home Electronics/Cameras, Video Cameras and Equipment

Company: Whipsaw, Inc., United States

Lead Designer: Dan Harden

When it comes to indoor and outdoor security cameras, nothing could be simpler to implement than the Cisco Meraki MV series of security cameras. These portable devices can be installed on any surface in any orientation whether it be on the ceiling or wall. Because of the small size, it can be tucked away on a corner of an office, school campus, or retail stores while it watches through its glossy lens cover. The MV series comes in a neat powerful package, equipped with its own onboard video processing and storage, eliminating the need to use a central server or cloud. This eliminates network latency.

5. Innovative Comforts - Mechanical White Noise Sound Machine

Prizes: Gold in Home Interior Products/Bedroom Furniture/Accessories

Company: Shenzhen Qianhai Patuoxun Co.,ltd, China

Lead Designer: Hu Chino

Having trouble falling asleep? Then perhaps the Mechanical White Noise Sound Machine is what you need. This handy device can mimic 128 types of natural white noise. The sound is produced by rotating a fan blade at 1Hz. This produces the desired type of white noise to achieve that good quality and comfortable sleep.

Sounds aren’t the only way to induce sleep, with a 5500K soft breathing LED light, the room’s atmosphere can be adjusted for peace and quiet. In addition, there’s also a charging port with the device so you can charge other devices like a phone while sleeping. It’s Scandinavian gray tone and small, compact design makes it easy to carry around wherever you go.