Nearly 10,000 ideas and concepts from 50 countries around the world were submitted by students and narrowed down to 161 breakthrough projects that won the 2021 iF Design Talent Award. To celebrate young creatives and their future-oriented works, while respecting the struggle to an ecological approach, the platform specifically classifies designs that correspond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)*. From eggshells that become biodegradable lighting designs to structures that respond to UV index like flowers, these concepts prove how budding creativity can be the key to a brighter future...

Among thousands of participants and two rounds of judging, a well-designed jury selected 161 concepts, of which only 13 were awarded, with a total prize of 50,000 Euros. In addition, lucky students can permanently display their projects on the websites of famous platforms. In order to reach this stage, in order to obtain a complete and fair judgment, each winning design needs to obtain an above-average score in the following questions: Does the project solve a problem? Does it reflect or promote high moral and ethical standards; does it strengthen group relationships; does it have economic significance and does it create a positive experience. 

As the first of our 12 series of collaborations, designboom has 10 university winning concepts from the 2021 iF Design Talent Award, providing original solutions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Name: PSN Protective Shell University: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taiwan SDG: 13-Climate Action

Designer: chien-hsun chen, hsiao-yu sun

As a protective cover, the "PSN protective shell" uses green fluorescent protein to absorb ultraviolet light, making it open and close like a bionic flower in response to the intensity of the UV index. The higher index structure is like a pavilion providing shade, and at night it becomes a naturally luminous art installation. The design has a dual purpose-practical and conceptual.

The jury stated: "This concept creates a moment of happiness for people of all ages and at the same time helps explain the need to change our lifestyle."

Name: Dessa University: Poznan University of the Arts SDG: 12-Responsible Consumer Production

The "dessa" furniture system solves the problem of excessive consumption. Thanks to the system that is easy to assemble and disassemble, and in accordance with the principle of circular economy, multiple uses of the same components continue to create new products. Resources come from users who donate old parts to the company, which can then be manufactured and turned into new collections. For the needs of the project, the designer showed a special biodegradable material that can be regenerated and recycled.

The jury stated: "This is a very interesting project. The idea is good, the design process is effective, and the result is very beautiful.

Name: CO2 Purification Tower University: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taiwan SDG: 13-Climate Action

Designer: han-yulai, chien-hsun chen, chun-yi yeh

Excessive emissions of carbon dioxide have led to increased global warming and extreme climate change. Today, industrialization has an increasing impact on human health. In order to solve this problem, the "carbon dioxide purification tower" uses biotechnology to decompose excess carbon dioxide emissions by using bacteria and genetically modified e. aureum or devil's ivy. This unique new filtration process combined with carbon capture technology can foresee the vision of sustainable resource utilization.

The jury stated: "The design of the air pollution filter tower will add fascinating colors to any city skyline. Its static appearance means it can serve as a milestone and a visual reminder, reminding us of the need to change our consumer behavior to create a better A healthy environment. At the same time, it is quietly decomposing carbon dioxide emissions to create clean air.

Name: SÊLO University: IED Madrid, Spain SDG: 12-Responsible Consumer Production

Designer: inés balbás

"SÊLO" is the result of in-depth research and experiments on waste. The continuous accumulation of residues produced by linear economy is the main aspect of the project involving recycled materials. From eggshells to biodegradable and sustainable materials, designers have proven that an easy-to-purchase, lightweight and local residue can participate in the design world.

The jury stated: "Awesome project. The research process using eggshells as biological materials is powerful and the results are fascinating. In addition, the students' videos and PDF presentations are also perfectly implemented,"

Name: wama University of Drama Therapy: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taiwan SDG: 03-Good Health and Welfare

Designer: fang-ping hsu (MCUT), chien-chen lai (NTUST)

The "wama" application for drama therapy is used to reduce the spread of pathogens in group activities. Under the guidance of psychotherapists, children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are assisted in the role-playing process, whether it is through the voice changing function or the pictures on the mask to reflect their feelings. Through AR transparent electronic paper and exterior cleaning, children can act as others and enjoy drama therapy courses. 

The jury stated: "This is a simple and powerful design that has been well implemented. Although there is no economic evaluation, this can be understood as a relatively low-cost proposal. The work is well done.

Name: Blue Triangle: African Toilet Assistance Project University: Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin, China SDG: 06-Clean Water Sanitation

Inadequate sanitation facilities are one of the leading causes of death in Africa. The "Blue Triangle" plan aims to support hygiene education and the construction and maintenance of high-efficiency and low-cost toilets. The project is sturdy and lightweight, and an adult can easily carry it as a separate device. Except for the squatting pan, all other parts of the toilet can be constructed using local materials.

The jury stated: "This is a perfect example of how to use design to leverage benefits on multiple levels of complex issues. It provides an immediately recognizable mass-manufactured product design for the correct handling of human feces in remote rural areas, but There is an important turning point. The product is completed by using local resources, through the training of local volunteers, and ultimately by changing the community's hygiene habits.

Name: hávitat University: IED Madrid, Spain SDG: 10-Reduce Inequality

'hávitat' is designed for the elderly or those receiving palliative care. It is a social center that provides the opportunity to enjoy an active social life. The space balances private and public areas and includes entertainment spaces that invite the community to participate. Although there is an inevitable road, the environment provides residents with a pleasant time with their loved ones.

The jury stated: "Users' needs are clearly concentrated in the design process, so the designed space is highly sensitive to the fact that most residents are their final home."

Name: University of Cannes: umea School of Design, Sweden SDG: 03-goodhealth well-being

Self-directed, low-cost and sustainable; the door-to-door CPR kit "canne" provides people with the opportunity to learn the technology while saving time and medical resources. The Corrugated Cardboard Basic Life Support (BLS) learning package allows laymen to master the practice of cardiac arrest recognition, chest compressions, and ventilation. With the help of autonomous smartphone apps, the learning experience can be enhanced, as it can simulate cardiac arrest scenarios and provide real-time feedback on compressions and ventilation. 

The jury stated: "Smart and simple solutions have a high beneficial experience for health and well-being, as well as high value for the development of society and communities."

Name: T-shirts are more than T-shirts University: University of the Arts London SDG: 12-Responsible Consumer Production

Ever heard of excessive consumption? Although corporate purchases may seem tempting, unnecessary purchases often lead to higher levels of waste, thereby polluting the environment. Especially when it comes to clothing, only the material and washing instructions are indicated on the label, which is often misleading. With the loooong label, consumers can learn more about the stories they wear. The longer the label, the more energy it consumes

The jury stated: "Sometimes, responsible consumption begins with ensuring that people have access to reliable information from which they can make informed decisions and change behavior. This entry humorously and informatively tells shoppers the source and production life cycle of new clothes The "long label" will definitely attract attention and help persuade people to buy sustainably sourced and produced clothing. This is an excellent and concise solution that will also cause smiles (and shock) among conscious shoppers.

Name: Cerberus University: HTW Berlin, Germany SDG: 12-Responsible Consumer Production

Designers: bernhard büttner, ony yan, arthur worbes

Different types of algae are likely to become the main resources in the future, and the "cerberus" cultivation system plans to open up truly sustainable agriculture or, more accurately, a revolutionary prospect for aquaculture. Fast-growing algae can be grown as food, and can also be used in medical technology, 3D prototyping, electronic fuel production, textile processing, and more applications. Although the processing technology is already very advanced, little progress has been made in the development of planting and harvesting systems. This semi-autonomous system protects precious aquatic resources by providing raw materials without causing air or water pollution, laying the foundation for a sustainable work cycle.

The jury stated: "Excellent design solutions that are both economically and environmentally feasible."

If you are a student and want to submit your sustainability idea at the 2022 iF Design Talent Award, please mark November on your calendar!

Designboom and the iF Design Talent Award jointly announced for the first time 10 student projects in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). A well-designed international jury reduced the 10,000 entries to 75, of which 13 entries will share a prize of 50,000 Euros. From treatment masks for children with autism to carbon dioxide purification towers, our goal is to highlight some inspiring, future-oriented and always creative designs from young talents. Companies such as Haier, Samsung Electronics, GROHE Co., Ltd., Wonderland Nursery, Compal Electronics, and Dongguan South China Design and Innovation Institute are committed to young designers and are sponsors of the award. To view all the student projects of the 2021 iF Design Talent Award winners, please visit here.

SDGs are a key element of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and were adopted by all UN member states in 2015. They are understood as a general call for action in emerging and developing countries as well as industrialized countries. What ties them together is that they aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone and everywhere. In recognition of the important work of the United Nations, the iF Design Talent Award has been adapted to respond to growing problems.

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