Most people live each day unaware that the world has been designed for able-bodied, right-handed young adults of average height and weight, with perfect sight and hearing capabilities and the ability to verbally communicate their needs. The world, of course, is made up of many different kinds of people of varying ages, sizes and abilities- a reality that will become even more pronounced over the next decade when the largest segment of today's consumers, the "baby-boomers", begin to experience the effects of aging. The ideal of products and environments designed with everybody in mind is the goal of an approach called "universal design".
To promote Universal Design, five competitions have been organized by the Design Exchange, North America's premier centre for design and innovation, supported by Human Resources Development Canada / Developpement des ressources humaines Canada and sponsored by the private sector.
We invite you to take up the challenge of Universal Design by entering:
Create the Perfect Box
sponsored by The MIBRO Group Design a unique container capable of holding a variety of power tool accessories such as drill bits, screwdriver bits, spade bits, nut setters, and hole saws and that has the opportunity to be manufactured by the MIBRO Group, a major player in the power tool accessories market whose products are sold in hardware stores across North America. This competition is open to industrial design professionals and students.
Universal Nomads - Travel and Adventure
sponsored by Tilley Endurables Inc. Universal designs for those who want to see the world. Tilley Endurables, the first name in travel and adventure clothing and accessories, is calling all budding entrepreneurs to help design the next
"must have" for the ultimate trek. Any travel or adventure-related item welcomed such as clothing, accessories, inventive devices, etc. This competition is open to the general public.
Life by Design
sponsored by DuPont Canada Canadian industrial design students are invited to participate in the fourth annual DuPont Student Design Competition. Participants may choose to design a universal kettle, recognized as a classic Canadian industrial design icon, or a scooter, as suggested by the Olympic 2008 Bid Accessibility Committee. DuPont is a world-wide science company, delivering science-based solutions that make a difference in people's lives.
Universal Design Space
sponsored by the Design Exchange Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Interior Design students are challenged to design the best universal built environment. A universal space accommodates people of different ages regardless of ability or mobility, takes into consideration our different senses and goes beyond the minimum legal standards by striving to address everyone through inclusive, attractive designs regardless of cultural differences or individual abilities.
ReCOVERING & DisCOVERING Design
sponsored by OBUS FORME Ltd. OBUS FORME Ltd., Canada¡¯s Bodycare Experts, is asking all Canadian designers and design students (e.g. Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, etc.) to revitalize the Lowback Backrest Support (including the lumbar pad) by
"reCOVERING" it with a unique and purposeful cover design. As a result, OBUS FORME hopes to ¡°disCOVER" innovative covers that may be utilized.
Schedule
Deadline for Entries - March 9, 2001
Notification of Finalists - March 23, 2001
Submission of Prototypes by Finalists - April 27, 2001
Exhibition of Entries at Design Exchange, Toronto - May 7-27, 2001
Awards Reception - May 10, 2001
Exhibition of Finalists at Inclusion by Design, Montreal - June 1-5, 2001
Awards
Cash prizes and awards will be presented at the Design Exchange on May 10, 2001.
Entries will be displayed at an exhibition at the Design Exchange from May 7-27, 2001 and finalists will be showcased from June 1-5, 2001 in Montreal at Inclusion by Design - Planning the Barrier-free World and International World Congress. The finalists¡¯ work will be included in a universal design publication published by the Design Exchange.
Information
For more information on the above competitions please contact:
Design Exchange
Universal Design Competitions
234 Bay Street, 4th Floor
Toronto-Dominion Centre
Toronto, ON, M5K 1B2
Phone: 1-877-663-2102
TTY: 1-877-546-7675
Fax: 416 368-0684
E-mail: programs@dx.org
Website: http://www.designexchange.org/universal
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