NEWS Imagine a future where children no longer need to fear scary monsters under their beds. What if NASA's next vehicle to explore Mars is already designed, in northern Sweden. Consider a tomorrow where breathing difficulties among newborn children in developing countries aren’t life-threatening anymore. On June 1-2, graduates present their degree projects at Umeå Institute of Design’s yearly exhibition, UID'17 - Design Talks & Degree Show.
During UID'17, students at Umeå Institute of Design (UID), one of the world's top rated design programs, will present their degree projects in talks, with 3D models and by digital visualizations.
Many of the 49 projects are inspired by the digital revolution accelerated by the widespread use of smartphones. Martina Eriksson utilized the platform to develop an educational monster trap for children suffering from nightmares. The app has been developed after interviews with child psychologists, behavioural therapists, parents and children.
In another project, Dominik Krug has looked towards the red planet. The first manned missions to Mars are expected to take place in the 2030s and the demands on the equipment will be immense. In cooperation with Jaguar Land Rover, Dominik Krug has developed a futuristic rover with unique off-road capabilities to explore the difficult terrain.
Several projects have a strong connection to healthcare. Graduate Darja Wendel has developed an entirely new product to streamline the resuscitation of newborn children suffering from breathing difficulties. These problems are especially common in developing countries where faster and safer methods could save many lives.
"The topics that our students have chosen to explore this year are not simple. We are very proud to have the opportunity to showcase their solutions and perspectives on how we can help with the complex challenges we face in society" says Johan Redström, Rector at UID.
UID’s global attraction has led to a highly international student base, fifteen different nationalities among graduate students alone this year. The school also has strong ties to a host of multinational corporate giants like Microsoft, Google, Samsung, BMW and Volvo. Each year, representatives from companies travel to the event to follow up collaborations with students, to watch demonstrations and portfolios, and to recruit the next generation of industrial designers.
About UID'17 - Design Talks & Degree Show
Location: Umeå Institute of Design, Östra Strandgatan 30, Umeå, Sweden
Time: Thursday 1 June - Friday 2 June
Read more about UID'17
Press Information & Press Kit
Media can obtain preliminary information on four selected student projects, one from each program, in UID'17 press kit. The press kit also contains high resolution press images for download. Journalists can book interviews and an exclusive preview of the exhibition by contacting Communications Officer Jens Persson.
For more information, please contact:
Jens Persson, Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of DesignPhone: +46 (0) 73-626 35 51
Email: jens.persson@umu.se
Maria Göransdotter, Vice-Rector,Umeå Institute of DesignPhone: +46 (0) 90 786 70 36, +46 (0) 70 336 70 36
Email: maria.goransdotter@umu.se
Editor: Anna-Lena Lindskog