Simplexity in Design Exhibition - Milan Design Week 2024
Nottingham Trent University’s BA (Hons) Product Design second year students collaborate with the Strate School of Design in France to create a two-week online learning project as part of NTU’s Product Design International Design Studio (IDS).
By Antonio Cuyas | Published on 15 May 2024
Categories: Business; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
Domus Academy, one of the prestigious members of the Cumulus Association, invited all Cumulus Member Institutions along with their design students to develop proposals for participation in a captivating new project competition revolving around the compelling theme of Simplexity in Design. The competition culminated in a one-day conference and exhibition during Milan Design Week 2024, where projects from selected schools had the opportunity to showcase prototypes and take part in talk/presentation sessions.
NTU's designs at the Simplexity in Design Exhibition.
This exceptional competition was tailored to explore the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity in design research and practice, where complex problems are often ingeniously solved through novel combinations of simple techniques. This competition offered a unique platform for designers to reflect on the captivating topic of designing for complexity. Participants embarked on the task of conceiving a design project that embodies Simplexity.
After receiving a call for participation, we engaged with colleagues at the Strate School of Design in Paris and Lyon, France, and transformed the opportunity into a two-week collaborative online international learning project. The central question for the workshop was: How might we empower European communities to tackle the local challenges of climate change using AI-enhanced products? In the face of escalating climate challenges, European communities grapple with pressing local issues, prompting the need for innovative solutions.
NTU students working on their projects whilst on a video call with their partners at the Strate School of Design.
This collaborative workshop involved about 90 enthusiastic product, interaction, brand, and spatial design students. It focused on exploring the intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable product design. The objective was to develop future concepts that equip communities with essential tools for addressing climate change effectively. By integrating AI, the project aimed to generate product solutions that not only respond to environmental challenges but also actively involve community members in adopting new sustainable practices.
From this collaboration, two designs were selected: Yogi and Fire Scout. Yogi is an AI-powered park ranger drone and supporting monitoring system designed to help across all stages of wildfire management, and Fire Scout is an AI-assisted device designed to revolutionize the detection and management of forest fires within European communities.
An NTU's student laptop displaying one of their innovative designs.
The impact of participating in this international exhibition and collaborating with the Strate School of Design was very rewarding. Three main outputs were achieved: Creating Opportunity - The project and exhibition offered a unique and valued student experience. Valuing Ideas - The COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) environment fostered collaboration with Strate School of Design, enabling the sharing of aspirations that led to significant outcomes and the celebration of our work. Connecting Globally - With over 90,000 unique visitors, the exhibition served as an excellent platform to promote Product Design and Nottingham Trent University.
Overall, the broader exhibition included over 40 international institutions, creating an ideal environment for networking for both staff and students. Several valuable connections were made during the exhibition, opening the door to future COIL projects, exchange agreements, and live industry projects.
If you have any questions about the information above please contact grant.baker@ntu.ac.uk