Optimize Your Workplace with iF Design Awards' Best Industrial Solutions of 2021 by Sarah Fonder

Over the past year, workplace infrastructure has become more important than ever, and it's demanded significant adjustments. Thankfully, engineers around the world are using technology to make work safer, easier, and more intuitive. These improvements can involve approaches as high-tech as artificial intelligence, or as simple as compact, optimized design. If you're hoping to streamline your company's industrial processes, look no further than this list of the most innovative solutions on the market by the experts at the iF Design Awards.

This list covers a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and education. It features tools that optimize complicated processes, assist with heavy physical labor, and strengthen workplace safety with cutting-edge technology. From HR management software to flight simulators, this eclectic list includes something useful for every workplace. Click through to discover the best industrial advancements of today.

AX System - Work Safety in Logistics

The AX System is an innovative AI-based, preventive traffic-light style system that monitors dangerous crossroads and sections in warehouses and industrial facilities. With the power of artificial intelligence, the AX System predicts dangerous situations or potential accidents and emits a distinct warning. The signaling system enables a more seamless operation of forklifts, speeding up workflow while reducing risk to human life.

NCSOFT Human Resource Management UX

The NC HR System aims to promote the development of human resources and increase work productivity. In other words, the system always acts as a manager at hand. NCSOFT adopts a very unique and playful approach to corporate culture. Managers help employees manage their own data, attendance, and pay. Various manuals are recommended at the right time according to individual context. Furthermore, the UI optimized for the HR system supports the efficient work of related departments. As a result, the NC HR system saves time by reducing unnecessary communication and helps individuals perform the desired task.

Fotokite Sigma

Fotokite Sigma is an actively tethered unmanned aerial system providing Public Safety teams with mission-critical situational awareness from previously unavailable elevated perspectives. Unlimited continuous flight time along with launching, flying, and landing with the single push of a button helps to save team resources. The Fotokite Live App provides real-time thermal and high-def video streams, giving First Responders immediate actionable information on and offsite throughout their mission without the need of a drone pilot license. Fotokite Systems have saved human lives numerous times throughout search and rescue and live fire missions.

Dräger PARAT® 1200/1260

Work environments with hazardous substances require the use of special escape devices in case life-threatening gas concentrations suddenly occur. The PARAT® 1200 filtering escape device provides the user with complete breathing protection along the escape route. Its extremely compact size does away with the need to carry a bulky and heavy device. In addition, the device gives the user a full ten minutes of safe breathing, which is critical for completing an escape. The design offers excellent ergonomics at an affordable price point that positions it well on the market.

Best UX with LHStation and LHMobile

The LHStation and LHMobile make working with metal cutting machine tools easy, intuitive, and safe. It is optimized for programming at a large screen and for controlling the machine with a mobile, tethered unit. This solution, which addresses workflow, ergonomics, and safety standards, is the first of its kind in the industry. By applying UX process not only to the interface but also to the industrial design, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik and Schindler Creations were able to create a consistent user experience for LHStation and LHMobile. From a user's perspective, the interface appears to be one system, combining the best of two worlds, the physical and digital.

HiQ Maschine

The ultrasonic welder HiQ G2 Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik makes the welder's workplace even more intelligent and attractive, giving the operator ultimate control. A digital twin enables the user to adapt all components and functions to their own requirements, making operating errors virtually impossible. Advanced technology offers intuitive configuration, training, and operation of the machine. The form factor is clear and simple. The components are arranged for optimal ergonomics. Together, these elements communicate the high quality, precision, reliability, and technology leadership of the H. U. brand.

Future Systems Simulator

The FSS, developed by Rolls-Royce, the Cranfield University and DCA Design, is a highly reconfigurable modular flight simulator in which pilots can explore the potential impact on future flight decks from near-term changes, such as smarter, more autonomous engines and revolutionary technologies, such as electric, fuel cells, and hybrid propulsion. Independent of any airframe or manufacturer, the FSS builds reassuringly on familiar aircraft controls. Pilots interact with information presented on up to four large reconfigurable touch screens and two smaller side screens. By repositioning or removing seats, screens, side sticks, and thrust levers, it can represent anything from small single-seat aircraft to the largest jumbo jets.

Construction Site Cleaning Robot Junkman BDR 01

Before interior decorating can be carried out on a concrete building, the construction site needs to be cleared of large amounts of cement dust and construction waste. Junkman BDR 01 combines unmanned driving technology with the functions of traditional sweeping vehicles to scan and build maps on-site and create cleaning routes. The robot independently identifies and avoids obstacles or pedestrians on the path. Bright Dream Robotics has equipped the robot's worksite with a charging station, which autonomously charges the battery. The robot is compact with high passability and can clean up construction waste such as stones with a diameter of less than 50mm.

LIQUIDTOOL

LIQUIDTOOL analyzes the characteristics of lubricating fluids in industrial machinery and optimizes their use, allowing production to proceed continuously, safely, and consistently during machine operation. The device's main component collects, analyzes, and returns the fluid to the machine, adjusting its parameters and supplying a token that communicates data via RFID connection to the smartphone. Both the main device and token are equipped with magnets for easy mounting and removal on the machine without impacting its structure. Liquid Tool Systems AG has equipped the device with LED lights that already communicate the machine status from a distance through various light signals.

ECLIPSE Ei

The Eclipse Ei, by Nikon, is an educational microscope developed to assist teachers by making machine operation more intuitive for beginners. It eliminates issues associated with the moving, setup, and storage of microscopes. The design features user-friendly graphic indicators, an online guide, a lightweight body that is easy to hold and carry, and a design that provides clean, organized storage for accessories. These innovations simplify teaching, learning, and handling machinery, supports teachers in their instruction, and increases productivity for students by giving them more essential time for learning sciences and medicine.

C-Beyond HMI

Coperion's C-Beyond HMI assists operators of compounding systems and extruders in their daily work. The innovative operating concept keeps operators focused on the essentials. The distance view makes system monitoring possible from a wide range of distances without losing sight of any important details. A user can switch on and operate different layers of information on-demand, enabling the machine to perform complex tasks directly at the HMI. The modular layout facilitates navigation of the entire system, from the large overall unit to the smaller individual components.

Energy Storage System For Railway with SCiB(TM)

The Energy Storage System (ESS) with SCiB(TM) (Toshiba's rechargeable battery) charges and discharges regenerative power to provide safe and stable power supply to trains, especially during emergency power failures. A simple monitoring system is essential to ensure continuous operation of the ESS. This graphic user interface (GUI) with strong visual design offers just that by offering a clear, intuitive display of ESS operation. System status such as output power, battery status, fault information, and measured data are displayed in real-time and can be quickly grasped by the users.

H2Rex

H2Rex by Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions is a pure hydrogen fuel cell cogeneration system that generates electricity and heat with hydrogen produced from renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, H2Rex is quiet and does not emit CO2, making it safe to install where people live and work, such as near houses, buildings, and factories. H2Rex changes people's conventional image of infrastructure, thanks to its simple, unobtrusive design that blends in with the surroundings. H2Rex not only expands the utilization of hydrogen energy but also symbolizes next-generation infrastructure for a sustainable society.

FlipGo

The FlipGo folding slide miter saw is a robust, compact, and easy-to-carry woodworking machine. Rexon's innovative, retractable saw design optimizes storage space, reduces its carbon footprint, requires less packaging, and is easier to ship. While conventional miter saws require two hands, this foldable FlipGo can be carried with just one hand. It is easy to fold in two steps and takes up a lot less space in a truck or workshop. The slide function and wide range of miter cutting angles up to 60° meet the needs of most job site projects.

Hilti PMD 200

Hilti PMD 200 is a laser-based tool used to transfer locations from an architect's drawings to reality on the construction site. Unlike traditional tools, the PMD 200 removes many manual measuring tasks required to mark the location of internal walls. This not only speeds up the process and removes scope for error, but makes complicated geometry (like curved walls) more accurate and economical. Tasks are guided step-by-step via a tablet interface designed to feel intuitive for any smartphone user. Ultimately, PMD 200 turns an error-prone, two-person job into a faster, one-person task and makes ambitious designs realizable.

ACCURAD(TM) PRD

The Mirion AccuRad Personal Radiation Detector (PRD) is designed for Emergency Responders to support them in enforcing public safety and civilian defense against radiological threats. The device was developed for use with ultimate discretion that avoids alarming any non-ER observers present at an incident. The AccuRad is the first PRD with two displays incorporating an easy-to-read top-screen, which keeps the atmosphere calm by allowing users to glance at the device without having to remove it from their belt or pocket. Its unique "on-the-move" localization algorithm enables intuitive source search with a built-in radar screen display that indicates the direction of radioactive material.

Metalquimia Signature

This integrated line for meat processing consists of three machines: the Spray Meat Injector, the Meat Massager, and the Continuous Meat Stuffer. The design language of the components is driven by their functionality and strict industry standards. The machines are made from 100% stainless steel, as dictated by food safety standards. To ensure greater hygiene and cleanliness, the designers substituted traditional handles with simple grooves, eliminating the angled planes of older versions to reduce contamination risk. The clean, unobtrusive geometry of the Metalquimia Signature embodies the best technology in the industry.

Axia

Axia is a versatile, precision milling system designed to reliably and quickly accomplish simple and complex machining tasks on volumes of a wide range of materials. This machine's aesthetic form factor and quality materials allow it to blend in well with any industrial context. Grupo Nicolás Correa and Nacar Design developed an industrial precision milling machine whose design aesthetics and value adapt to and enhance any situation or environment.

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20 Woman-led Industrial Design & Innovation Firms by Kristi Bartlett & Ti Chang

Gender disparity is a real issue in the industrial design industry. Women account for 85% of consumer purchases but the designers of these products are rarely women. Recent reports show that industrial design is skewed toward men, with a whopping 81-95%** male designers in the industry. That is not to say that men can't design products for women, but there is real authenticity and fresh approaches in design when women bring their lived experiences to the products they use.

If you are looking to bring diverse perspectives to your products, we've rounded up 20 woman-led industrial design and innovation firms.

Aruliden

Aruliden was co-founded by Rinat Aruh, and she is currently the CEO. Aruliden is an agency that focuses on product design, branding, and creative strategy. Aruliden is headquartered in New York and has offices in San Francisco and Amsterdam.

Website: https://aruliden.com/

Insta: @aruliden, @rinataruh

Google Meet for Google by Aruliden

Moramma

Morrama is a London-based industrial design and innovation consultancy founded by Jo Barnard. Morrama primarily works with startups, and focuses on storytelling and weaving a narrative through every touchpoint of the design.

Website: https://www.morrama.com/

Insta: @morramadesign, @barnard_jo

Wild sustainable deodorant, for Wild by Morrama

S.E.E.D. at Adidas

Cheresse Thornhill is the design director at S.E.E.D., the School for Experiential Education in design, a two year design program for women from diverse backgrounds creating access into the Adidas brand and sportswear industry. S.E.E.D. uses an apprenticeship model - students are paid to learn - and operates as a studio, students work on projects that go into production.

Website: https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/467433

Insta: @adidas_s.e.e.d, @cheressethornhill

S.E.E.D. at Adidas

Kinnier DuFort

Merle Hall is the CEO of Kinnier DuFort, a UK-based firm offering design, innovation, research, and human factors, for consumer, industrial, and medical products. XXEquals is an internal team of innovators, designers, engineers, and makers focused on delivering products and experiences tuned to women's needs, and closing the gap between perception and reality when designing for women.

Website: https://kinneirdufort.com/, www.xxequals.com

Insta: @kinnierdufort, @xxequals

Raspberry Pi keyboard and mouse, for Raspberry Pi by Kinnier Dufort

Loft

Jeanette Numbers is the co-founder of Loft, a product development studio that is "passionate about bringing life to life-changing ideas." Their client projects span a variety of areas including consumer, med tech, iOT, and mobility. Loft has offices in Providence, RI and San Francisco, CA.

Website: https://www.loftllc.com/

Insta: @loftdesigns, @loft_jeanette

The Embr Wave 2 thermal regulating wearable for Embr by Loft

Nonfiction Creative

Alyssa Coletti founded NonFiction Creative to focus on concept, form, and craft in product design. Nonfiction Creative designs furniture for home and corporate environments.

Website: https://alyssacoletti.com/projects

Insta: @nonfiction.creative

The Genesee chair for Gunlocke, designed by Alyssa Coletti

FAAS Design Collab

Angela Medlin is the founder and director of FAAS (pronounced 'faze', stands for Functional Apparel & Accessories Studio) Design Collab, located in Portland. FAAS is a "learn by doing" design education program that seeks to close the gap between under-represented creatives and the footwear/apparel industry. FAAS partners directly with global apparel and footwear brands to help students make connections for industry jobs or future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Website: https://www.faasdesigncollab.com/

Insta: @faasdesigncollab

FAAS Design Collab is based in Portland, OR

Figure 8 Thinking

Natalie Nixon, PhD is the founder of Figure 8 Thinking, which advises leaders on transformation. Figure 8 Thinking offers foresight studios for executive leadership, strategic advising, coaching, and an online course in creative thinking. Natalie Nixon is also a keynote speaker and author of "The Creativity Leap."

Website: https://www.figure8thinking.com/

Natalie Nixon, founder of Figure 8 Thinking

Level

Level is a San Francisco based design studio founded by Nichole Rouillac. Level designs hardware for a range of clients – from startups to tech giants. Level believes since the products they create touch millions of lives, women must have a bigger impact on shaping them.

Website: https://leveldesignsf.com/

Insta: @leveldesignsf

The Tempo weight training platform, for Tempo by Level

Mike&Maaike

Maaike Evers is the co-founder of Mike&Maaike, an industrial design studio in San Francisco. The studio works independently and with clients to innovate in the areas of product, technology, furniture, environments, and transportation.

Website: https://www.mikeandmaaike.com/

Insta: @mikeandmaaike

The Windowseat Lounge Chair by Mike&Maaike

Liz Daily

Liz Daily is based in Chicago with a focus on technical soft goods and prototyping. She combines traditional industrial design methods with a knowledge of soft goods construction techniques and fabric technology.

Website: http://lizdaily.com/

Liz Daily designs

Neongrey

Jessica Nebel is managing partner at Neongrey, a design innovation studio based in Germany. Neongrey's services industrial design, ui/ux design, design strategy, and design for spaces.

Website: https://www.neongrey.io/

Insta: @neongreydesign, @jessicanebel_design

The Tricuro phone attachment for spine measurement, by Neongrey for Kentago

Creative Reaction Lab

Antionette Carroll is the founder, president, and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, which is building a movement of a new generation of civic leaders: redesigners for justice. Creative Reaction Lab's mission is to educate, train, and challenge Black and Latinx youth (and allies) to become leaders in designing healthy and racially equitable communities. Creative Reaction lab's approach to design is to use a framework they created called Equity-Centered Design (ECCD).

Website: https://www.creativereactionlab.com/

Insta: @crxlab

The Equity-Centered Community Design Field Guide by Creative Reaction Lab

Birsel + Seck

Ayse Birsel is the co-founder and creative director of the design and innovation studio Birsel + Seck. Birsel + Seck's core team possesses a diverse range of design and business skills, and focuses on human centered design and innovation to solve complex problems for global brands.

Website: http://birselplusseck.com/

Insta: @birselplusseck, @aysebirselseck, @designthelifeyoulove

The Overlay room divider for Herman Miller by Birsel + Seck

HOW AND WHY

Stephanie Howard founded HOW AND WHY, located in Boston, MA. HOW AND WHY offers innovation strategy and creative direction to leading mission-drive brands.

Website: http://www.howandwhy.biz/

Insta: @stephanie_howandwhy

Design for Timberland by HOW AND WHY

Nonfiction

Phnam Bagley is the co-founder of Nonfiction, a creative studio in San Francisco specializing in industrial design, branding, user experience design, space architecture, engineering, and strategy. Nonfiction works with clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies to "turn science fiction into reality for a better future."

Website: https://www.nonfiction.design/

Insta: @nonfiction.design

Human Headphones for Human by Nonfiction Design

Knack

Kelly Custer is the design director of Knack, a design studio focused on front-end innovation. Knack helps innovation managers at hardware brands uncover innovative product ideas, and has leveraged remote collaboration among designers since its inception.

Website: https://www.knackdesignstudio.com/

Insta: @knackdesignstudio

Rol Autonomous Scooter by Knack Design

Spitfire Industry

Isis Shiffer is the founder of Spitfire Industry in Brooklyn, NY. Spitfire Industry provides industrial design, packaging, web design, and branding services.

Website: https://www.spitfireindustry.com/

Insta: @spitfire_industry

Light therapy lamps for Circadian Optics by Spitfire Industry

Studio Gorm

Wonhee Arndt is the co-founder of Studio Gorm in Eugene, Oregon. Studio Gorm designs products, furniture, lighting, interiors, and exhibitions. Their designs are informed by speculative academic research and the designers' backgrounds in craft.

Website: studiogorm.com

Insta: @wonheestudiogorm

Maru Bench for Memo by Studio Gorm

Manta

Betsy Goodrich is the co-founder of Manta and is currently the VP of Design and Human Factors and Usability Leader. Manta is based in Cambridge, MA and their services include human centered design, technology innovation, and product development.

Website: https://mantadesign.com/

Hologic Fluent, a surgical fluid management system, for Hologic by Manta

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Know any women-led firms that should be featured on a list like this? Mention them in the comments below and stay tuned for a Part 2 on women-led design firms to follow!

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Get to Know the Designers Behind the Winning Project in the 2021 WantedDesign Schools Workshop by Core Jr

In June 2021, WantedDesign hosted their annual Design Schools Workshop, this year exploring the theme of "Neo-Nature," led by Art Center College of Design faculty members Dan Gottlieb and Michael Neumayr. The goal of the workshop was to create sustainable design solutions providing areas of natural respite within busy urban landscapes. For one week, six teams consisting of students across the globe worked on briefs for projects that would revitalize urban landscapes within New York City including the Gowanus Canal and East River Park, with the hopes of being deemed the 2021 Design Schools Workshop Winner.

Teams consisted of students from Art Center College of Design, CENTRO Mexico, Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and School of Visual Arts (SVA). The projects were judged by a team of design leaders including Allan Chochinov (Editor-at-Large of Core77 and Founding Chair of SVA NYC MFA Products of Design), Anishka Clarke (Principal of Ishka Designs), John Edelman (Executive Chairman of Crypton Fabrics and Co-Founder, Fourth & Pride Vodka), Angie Lee (Partner, Design Director of Interiors of FXCollaborative Architects LLP and President-Elect of IIDA, AIA IIDA New York Chapter), Jean-Jacques L'henaff (Leader at Lixil Global Design, Americas), and Roxane Spears (Vice President of Sustainability North America for Tarkett)

In the end, the project "Rooted Under the K" was awarded as the Workshop Winner, designed by Grace Elwood (RISD), Adelaida Cortés (CENTRO), Ana-Paola Laveaga (ArtCenter), and Katy Yuelapwan (SVA).

The "Rooted Under the K" concept was a proposal to transform another New York location, the Under the K Bridge Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, into a "respite that celebrates immersion in nature and community," as the team noted in their final presentation. Natural vegetation would climb the underside of the bridge to create a fully encapsulating natural experience while acting as a way to insulate noise coming from traffic on the bridge above., Hanging furniture made from 100% natural materials would also invite visitors in to sit and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

Judges of the 2021 WantedDesign Schools Workshop were particularly impressed by the fully immersive nature of the project. "From the specification of using indigenous plants, to the clever use of the vertical lights—'the stalactites and stalagmites'—to complement the horizontal elements in the plan, each of the ingredients had great spatial and strategic purpose," offers jury captain Allan Chochinov. "All of the jury members responded strongly to the density displayed in the renderings, and we talked about the great delight people would likely have 'stumbling upon' the installation when passing by on foot. The team made it easy to envision occupying the space, and even looking at the renderings, somehow, gave us a feeling of respite. Quite remarkable and transportive."

We recently sat down with the designers behind the winning project to learn more about them, the work they focus on, and their future design dreams:

Meet the Designers

Grace Elwood

Where are you originally from, which school are you part of, and where were you based at the time of the workshop?

I am from the north shore of Massachusetts, and am currently a student in the Furniture Design Department at RISD—I was based in Providence, Rhode Island at the time of the workshop.

What did it mean to be part of the WantedDesign Schools Online Workshop and how much was the theme inspiring for you ?

I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to explore this year's theme with so many talented and enthusiastic designers. The workshop expanded my design experience past furniture design and I enjoyed diving deep into the concept of neo-nature, as I am interested in sustainability and constantly inspired by nature. I never could have imagined how this workshop would continue to inspire me beyond our week together—I will definitely think back to the energy and imagination we collectively created during our week together throughout my design journey.

What is for you the best outcome of the workshop experience?

This experience revitalized and expanded my passion for sustainability and gave me hope for the future of design. It is easy to fall into patterns of hopelessness when thinking about making more things in the age of the climate crisis, and prior to this workshop I was experiencing moments of doubt within myself. However, after an intense week of immersive designing with my amazing team as well as witnessing the other teams' progress, I came out ready to continue researching, exploring, and imagining a more environmental world of design. I plan to bring this excitement into my senior year degree project at RISD and begin moving towards a more sustainable and nature-focused design practice. I also gained some amazing friends through our work together and I can't wait to meet them in person someday!

What was the most difficult part for you during this past year with the pandemic situation and how being creative may have helped you?

The most difficult part for me was working through handling the mental weight of everything I was seeing on the news and social media; often it can be difficult to design creatively when the world feels so negative. I was very lucky to resume in-person studio classes at RISD during this past fall and spring, and although things looked different in our shops, I found that putting all of myself into my work helped me regain a sense of purpose and control. This year taught me about the true value of making and creativity and I think it will push me to never take my creative opportunities for granted.

Where do you see yourself in the world of design and what will be your dream career?

I currently have a strong interest in sustainable material design and exploration, and my goal for the future is to discover specific waste streams that can be recycled into my own unique furniture. I dream of finding a satisfying and circular design practice through making and exploring by hand, resulting in functional pieces that are beautiful and encourage the user to think about waste.

Where can we learn more about your work?

I share my furniture, process, and other life fragments on Instagram @grace.elwood and finished portfolio pieces here.

Adelaida Cortés

Where are you originally from, which school are you part of, and where were you based at the time of the workshop?

I was born and raised in Hidalgo, a state located in the center of Mexico, and currently live in Mexico City where I moved to start my degree in Industrial Design at CENTRO.

What did it mean to be part of the WantedDesign Schools Online Workshop and how much was the theme inspiring for you ?

WantedDesign's workshop was definitely an amazing opportunity I didn't expect. The Neo-Nature theme was particularly interesting to me because of the changes I experienced moving from a small city to a large one. When I think of the final project my team members and I came up with (Under the K), I wonder how it relates to what I would've liked to have found in the big city, especially spaces where I could create a special connection without looking for it.

What is for you the best outcome of the workshop experience?

Besides the incredible people I met and worked with, I would say that the best outcome of the workshop was presenting a solution to a current problem that could actually be implemented, especially considering the intensity and duration of this workshop.

What was the most difficult part for you during this past year with the pandemic situation and how being creative may have helped you?

The hardest part of the past year was staying active, motivated, and creative. I believe designers are meant to help solve all kinds of problems. It would've been nice to feel that I somehow contributed to society during this worldwide pandemic.

Where do you see yourself in the world of design and what will be your dream career?

I believe that design is evolving. I see myself living as many experiences as possible in order to help spread the message of design being a helpful and relevant tool for everyone.

Where can we learn more about your work?

You can learn more about my work through my Instagram account: @adelaidacortesb

Ana-Paola Laveaga

Where are you originally from, which school are you part of, and where were you based at the time of the workshop?

I am originally from Irvine, California and currently attend ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. At the time of the workshop I was based in Pasadena.

What did it mean to be part of the WantedDesign Schools Online Workshop and how much was the theme inspiring for you ?

It meant a great deal to be part of the WantedDesign Schools Online Workshop for a number of reasons. The two instructors leading the workshop were former teachers of mine whose guidance in the design world have taught me a lot about what it means to create meaningful spaces and experiences, and who have helped shape my own design voice and process. The design challenge presented was also something that aligned with the kinds of themes and issues I hope to tackle in my professional future as a spatial designer, so it was inspiring to meet so many students like myself who care for the environment and have a passion for nurturing nature. Additionally, I was able to work with and meet students from Mexico, which was especially rewarding for me given my background and heritage. My uncle, who currently lives and designs in Mexico City, was a huge part of my decision to pursue design and attend ArtCenter. Mexico City is a metropolitan area that has so much to offer the world, so it was inspiring to see the students of the workshop becoming more exposed to the culture, artistry, and environmental innovations.

What is for you the best outcome of the workshop experience?

The best outcome of the workshop experience was creating lasting friendships with two of my teammates who taught me a lot about empowering your peers to create impactful stories and designs. Grace is a furniture design student in Rhode Island, and Adelaida is an industrial design student in Mexico City. I never would have met these two talented women were it not for this experience.

What was the most difficult part for you during this past year with the pandemic situation and how being creative may have helped you?

During this past year with the pandemic, the most challenging part for me was losing a sense of social interaction and community. I went from walking the hallways of my campus and meeting new friends and inspirations, to spending all day in a very small studio apartment anxious for a return to normalcy. However, from the challenge rose a call to action in my studio classes where a lot of our projects began to center around more real world problems. I had more time to reflect, become re-inspired, and re-focused on the kind of change I wanted to be a part of. Being creative was my life-line, and I have never felt more fearless creatively than I do now.

Where do you see yourself in the world of design and what will be your dream career?

In the world of design, I see myself surrounded by passionate social innovators and people who lead with empathy. My dream career would be to creative positive change within the education system by way of re-imagining and re-designing academic spaces and environments; whether those are grade schools, community resource centers, universities, research facilities, or libraries, etc.

Where can we learn more about your work?

You can learn more about my work through my instagram account dedicated to environmental design: @apl.design. Additionally, I have a link to my process book and portfolio available upon request.

Katy Yuelapwan

Where are you originally from, which school are you part of, and where were you based at the time of the workshop?

I am originally from California and participated on behalf of the School of Visual Arts. During the time of the workshop, I was based in Brooklyn, NY.

What did it mean to be part of the WantedDesign Schools Online Workshop and how much was the theme inspiring for you ?

WantedDesign has a great reputation within the design community in New York so it seemed like a great opportunity to participate. The theme was especially inspiring for me since I have a background in Architecture and worked on integrating nature into the urban context through my undergrad thesis.

What is for you the best outcome of the workshop experience?

The best outcome of the workshop experience is seeing the other teams' work and the amount of thoughtfulness put into approaching the workshop theme.

What was the most difficult part for you during this past year with the pandemic situation and how being creative may have helped you?

The most difficult part of the pandemic was not being able to fully collaborate with the other students in my grad program to the fullest extent and the isolation of a virtual program. Being creative served as an outlet so that I could use my energy and time towards cultivating projects rather than focus on anxiety associated with living through a pandemic.

Where do you see yourself in the world of design and what will be your dream career?

I see myself as someone within the design community who is willing to shed light on issues that involve the exploitation of marginalized communities. My ideal career is to be a curator that uplifts the work of young, BIPOC designers.

Where can we learn more about your work?

You can find my current work on my website here.

The 2021 WantedDesign Schools Workshop is presented with the support of Tarkett, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), NYCxDESIGN and media partner Core77.

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