Electrolux Design Lab 2010 Finalist: Ahi Andy Mohsen

Published 2010-08-24 in Design Lab 2010 Competition

Design student Ahi Andy Mohsen  is the first ever Iranian to make it through to the Electrolux Design Lab final. Here we provide more detail on his ‘Eco Cleaner’ and find out where he drew inspiration for the concept.

Background:
The Eco Cleaner is a portable dishwasher and composter that uses ultrasonic waves to ionise food and turn it in to reusable waste. Ahi Andy Mohsen’s concept is designed for use within the increasing numbers of single households and specifically meeting dual predictions: that future food will be supplied in capsule form (thus reducing the required size of vessels to prepare and eat from); and that there will be reduced time for household chores. The Eco Cleaner is simultaneously green and space efficient.

What was the inspiration for your concept?
The design process began on a series of primary data based on a set of trends in 2050. I can say for sure that there was no specific category in my mind before analyzing the data. First, the analysis were concluded and classified according to the consumers` behaviors, urbanization criteria and consideration of natural recourses, then the ideation process of the concept began.

The capsule-like form in this concept is the closest to one of the main meanings of the concept which is to have clean and isolated dishes when they are not being used (an example of pharmaceutical capsules).

The physical structure of the product which is made of colorless translucent membrane leads to diversity in color in the product (an inspiration of color producing in butterflies).

How does your concept fit into the theme of compact living?
One of the main concepts related to the theme of compact living is the concept of dematerialization (as a mega trend) which can be explained in two areas: tangible and intangible. Considering this introduction I cover this concept in these two areas:

1) Tangible

a) The dish-based form of the product has minimized its total volume.

b) Since there is no need to have an access to stable electric sources, the product can be placed everywhere in the kitchen.

c) Since fewer dishes are needed in food serving in mealtimes based on the trend, the total size is reduced.

2) Intangible

a) A dishwasher which can also be used as a dish container on trips for it is easy to carry (having two functions simultaneously).

b) The ability to transform the leftovers in the product to useful materials.

- The final materials which are made of leftovers could be encouraging for the user to use them as fertilizer for homes’ plants.

- Eliminating the need for products or systems of the same function (providing fertilizer for homes’ plants) which in turn were less economical and more time-consuming.

Why would someone want your concept (what are its main benefits)?
The results of analysis emphasize on the omission of the process of cleaning dirty dishes for the user. The very concept can be considered special for it can remove the bad experiences of washing process like time-consumption, skin exposure to water and detergent, etc. In this concept the user’s duty is limited only to putting dirty dishes in and picking the clean ones up for reusing. So, the product handles the whole process of removing dirt and even it’s recycling.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept?
The studies done related to the user and the concept are in four groups:

1) Studying the users’ behaviors and their changes in the future: growing the culture of individualism; families will be accustomed to individual mealtimes.

2) Studying the users’ life style in the future.

a) The user will have less time for doing chores in the future.

b) Intelligent technology for facilitating users’ life.

3) Studying the users’ desires and tendencies.

- The tendency to use home appliance which handles these activities.

4) Studying the factors which have direct relationships with product and user.

- Change in edible products and foods

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP), Because of lower in weight ,corrosion resistant and stiffness.

Who is your favorite designer?
Mr.  Ron Arad

What are your career goals?
Since I practice sculpture as well as designing and I have always put particular emphasis on personal expression, I have tried to define my goals to be as an independent designer who actualizes what is in his mind, either in the form of an idea or a theory.