Electrolux Design Lab 2010 Finalist: Peter Alwin

Published 2010-08-24 in Design Lab 2010 Competition

Peter Alwin, an Industrial Design student from India is responsible for designing ‘The Snail’ - a compact micro induction heating concept. We take a closer look at the submission and ask Peter a few questions about his approach to this year’s Electrolux Design Lab contest.

Background:
The Snail is a portable heating and cooking device based on magnetic induction processes. Such is the size and versatility of the Snail; it can be stuck directly on to a pot, a pan, a mug etc. to heat the contents. The flexi silicon base takes the profile of the utensil and also withstand high temperature during the heating the process. This reduces the amount of space required for conventional cooking whilst adding portability to the process. Powered by ‘replaceable high density sugar crystal battery’, the Snail converts the energy from the sugar, heating up a coil to conduct the magnetic induction process to the utensil. Inbuilt sensors detect the food type being heated so as to automatically adjust the time and temperature. A simple touch sensitive display with basic interface helps to monitor the process.

What was the inspiration for your concept?
The inspiration for my concept is from nature itself. To give back to nature what it has given us, the structural inspiration is taken from a snail with a hard shell and its static form. The future is going to be much faster and rapid and hence to create an opposition to dynamism and motion, I wanted to create a sense of calmness was my motive. Other organic natural forms and structures also were among my inspirations. Hence my aim was to come up with a form which might look static but is more portable and faster in its function.

How does your concept fit into the theme of compact living?
In 2050 the world would have the majority of its population in the urban cities that have come in search of more opportunities and to get more accessibility. With such rise in human count will result in high amount of space constraint. The living area becoming lesser and the families getting smaller by the time. The trends in technology and lifestyle would be at its peak! The consumer would look for simplicity, compactness, portability and functionality in his fast moving life. Appliances which are more eco friendly would be more in demand; organic cooking and earth friendly products would be preferred. Technology reaches a state where getting power from variable natural sources would be common. People would want to have things which can be with them and so that they don’t have to go towards them, hence portability would something which everyone would be looking for. And hence my concept of the snail fits in perfectly as you can take it with you where and whenever! Now do you really need to have a kitchen at your home?

Why would someone want your concept (what are its main benefits)?
Time is getting more and more precious by the time! With time is space which is getting more valuable and
hence things are getting smaller too! Now with , ‘the snail’ u can cook anywhere in any part of your house,
even sitting in train while travelling, or sitting on top of a cliff !. It’s a boon for people living in tiny apartments
and for people who travel a lot. Its light portable and completely safe to use as it only heats a conducting
surface! Simply carry its around in your pocket.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept?
I come from India, and its a developing country with a population of 1 billion people. I have seen families living
in cities in one room apartment! it’s difficult as in the future urban space will get more and more cluttered as
people are starting to move in such cities in search for opportunities. And hence space automatically becomes
a luxury for the people. Hence being a part of the scenario itself gives me lot of consumer information as to
what they are looking for. And that word be : ‘compactness’, ‘portability’, and ‘user friendly’.

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
I have used multiple materials based on its functions. The flexible silicon base of ‘the snail’ would be able to
take the profile of the utensils so that it sticks to it with the help of magnets and also to withstand high
temperatures. Flexible Brass alloy strips which helps in the conduction process. The main shell body would be
made of high grade plastic which would be light but also strong.

Who is your favorite designer?
Luigi Colani for his creations in organic forms.

What are your career goals?
As an industrial design student i would always want to keep my options open to all kinds of products in the
future. May it be in the field of products, transportation design, or interior design. To make the surrounding a
better place to live in.