Good Thinking

James Dyson Award National Winners announced

James Dyson Award National Winners announced
James Dyson Award National Winners announced
James Dyson Award National Winners announced
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The zeropod is an ultra light alternative to a tripod for stabilising photographs on the go
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The zeropod is an ultra light alternative to a tripod for stabilising photographs on the go
The Garden Toucan is like a Swiss Army knife for garden pruning
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The Garden Toucan is like a Swiss Army knife for garden pruning
Nature's call is a mobile toilet which navigates to the user when needed and then disappears after it's been used to dispose of the nasties
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Nature's call is a mobile toilet which navigates to the user when needed and then disappears after it's been used to dispose of the nasties
The MagonoJet has an extendable hose fitted inside to help wash out flasks and bottles
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The MagonoJet has an extendable hose fitted inside to help wash out flasks and bottles
AONAMI proposes a simple solution to balancing the distribution of people on crowded subway trains
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AONAMI proposes a simple solution to balancing the distribution of people on crowded subway trains
Upon detection of burning smoke, the main Sense unit wirelessly communicates with safety switch modules and shuts off any appliances in order to prevent a fire from starting
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Upon detection of burning smoke, the main Sense unit wirelessly communicates with safety switch modules and shuts off any appliances in order to prevent a fire from starting
The function of the public bicycle security system is to allow the user to securely lock his/her bicycle to it
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The function of the public bicycle security system is to allow the user to securely lock his/her bicycle to it
Sleepeasy offers a solution to insomnia by generating a slow breathing pattern which leads to relaxing sleep
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Sleepeasy offers a solution to insomnia by generating a slow breathing pattern which leads to relaxing sleep
Parquinho incorporates activities for both children with autism as well as those without disabilities
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Parquinho incorporates activities for both children with autism as well as those without disabilities
The OCNO pen includes its own magnifying glass to help focus on small form boxes
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The OCNO pen includes its own magnifying glass to help focus on small form boxes
Minotaur is a water delivery system that provides greater control, functionality and comfort to the user
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Minotaur is a water delivery system that provides greater control, functionality and comfort to the user
muzi is a gesture-controlled music player
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muzi is a gesture-controlled music player
Sum is about getting the travel baggage volume bigger by changing the form, it works by just turning and pressing the button
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Sum is about getting the travel baggage volume bigger by changing the form, it works by just turning and pressing the button
The Mizu air purifier uses both a true HEPA filter and the ionic qualities of water to produce cleaner air
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The Mizu air purifier uses both a true HEPA filter and the ionic qualities of water to produce cleaner air
The mist washer contains a special nozzle which mixes water and soap to help keep hands clean
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The mist washer contains a special nozzle which mixes water and soap to help keep hands clean
Lunartic is a compact urban bicycle concept exploring the unique combination of different wheel sizes, a toothed belt drive and hubless rear wheel
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Lunartic is a compact urban bicycle concept exploring the unique combination of different wheel sizes, a toothed belt drive and hubless rear wheel
The Wanderest is a seat or leaner that attaches to existing circular or octagonal lamp posts situated around rest homes and retirement villages
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The Wanderest is a seat or leaner that attaches to existing circular or octagonal lamp posts situated around rest homes and retirement villages
The KeyFi system allows a user to use their cell phone or mobile electronic device to wirelessly open doors
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The KeyFi system allows a user to use their cell phone or mobile electronic device to wirelessly open doors
Kee is an in-car stereo system that will prevent automobile accidents caused by driver distraction by taking cell phones out of the driver’s hands
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Kee is an in-car stereo system that will prevent automobile accidents caused by driver distraction by taking cell phones out of the driver’s hands
The Instinct fire fighter suit with some technologies allowing to locate some victims outside and inside of the rubble
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The Instinct fire fighter suit with some technologies allowing to locate some victims outside and inside of the rubble
Aharixe is a helmet with an ergonomic and ultralight design with a slot for holding glasses and and airbag system
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Aharixe is a helmet with an ergonomic and ultralight design with a slot for holding glasses and and airbag system
Feel the Beat pulsates in tune with the music, guiding the children the correct pattern of motions
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Feel the Beat pulsates in tune with the music, guiding the children the correct pattern of motions
E-touch is a computing device that translates computer images in three-dimensional representations
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E-touch is a computing device that translates computer images in three-dimensional representations
Adjustable Sound Isolation Earphone Accessory increases isolation of external noise using a silicone ear bud, which the user can adjust to fit their ears
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Adjustable Sound Isolation Earphone Accessory increases isolation of external noise using a silicone ear bud, which the user can adjust to fit their ears
Alcedo is a portable, autonomous rescue drone capable of searching for and tagging victims of an avalanche
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Alcedo is a portable, autonomous rescue drone capable of searching for and tagging victims of an avalanche
The GMD X4 is a universal glucose monitoring device for those who have type 2 diabetes
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The GMD X4 is a universal glucose monitoring device for those who have type 2 diabetes
Cona provides independent navigation in unknown surroundings to the visually impaired
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Cona provides independent navigation in unknown surroundings to the visually impaired
BIQUATTRO is a utility pedal-assisted electric bicycle / tricycle that can be ridden like a two-wheeler or like a three-wheeler depending on the intended use
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BIQUATTRO is a utility pedal-assisted electric bicycle / tricycle that can be ridden like a two-wheeler or like a three-wheeler depending on the intended use
Move-it is a simple kit of self-adhesive cardboard parts, which the user sticks on to a cardboard package, turning it into a lightweight, easy-to-use trolley
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Move-it is a simple kit of self-adhesive cardboard parts, which the user sticks on to a cardboard package, turning it into a lightweight, easy-to-use trolley
A Portable water bottle for filtration and UV sterilisation of water anywhere in the world in 2 minutes
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A Portable water bottle for filtration and UV sterilisation of water anywhere in the world in 2 minutes
Green Flow is a natural desking air softener that uses a plant to refresh the air
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Green Flow is a natural desking air softener that uses a plant to refresh the air
The 13th Man is a wireless speaker unit to be used in pubs and bars to listen to televised sport
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The 13th Man is a wireless speaker unit to be used in pubs and bars to listen to televised sport
The Drinkfontein is an infinite source where you can fill your glass with fresh water, just by placing it on one of the tap points
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The Drinkfontein is an infinite source where you can fill your glass with fresh water, just by placing it on one of the tap points
James Dyson Award National Winners announced
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James Dyson Award National Winners announced
View gallery - 34 images

The first stage in judging the James Dyson Award 2010 has been completed and the national shortlists have been posted. From these, 20 projects will be chosen to go onto the next stage later this month. The overall international winner will be crowned in October. Read on for a look at some of those now being scrutinized by the judges.

Designers from 18 countries have entered projects in this year's James Dyson Award. Up for grabs is GBP10,000 (about US$15,775) in prize money for the international winner plus a visit to one of the Dyson research & development centers and, of course, a trophy. The university department to which the winning designer or team belongs, if appropriate, will also receive GBP10,000. This year's challenge was simply to design something that solves a problem.

The first judging stage has now been completed and national shortlists drawn up. Up to ten entries from each of the 18 countries are now through to the next round, which will see those whittled down to just 20. Sadly, the Treadway Mobility personal transport solution didn't make the cut but Sea Kettle and the Copenhagen Wheel are through.

Parquinho incorporates activities for both children with autism as well as those without disabilities
Parquinho incorporates activities for both children with autism as well as those without disabilities

Other shortlisted U.S. project include a modular activity frame designed with autistic kids in mind, a public bicycle security system and a car stereo that includes docking for cell phones and aims to make cell phone driving distractions a thing of the past.

Just to the north, Canada's hopes are resting on projects like the Sense Fire Prevention System which detects different gases and odors and warns home-owners of potential risks or a wireless car key system where drivers can use a cell phone or dedicated mobile device to unlock a door.

The 13th Man is a wireless speaker unit to be used in pubs and bars to listen to televised sport
The 13th Man is a wireless speaker unit to be used in pubs and bars to listen to televised sport

Amongst the projects on Australia's shortlist are a wireless speaker system for use in public areas such as pubs to provide clear audio for televised sports viewing, a monitoring device for those suffering from type 2 diabetes and the bumpfree dynamic speedbump.

Projects from Europe

The UK will be represented by, amongst others, Move-it – a set of wheels onto which users attach various self-adhesive cardboard sections and end up with a custom box trolley. There's also a filtration and UV sterilization water bottle and a compact urban bicycle.

Sum is about getting the travel baggage volume bigger by changing the form, it works by just turning and pressing the button
Sum is about getting the travel baggage volume bigger by changing the form, it works by just turning and pressing the button

The French are counting on projects like a gesture-controlled musical interface to impress the judges. Also on offer are survivor locating technologies incorporated into rescue workers' clothing and morphing travel baggage which expands or contracts at the touch of a button.

Staying in Europe, and only one project was chosen from eight entries submitted by designers in Holland, a ceramic water cooler that spurts water into the under side of special containers placed on any of its tap points. Another singular shortlisted representative from Belgium is a pillow that helps insomniacs get some shut-eye. Austria gets the full ten shortlisted projects, such as a cargo bike with electric assist where the two rear wheels expand horizontally and the space in-between turns into a 150 liter capacity cargo space.

BIQUATTRO is a utility pedal-assisted electric bicycle / tricycle that can be ridden like a two-wheeler or like a three-wheeler depending on the intended use
BIQUATTRO is a utility pedal-assisted electric bicycle / tricycle that can be ridden like a two-wheeler or like a three-wheeler depending on the intended use

Spanish 3D and Italy's fresh air

Eight Spanish projects are through to the next round, the E-touch computer interface takes images on a computer screen and makes three-dimensional tactile representations of them on the surface of the device. There's also a bike helmet with space for sunglasses and built-in airbags. Shortlisted projects from Ireland include an earphone accessory with adjustable noise isolation and an ultra light tripod alternative for helping to keep photographic opportunities on the level.

E-touch is a computing device that translates computer images in three-dimensional representations
E-touch is a computing device that translates computer images in three-dimensional representations

Amongst Germany's shortlisted projects can be found a mobile toilet which answers the call of people who want to answer the call of nature, scuttling to their aid and allowing them to take care of their needs before wandering away again until needed again. Italy's shortlist includes a natural, USB-powered air freshener that uses a plant to refresh stale workplace air. There's also a kind of Swiss Army knife for the garden in the shape of the Garden Toucan.

Nature's call is a mobile toilet which navigates to the user when needed and then disappears after it's been used to dispose of the nasties
Nature's call is a mobile toilet which navigates to the user when needed and then disappears after it's been used to dispose of the nasties

And that leads us nicely onto the Swiss shortlist where the red cross becomes a portable, autonomous rescue drone for avalanche victims, capable of seeking out survivors and tagging them for subsequent rescue. CONA provides a simple means of GPS navigation for the visually impaired, giving directional instructions via vibrating paddles controlled by software on a cell phone.

Eastward bound

Heading east and just a couple of Singapore projects were entered and both are through to the next round. There's an air purifier and an elbow device for children with Cerebral Palsy that pulsates in time with music to help improve a child's range of motions. Japan's shortlisted projects feature a possible solution to the problem of getting on and off a crowded subway train without getting too bruised and battered and a water tap with extendable nose hose included in the design to help jet wash those difficult to reach bottles and containers.

The MagonoJet has an extendable hose fitted inside to help wash out flasks and bottles
The MagonoJet has an extendable hose fitted inside to help wash out flasks and bottles

Four out of the five projects submitted from Malaysia have made it through, including a mist washer which produces just the right mix of soap and water to help keep hands clean. One of the three shortlisted projects from Russia looks to help those who have problems seeing all those small boxes on forms. The OCNO pen includes a strategically placed, fold-out magnifying glass to help bring everything into sharp focus.

Projects from the Kiwi's through to the next round include a seat design that makes use of lamp posts to give those who need frequent stops a place to take the load off for a while and the Minotaur. The latter is a fire nozzle system which is harnessed to the fire fighter and is said to provide greater freedom of movement as well as being more comfortable to use.

The Wanderest is a seat or leaner that attaches to existing circular or octagonal lamp posts situated around rest homes and retirement villages
The Wanderest is a seat or leaner that attaches to existing circular or octagonal lamp posts situated around rest homes and retirement villages

More to see

There are lots more designs currently being scrutinized by the judges. To take a closer look at those not featured here, choose "Regional Judging" in the shortlist drop-down box on this page and then either browse through all entries or select the country whose projects you would like to view.

The next shortlist will appear on August 24 – in the meantime we'll be featuring in-depth coverage on some of the stand-out entries. Stay tuned.

View gallery - 34 images
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