The Umbrella reinvented: the fully retractable umbrella

“Lotus 23 is also double vented so that if the wind comes from the bottom it doesn’t take off like a parachute,” he demonstrates proudly. It’s another of the obvious drawbacks of the traditional design which Wana has overcome on his ingenious Lotus 23.

Summing up? “It’s cheaper to manufacture, stronger, has less parts, … it’s just better really”, he says smiling.

Andy Wana is a name you’re almost certain to hear more of in the future. If you'd like to contact Andy to discuss a potential project, he can be emailed on andy@andywana.com.

The 2005 Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award ~ Silver was taken out by David Ferrarotto, from Monash University for his ‘Gabrielle – Emergency Hospital Bed’. The Gabrielle is a seat for hospital waiting rooms that folds down into a fully functional hospital bed during emergencies and disasters, when wards are full.

Judges felt that ‘Gabrielle’ was “a timely solution to a worldwide issue. It is clever, simple, commercially viable, and integrates well into current systems. This project is ready to go to market.”

The 2005 Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award ~ Bronze was awarded to another Monash student, Thomas Marminc for his ‘Syton Mobility Aid’, a new wheel chair design that provides greater mobility and functionality to the user.

Judges said that ‘Syton Mobility Aid’ was “a giant leap forward from traditional wheelchairs in terms of versatility, visual appeal and social acceptance. A fun solution to an age-old stigma.”

A special Highly Commended prize was awarded to Gregory Scott from the University of New South Wales for ‘Yoik’ a fashionable helmet for extreme sports. Judges believed it to be “a good attempt to encourage safety amongst a rebellious target audience, with a great aesthetic appeal”.