Releases
Design for Everyone: German Design Council Honors "Best of Best" Project at "one&twenty" Award Ceremony in Milan
This evening, the "Opencyclone" project by Lion Sanguinette and Jonathan Stein was honored as the "Best of Best" at the design competition "one&twenty". With the prestigious award, the German Design Council recognizes the 21 most innovative product and project ideas from international emerging design talents. The open-source hardware project "Opencyclone" secured the coveted "Best of Best" title with its entirely novel concept.
It enables various target groups, including small businesses and individuals with limited materials and tools, to become product manufacturers themselves. All winning projects can be viewed at the "one&twenty" exhibition until April 21st in the Brera district of Milan.
Opencyclone: Open Source for New Production Pathways
Jonathan Stein and Lion Sanguinette launched "Opencyclone" as part of a semester project at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design. The designers engaged deeply with the work of Ezio Manzini, a pioneer in the field of sustainable design. Since 2010, Manzini's SLOC paradigms, which stand for "Small, Local, Open and Connected", aim to maximise the use of local resources and minimise the distance between producers and consumers. Using an open source approach, they have developed a platform that allows users to make products locally, in collaboration with small businesses and connected to each other. A vacuum cleaner, due to its ubiquity as a consumer item, became the prototype of the pilot project, first presented on their website os-systems.eu.
The website, which is still under development, provides blueprints, parts lists and instructions to enable users to either build different models of vacuum cleaner themselves or commission them from local manufacturers: from blueprints for DIY enthusiasts using simple tools, to craft businesses equipped with CNC machines for more autonomous operation. All CAD files are accessible via the Tinkercad browser application, inviting community members to modify, improve and upload their own designs. The editable CAD files allow everyone to tailor the designs to suit their individual needs and preferences. There are also plans to develop the platform into a comprehensive portal, offering not only designs but also links to verified manufacturers, allowing users to order parts directly or access a network of local manufacturers.
Design as a Tool for Social Innovation
The platform represents a significant extension of the traditional design process, allowing users to actively participate in design and production. The designers aim to create an open, collaborative space where innovation can be shared, developed and made more accessible. The “one&twenty” jury was impressed: "The open source concept fosters a vibrant ecosystem that not only democratises product development, but also promotes sustainable and locally produced solutions. A groundbreaking project that shows courage, idealism and vision!" The “one&twenty” award highlights the importance of design as a tool for social innovation and sustainability. "Opencyclone” illustrates how design, technology and community spirit can lead to forward-looking solutions that not only protect the environment, but also offer users greater freedom and creativity in product design.
Press material is available under this link.
About one&twenty and the German Design Council Foundation
With the "one&twenty" competition, the German Design Council Foundation supports promising design students and graduates, offering them a platform to present their visionary ideas. These young talents are the future of design – actively shaping a circular, resource-conserving, and more inclusive world.
German Design Council Foundation
The German Design Council has been operating since 1953 as one of the world’s leading centers of expertise in communication and knowledge transfer within design, branding and innovation. It is part of the world design community and has always contributed to the establishment of global exchange and networking, thanks to its international offering, promotion of new talent and memberships. With events, awards, jury meetings and expert committees, the Council connects its members and numerous other international design and brand experts, fosters discourse, and provides important stimulation for the global economy. More than 330 businesses currently count among its members.
Contact
Alexandra Sender, Head of Marketing and Communications
Tel +49 (0) 69 24 74 48 699
Fax +49 (0) 69 24 74 48 700
presse@gdc.de
www.gdc.de