Homemakers Fair’s belief in supporting young designers is evident, and we are proud of our longstanding relationship with the UJ Industrial Design Faculty. This year, the top third-year students’ final exam project will be on display at the expo. Thanks to our prize sponsor, Vermont Sales, the top three students will walk away with prizes valued at well over R20,000!
South Africa is experiencing rolling blackouts and unreliable access to electricity; as a result, there has been an increase in innovation around keeping homes running smoothly through alternative power supplies.
The Challenge
Students from the UJ Department of Industrial Design were tasked with the challenge of designing a rechargeable battery-powered appliance that would utilize the rechargeable battery of a power tool from one of the following brands: Worx, Makita, or Festool.
Their goal was to create an innovative, practical, and user-centred appliance for use in the garden, kitchen, or home environment. They designed their appliance to integrate seamlessly with the rechargeable battery from the selected power tool brand. The students detailed the design of the injection-moulded housing of their product and illustrated how internal components were situated and connected within.
Their designs were required to be not only functional but also visually appealing. They had to consider the aesthetics, form, and ergonomics of their appliance, ensuring these elements aligned with the ethos of their chosen brand.