AWARD WINNER
Winner: Gruff Jones
Title of work: Terra Nova
University: Northumbria University
JUDGES COMMENTS
‘Gruff probed the status quo of consumer electronics within the home, encouraging interaction with the physical world through clever use of materials and unique interaction.’
AWARD PRIZE
£1,000 cash prize
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Terra-nova is an experimental set of three unobtrusive smart home devices. The thermostat, smart assistant, and light controller probe current norms of technology in our homes, promoting interactions that are more about human feeling, and less about digital information. Each device takes inspiration from the material properties of terracotta (heat insulation, acoustic insulation, and light reflection) to form these interactions. Utilising terracotta as its core material importantly challenges the use of plastics in our home devices, with a 100% natural and recyclable material.
AWARD CRITERIA
We are increasingly living our lives in the digital realm but the way in which we interact with the world is still firmly rooted in the physical environment. As many physical brand experiences are now frequently augmented by digital brand experiences, the DCA Futures Award will be looking to recognise design concepts that appropriately balance both.
We will be particularly interested in seeing designs that address issues such as sustainability, where service meets artefact and eco-affordability.