simply brilliant: the 2009 winners and their designs

Congratulations to our third annual simple solutions design competition winners! Out of the 200 entries received, our judges – including simplehuman CEO and design director, Frank Yang – found them to be exemplary works of efficient design.

The simple solutions design competition is intended to promote creative problem solving among students through product design, and by doing so, increase public attention and awareness of industrial design.

The competition is open to students who are currently enrolled in design degree programs at U.S. institutions. The designs were judged on utility, efficiency, innovation, research utilized and aesthetics of the project. The simple solutions design competition is endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).

Congratulations to our three winners for winning:
First Prize: $5,000 scholarship
Second Prize: $500 simplehuman gift card
Third Prize: $250 simplehuman gift card

Want to enter the 2010 simple solutions design competition? The fourth annual competition will kick off in mid-September. Sign up here for more information.

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first place:
Oriana Zens
Menomonie, WI

Oriana graduated in May from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Last Summer she interned at MAC cosmetics, where she helped developed layouts, control drawings, and sketch modeling for the company’s 2009 Spring and Summer product lines. Oriana says she “loves the knowledge gained through research, the challenge of the solution, and the thrill of an accomplished design.”

Toilet Brush & Holder

Oriana’s winning Toilet Brush & Holder design helps streamline the toilet cleaning process while also maximizing storage space in your bathroom. The toilet brush features stiffer and longer bristles to clean further into the toilet. Featuring a no-drip scoop and flat bottom, the holder stands alone when in-use and hangs off the top of the toilet tank for convenient storage.

second place:
Justin Wolfe
Menomonie, WI

Justin is an Industrial Design senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Justin says he lives his life with the same mantra as his designs; “one must locate the problem, seek out the best solution, and avoid over-complicating the final outcome.” When not studying or designing, the senior enjoys riding on his moped or bike, and playing with his dog.

Drawer and Flatware Organizer

Justin’s in-drawer flatware and utensil holder heeds the call to organizing the flatware, utensils and kitchen odds and ends that often create clutter frenzy in kitchen drawers. Designed to organize utensils at the start, the flatware organizer attaches onto your dishrack and can be later transferred into the drawer. The base forms to the curve of the drawer tray for easier access, while the stainless steel rack and plastic drip tray allows the utensils to completely dry even when transferred into the drawer.

third place:
Evan Murphy
Grand Rapids, MI

Evan Murphy is an Industrial Design senior at the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich. Evan has worked as a tooling designer in the plastic injection molding and die casting industries for the past 7 years. He believes, "There is a need for designers to make better decisions about material selection, the manufacturing process and product life cycle to reduce negative impacts on the environment.”

Laundry Solutions Laundry Station

Designed to improve the laundry stain removal process, Evan’s laundry station incorporates all steps from spill to wash into one efficient tool. The station stores all laundry materials neatly – including smaller color-coded detergent bottles, stain brush and workspace. Soaking bags hang underneath the station to separate the treated soiled items from the rest.