Department of Design

The James Dyson Awards Switzerland were held once again in 2023. The award honours innovative and sustainable ideas from students of engineering, product and industrial design. The ZHdK is pleased that both first and second place were awarded to diploma projects from the subject area in Industrial Design.

The first prize was won by Tabea Wschiansky with her project «Para» - a rain cover specially designed for people in wheelchairs. According to the Dyson Award statement, the innovative idea fills a gap in the sports and outdoor clothing industry by providing functional and aesthetic protection for wheelchair users.

The second place went to the project «NEUNOI» by Thibaut Wenger & Narada Zürrer. The children's sneakers were designed with an intelligent repair and subscription system, which means that the sneaker can be worn by several children. The jury was also impressed by the biodegradable sneaker sole, which prevents harmful microplastic abrasion and thus sends a strong signal for sustainability.

The projects show how design can provide innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. The Department of Design congratulates the winners and wishes them great success for the continuation of their projects.

More information about the study programme Industrial Design.