Kids Umbrella convinces the Red Dot Jury

Designer Luis Fernando Barrios was able to convince the Red Dot Jury with his entry in the Red Dot Award: Product Design. He was one of the 50 young talents who were drawn by lot during the Young Professionals Application Day and thus received the chance to participate in the competition free of charge.

Interview with Young Professionals Application Day winner Luis Fernando Barrios

In the interview, Luis Fernando Barrios, the designer behind the Weatherman Kids Umbrella, explains how designing an umbrella for children is not just a question of functionality, but also of playing with the imagination of young users. He also provides valuable insights into his design philosophy and the challenges he faced in developing a child-friendly everyday object.

Red Dot: How has designing the Weatherman Kids Umbrella shaped your perspective on designing for specific user groups like children?

Luis Fernando Barrios: Designing the Weatherman Kids Umbrella opened my eyes to the unique needs and preferences of children. It’s more than just making things smaller; it’s about understanding how they interact with the world. Children are playful and curious, so I had to make the umbrella not only functional but also fun and safe to use. It’s a rewarding challenge to think from their perspective and create something that speaks to both their imagination and everyday needs.

How has participating in the Red Dot Award: Product Design influenced your career as a young professional?

Being awarded a Red Dot has been a game-changer. It validated my design approach and opened doors to new opportunities. Being recognised on an international stage has allowed me to connect with other talented designers and brands. It’s also given me the confidence to take on more ambitious projects and push the boundaries of my creativity.

What advice would you give aspiring designers who want to participate in the Red Dot Design Award or who are early in their design careers?

My advice is to stay persistent and trust your instincts. Entering a prestigious competition like the Red Dot Design Award can be intimidating, but if you believe in your vision, it’s worth the effort. Also, be open to feedback and embrace the learning process — it’s through challenges and setbacks that you’ll grow as a designer. Most importantly, stay curious and never stop experimenting with new ideas.

The full interview can be downloaded in the attachment.

Save the Date: Young Professionals Application Day on 27 November 2024

The 2024 Young Professionals Application Day is just around the corner. On 27 November, young designers will have 24 hours to enter a draw for one of 50 free registration spots for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025.

Eligible participants are designers who graduated no more than five years ago, with products that have been or will be manufactured in an industrial production process. The product must have been launched between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2025. To enter the draw, a brief product description, up to five images of the product, and a scan of the degree certificate are required.

The selected talents will have their products evaluated by the Red Dot Jury. If awarded, they will receive the extensive benefits of the Winner Package “Regular”, which will communicate their success in the award on an international scale – free of charge.

The application portal will open at midnight on 27 November for 24 hours. Interested individuals should mark the date and seize this unique opportunity to advance their careers as Young Professionals.

Further information: www.red-dot.org/ypad