Discover Sustainable Innovations at UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show

We are thrilled to invite you to the UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show, where Umeå Institute of Design (UID) will showcase groundbreaking projects from our graduating students on June 3. For nine consecutive years, UID has secured the top spot on the global Red Dot Design Ranking, underscoring our leading position in design education on the international stage.

This year, our students have developed innovative solutions that address pressing sustainability challenges. From sustainable materials to eco-friendly product designs, their projects reflect a commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

Explore the project teasers already today in the UID25 | Project Gallery.

Tune in to the UID25 | Live Stream on June 3 (times below) to witness these cutting-edge projects. We also provide embargoed information on any project of interest before the event and can arrange interviews with students and industry partners. Below, you will find a selection of projects about to be unveiled at UID25, and you will find all of them here: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

June 3 – Student Project Presentations

🕐 13:00–17:00 (CET) in Umeå, Sweden

• 04:00–08:00 (PDT – Los Angeles)
• 07:00–11:00 (EDT – New York)
• 12:00–16:00 (BST – London)
• 13:00–17:00 (CEST – Stockholm, Berlin, Paris)
• 16:30–20:30 (IST – New Delhi)
• 19:00–23:00 (CST – Beijing)
• 20:00–00:00 (JST – Tokyo)
• 21:00–01:00 (AEST – Sydney)

We hope you can join us to explore the future of tech design.

You can also watch the show afterwards using the same link: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

Or visit the UID25 | Project Gallery for a preview already today: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

Best regards, Jens Persson Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of Design, Email: jens.persson@umu.se

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Sneak Peek: Pioneering Sustainable Projects from UID Graduates

Rethink textiles (BFA Industrial Design)
Giving discarded textiles a new life with creative small-scale recycling practices - Isabelle Kemi

This project tackles the environmental issue of textile waste by developing a simple, home-based method to transform discarded textiles into new, usable products. The project resulted in a moldable, water-soluble material made from shredded textiles and homemade glue, which can be used in various ways and is reusable. To share this method and inspire others, the project launched the Tex2More website and Instagram account, offering practical guides and creative examples. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices and empower individuals to turn waste into resources.

Autonomous mining
Improve collective performance and coordination in mining through swarm-based solutions - Jinying Cheng (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This project explores how automation can make mining more sustainable and efficient. Inspired by a background in mining, the project aims to change the perception of mining as harmful by showcasing its essential role in modern life. The final design concept includes an automated vehicle that uses sensors to locate ore, performs tasks like drilling and blasting, and maintains itself with features like tire changing and battery charging. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also underscores the potential for sustainable practices in the mining industry.

Future waves
Innovating dinghy motors for cleaner seas - Ellis Walker (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This thesis describes the creation of a modular electric motor system for inflatable dinghies used in recreational sailing. The design focuses on being environmentally friendly, compact, and easy to use, offering a better alternative to traditional gas engines. The project, inspired by personal sailing experiences and user feedback, addresses issues like fuel handling, weight distribution, and storage space. The solution includes a 1.5 kW motor with a separate battery unit, making it lighter and easier to handle. It features hot-swappable battery packs, an innovative mounting bracket, a control interface, a wireless safety key, and connectivity to a mobile app. The result is a future-proof, user-friendly, and sustainable product that aligns with Volvo's brand identity.

Jusant
How might we provide a mobility device supporting a new lifestyle in a harsh environment? - Antonin Girard Walker (MFA Transportation Design)

This project envisions a future where climate change has drastically altered our way of life, focusing on small communities adapting to challenging environments. It proposes a modular scooter designed to help people move around in complex terrains. The scooter can be customized with different modules like extra seats, toolboxes, and cargo spaces, and is powered by air, inspired by soft robotics to minimize maintenance. This design aims to symbolize human determination and hope, promoting a sustainable way of living in a world impacted by severe climate change.

Reimagining coastal accessibility
A flexible, sustainable ferry system promoting sustainable local travel - Iver Alexey Zaitzow Mikaelsen (MFA Transportation Design)

This project aims to make the Norwegian coastline more accessible by developing an autonomous boat system. Inspired by the author's childhood experiences with boats, the project focuses on creating a service that allows locals to explore the coastline without owning a boat. The result is an autonomous boat that travels from city centers to various coastal destinations, reducing the need for planning and making coastal exploration more inclusive. This system promotes environmental sustainability by using electric energy and aims to reduce the need for large harbours and leisure boat traffic.

New rhythms
What if people have to adapt to more nocturnal lifestyles? - Demi Driessen (MFA Transportation Design)

By 2050, Southern Europe will experience extreme heat, making nocturnal living essential. This project explores how interior mobility design can support this lifestyle shift, focusing on emotional presence, circadian rhythms, and sensory engagement during night travel. The result is Hyundai New Rhythms, a compact, three-seater autonomous vehicle designed for nocturnal mobility. It features adaptive lighting, sensorial materials, and ritual-based travel stages, transforming the vehicle into a space for rest, reflection, and renewal, rather than just transportation.

Rural mobility
Connecting rural communities – exploring autonomous mobility for a more accessible and sustainable future - Alexander Borisch (BFA Industrial Design)

This project addresses mobility challenges in rural Sweden by proposing a self-driving shared vehicle with a flexible, user-focused interior. It aims to improve access to public transport and shared mobility solutions, reducing dependence on private cars and addressing environmental and social issues. The design emphasizes accessibility for users with varying abilities, equipment transport, and safety features like BankID identification and cameras. Inspired by the taiga's natural environment, the vehicle combines durability, functionality, and warmth. The goal is to enhance mobility equity and provide a practical solution for rural areas.

Event Details
What: UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show
When: June 3–4
Where: Umeå Institute of Design, Arts Campus, Umeå University
Website: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-institute-of-design/uid25/

Media Contact:
Jens Persson, Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of Design
Email: jens.persson@umu.se
Phone: +46 736 26 35 51 (at working hours in Sweden)

Photos of the Umeå Institute of Design at Umeå University by the river Umeälven is free to use, please add "Photo: Umeå University"