With Melbourne in Design peeking just over the horizon, Launch Pad has opened its call for entries. And, to celebrate 10 years of supporting emerging Australian design, we catch up with Launch Pad 2013 winner Edward Wong and finalist Seaton Mckeon to hear about their experiences in the competition.
February 24th, 2014
“Competitions in my opinion are a good way to establish a brief for yourself, especially if you are planning on creating a product from scratch. This competition provided just the right platform to begin the process of design.” explains Wong, “Most of my projects that I embarked on did not reach the commercial stage, so this competition would be beneficial for me to gain insight into taking my designs and experience that extra step further.”
Wong entered Launch Pad 2013 with the Ella Table Light, a table lamp that uses reflectivity to alter the light’s brightness.
“I did not really think too far about the prospect of my entry.” reflects Wong, “I was just focussed on being able to produce and finish a product that I was ultimately satisfied with. Getting through the first round was at that time sufficient for me as it was enough for me to know that I was still capable of creating and making something different.”
Once through the first round, entrants gain access to the competition’s mentorship program, which aims to help designers realise their concepts in the clearest and most efficient manner.
Edward Wong (centre), with Launch Pad mentors.
“The mentorship really helps build the commercial side of the production process.” reflects Wong, “The knowledge of the mentors and their time was valuable to the development of the product. I think what is more important is the opportunity to establish a working relationship with each of the mentors. This is perhaps one of the key advantages of the competition.”
Mckeon’s concept for the competition was the ‘Flexi-Bollard’, which experiments with separating the traditional bollard into two halves and creating a catalogue of different possibilities.
For him, Launch Pad was the catalyst for elaborating the project and communicating it to the industry: “The project really entered the public domain for the first time with the Launchpad competition, as it marked a new level of development in terms of a physical 1:1 prototype and a collection of smaller 1:5 scale models…. I really enjoy the prototype that came out of it. It was great to have the bollard machined perfectly to the design file, and then to enjoy the final painting and sanding.” he comments.
Launch Pad is an invaluable opportunity for emerging designers to develop concepts, acquire feedback and advice from experienced industry members, create working prototypes and be given the exposure that can launch their career in design.
Launch Pad 2014
launch-pad.com.au
The Launch Pad finalists exhibition will be displayed during Melbourne Indesign: 22-24 August 2014.
melbourneindesign.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Hosted by Steelcase WorkLife in Sydney, INDESIGN Magazine launched its 90th issue to a tightly packed crowd of long-time friends, supporters and associates. It was an event that welcomed the who’s who of design and highlighted what an awesome design community we have.
Iconic Italian furniture designer Gufram has arrived in Australia, bringing their blend of pop and conceptual art to furniture.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Suitable for dual and multi-screen configurations, this monitor arm from Colebrook Bosson Sanders breaks new ground in terms of usability and ergonomic design.
Leading the field in terms of ergonomics, this high-end office furniture from Buro is also designed with the evolving needs of the modern workplace in mind.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.