Calling all emerging product + industrial designers! Entries now open for Launch Pad 2015, but where did it all begin?…
February 4th, 2015
This year, Launch Pad celebrates 11 years of nurturing new Australian design talent. It all began in 2004 as an exhibition of prototypes by young, emerging designers, held as part of Saturday in Design (now Indesign: The Event). This took advantage of the high volume of industry visitors to Saturday in Design, providing the designers with: invaluable exposure, the opportunity to meet manufacturers and specifiers, gain vital feedback and connect with possible collaborators.
Since then, Launch Pad has developed into an annual competition, exhibition and mentorship program in its own right, propelled by the critical gap in the career path of Australian designers. Louise Olsen, former Launch Pad judge and Director/Founder of Dinosaur Designs explains: “One of the hardest parts of being a designer is being able to produce; finding the right manufacturer that is willing to support you and take the risk.” Launch Pad supports emerging designers at exactly this point, guiding shortlisted entrants to take their concept from prototype to production, a market reality often not covered by tertiary institutions.
Designer, Adam Goodrum, recalls his impressions as a Launch Pad judge: “No other award offers such a thorough and rigorous mentoring programme to assist the winner to commercialise their design.There are very few platforms that nurture wonderful young Australian designers in such a practical, career-defining way. It has been a pleasure to be involved in such a unique competition.”
Launch Pad attracts over 150 entrants yearly and has helped launch the careers of numerous Australian design greats, and is becoming entrenched as a yearly deadline that emerging designers utilise for producing new work. Its unique mentorship program has attracted the support and personal involvement of notable industry figures, local and international, as well as connecting finalists directly with an exceptional network of commercial suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, consumers and media.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR LAUNCH PAD 2015?
Entries are now open for Launch Pad 2015! You could win a $10,000 grant to launch your career, exhibit your prototype during Sydney Indesign, seen by over 8,000 industry professionals, have your product featured on our online platforms and in DQ magazine, get valuable feedback and mentoring from national and international manufacturers, designers and retailers and build your design network.
Entry is easy: Head to launch-pad.com.au to find out more!
Cult: Major Sponsor
Living Edge: Founding Partner
Workshopped: Production Partner
General Assembly: Education Partner
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!
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.
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.
Michael Parekowhai’s infamous giant blow-up bunny, Jim McMurtry has been snoozing in various locations all over the world, from South Korea to Warsaw, Lithuania and the Maori Battalion Hall in Auckland.
Jim moved in to New Zealand and is now snoozing again.
Artificial intelligence is one of the defining issues of our time. Here are five ideas articles addressing the anxieties and possibilities of the technology in design.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Available now across Australia, Eden TPO is setting new standards in terms of not just sustainability, but also style.
DKO’s Interior Design Director on how to create community and specificity in interior design, and how apartment living is being reconceptualised.