SIGD Students Recognized in Rotational Molding Design Competition

Sponsored by Winsell, a company that specializes in granite-effect colorants for plastic rotational molding, the theme of the competition was “Backyard Experience.” Participants were challenged to create outdoor recreational products to promote wholesome, sustainable and healthy activities for people that would be manufactured primarily through rotational molding using Winsell granites.

INDD students Abbey Hudson, Ricky Lin and Lana Ha were recognized for the designs they created as part of a Product Design studio led by Joyce Thomas, an associate professor in the School of Industrial and Graphic Design, with feedback from industry expert Scott Jacobs and Dr. Megan Strickfaden from the University of Alberta.

“All three students showed me that I should have high expectations of their future success in industrial design,” Thomas said. “They are not afraid of ambiguous challenges or having to discover new paths to solve problems that might push the boundaries of the original expectation.”

Hudson’s project “Buoy Ball” is a water-based version of a cup pong table, allowing the backyard game to be played while floating in a pool. The portable, hollow-core table has inset spaces that allow the cups to stay in place, but rocks in the water enough to make the game challenging.

“I knew I wanted to create Buoy Ball after a hot day at the pool playing cup pong with friends,” Hudson said, noting that she iterated through market research, 3D CAD modeling and troubleshooting to create a prototype for long-lasting fun in the heat of the summer.

Lin designed a flexible, outdoor seating solution called “Aerlune” that can be connected  to form a social gathering space or turned on its side and create a wind break. The easy-to-move, -clean and -store lounger also has a flat surface for dining al fresco. Lin designed the seating after interviewing people who enjoy the outdoors about challenges of transportation, dining and weather, ultimately developing a product that could permanently reside at national parks or beaches and be rented for a picnic.

Ha took inspiration from a dog treat toy in her design for domesticated chickens and ducks called “Roly-Poultry.” Constructed with three Winsell Limoncello color granite rotomolded parts, the berry-shaped hive is weighted at the bottom to keep it upright while birds forage for treats hidden inside.

“This competition challenged my innovative creativity and ability to succeed under pressure, allowing me to push beyond my comfort zone in design,” Ha said.