BRINK opens at Tent London exactly one week from today, so without further ado, I am delighted to announce the final designer selected to take part, Gav Birmingham.
While studying at Dundee University, Gav was briefed to design something that would make somebody’s life better. His brother is diabetic, so he asked what he could do to help. Diabetics have to inject themselves with insulin before every meal – something that involves using and safely disposing of needles – and usually a lot of ugly plastic. Gav came up the idea for “hold.” It would contain new needles and safely dispose of used ones, and, inspired by a zippo lighter, it would be something that people with diabetes could get pleasure from using and holding every day.
This is a beautifully simple example of what I call “design for good,” and on a personal level, a close member of my family is diabetic and has said that he would really value this product, so I’m delighted to be able to include it in my BRINK line up, especially as Gav is having one made especially for us.
BRINK is a showcase of 2013 graduate talent on stand E02 at Tent London 19th – 22nd September 2013. Hope to see you there. In fact so much so, that I’ve got 20 pairs of tickets for the exclusive private view party 8 – 11pm on Thursday 19 September to give away! Just leave a comment below including your twitter handle and I’ll pick the winners out of a hat at 5pm on Monday. Exciting!
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- brink :: carolina peraca
- brink :: face-o-mat
- brink :: announcing the first three designers
- brink :: rca graduate show
Really looking forward to seeing new designs from the selected Brink designers at Tent! @njratcliffe
Wow – what a wonderful idea, like you say it definitely is a great example of ‘design for good’. @ruthlgarner
What a innovative product! Excited to see this (and the others) at the show.
@yeshen
Brilliant idea, shall forward to my diabetic brother-in-law! @KissHerLondon
Nifty
Helgaskelga
Beautiful design and very neat – so useful for those who need it
Such a wonderful illustration of “design for good” — I wish more projects started with that question, “What would make somebody’s life better?” @CClerkenwell
What a great idea!
This is a clever idea and I love the adaption of a well loved object, the Zippo lighter, that is an object that always feels good in the hand. So for diabetics they too can have a well designed object. Design for good.
@kellyfannon
This has real potential – genuine, thoughtful, and functional. I know two people who would LOVE this and will keep an eye out for it @uwigs
Great design
Very excited to see the show Katie! 🙂
@fabricofmylife
Great idea
Amazing idea very interesting. Its nice to see something so useful for diabetics. I’m looking forward to seing it.
This is a great example of design that serves a clear practical purpose in a beautiful way. There’s no reason functional cannot be beautiful, especially when it is an object which is a point of interaction every day for those that need it. A great idea. @lhoods
I really love the concept of “design for good”. I can’t wait to see more designs with this concept in mind. @beestacey
Would love to join you for the opening preview. Pick me, pick me.
Oh, I’m @ateliertally if you didn’t know.
Such an inspirational design. Excited to see whatelse is being exhibited too. @sarahmclean2010
Bringing style to a sector who’s design is normally driven by function. Thus thinking more about the user as a person rather than a patient. Great work gav and I look forward to seeing this in the flesh at tent. @tomos_tweets
Fantastic!! And if this is one of the many talented and innovative work showcased at Brink, I can’t wait to see the rest!!
Twitter Handle: @MadebyMolu
Fantastic and very innovative!!
Great design
A great case of how innovative design can improve the lives of users @FrancDesigns
Looking forward to seeing the tweets that come out of this @jinnymc
Very thoughtful and smart design
It’s nice to see good pieces of user-centered design getting recognised, good work ! @louisepdesign
Love it!
Ingeniuos, especially as it disposes of the needle afterwards. My mum has always needed something to carry her insulin about discreetly, and I think I just found it! @copperandsilk
what a clever product & slick design. @mariedraws
What a great idea!
hope I’m not too late, would love to go to the opening party! @sarahhutley
Congratulations to Natalie, Ruth, Bianca, Clare, Charlene, Rebekah, Hannah, Daniel, Tomos, Soumya, Matt, Hannah, Joe, Kelly, Jane, Tom, Louise, Stephanie, Marie and Fergus – you have all won VIP tickets to the Private View of Tent London and by extension BRINK!
I am now following you all on twitter, so please DM me your address by 9am tomorrow and I’ll get your invites in the post first class so they arrive in time for the party on Thursday.
See you there!
Katie x