Adrian Mankovecky from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design Bratislava in Slovakia is the winner of the Electrolux Design Lab 2011 competition. His Portable Spot Cleaner surpassed a field of 1,300 entries from over 50 countries.
The Portable Spot Cleaner has two components. The user separates them, place on either side of the garment and choose the suitable cleaning program. Negative Ions and steam refresh clothing and remove stains. The cleaner is powered with a sugar crystal battery, and can be used practically anywhere in the world.
The jury was impressed by the Portable spot cleaner's creative and insightful thinking. "The Portable spot cleaner is built on a very solid consumer insight and it is highly relevant. It is an instant laundry device that has a positive impact on the environment by reducing consumption. Its usage and interaction are very intuitive. We all want one."
A jury of award winning architects and designers selected the Electrolux Design Lab winner from eight finalists. The final took place at the Room Home Intelligence Conference London on September 7.
"Developing thoughtfully designed products that are relevant to consumers is fundamental to the Electrolux strategy," said Keith McLoughlin, President and CEO of Electrolux. "Electrolux Design Lab contributes to our dialogue with consumers about future design and product development. This is necessary in today's global appliance business. Electrolux Design Lab also provides an important opportunity to get inspired by the innovative ideas of design students all over the world."
The award for second place went to Ribbon, an all-in-one hotplate, warming device and cooler for portable use, by Enzo Kocak from Monash University in Australia.
Third place went to Smoobo Blender, a fun and environmentally friendly way of making smoothies, by Roseanne de Bruin from Massey University in New Zealand.
Onda, a portable microwave oven, by Matthew Schwartz from California State University Long Beach in USA, received the People's Choice Award-as voted for online.