Electrolux Design Lab’s is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012 through a challenge for international design students. The theme is developing the sensory experience of home appliances that stimulate all sences. Along with function of the appliance, aesthetics, textures, materials and concept quality will be assessed. It’s not only about the main function the appliance does, but the overall experience of using it is the main idea of this competition.

Students are encouraged to take inspiration from all professions (architecture, interior design, engineering…) in order to create high quality products with great user experience. Entrants should take in account previous submissions for inspiration, and try to find ways to make them better. Why should mondaine chores and activities such as cooking and cleaning be a bore, when we have the technology today to make those daily activities more engaging and fun? Intelligent, eagaer and skilled designers have a chance to change the way we think about home appliances and the way we use them.

“I believe the importance of our sensory perception is underestimated in a lot of today’s design. Too much importance is accorded to the visual. What if we could incorporate our other senses into design? Could we smell who’s calling? Or feel what’s on TV?” says Henrik Otto SVP of Global Design at Electrolux.

Entrants in this competition are competing for a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design centre and a money prize of5,000 Euros. A second prize of 3,000 Euros and third prize of 2,000 Euros are also on offer. Eight finalists will be invited to present their concepts to expert designers (the city is yet to be announced) in the autumn of 2012. This year’s finalists were announced in September. Those interested in this competition can check out the Electrolux Design Lab Brief.