Awards, Student Work RMIT Industrial Design Awards, Student Work RMIT Industrial Design

Jiwa Drop by Ellyn Wong 2024 - LIT Lighting Design Award Winner

The JIWA Drop light is a captivating representation of my journey to overcome the fear of darkness. This design encapsulates fear with its sharp, intricate edges, symbolising the intimidating aspects of darkness. These edges, while visually striking, remain out of reach, illustrating the gradual process of facing and transcending fear. Despite its formidable appearance, JIWA emits a soft, beautiful light that transforms any space into a serene and inviting environment. The gentle illumination contrasts with the sharp design, creating a harmonious blend of strength and tranquillity. Crafted from a single sheet of brass, the JIWA Drop is laser cut and bent to achieve its unique form. The process of exploring and refining the brass and its cuts took over six weeks, culminating in the final design. The brass’s natural ability to develop a patina adds to the light’s evolving character and long-lasting appeal. The name “JIWA,” meaning “soul” in Malay, adds profound significance, reflecting the inner strength and resilience of the human spirit. It symbolises the journey of overcoming internal fears and illuminating one’s true potential. The JIWA Drop is not just a lighting fixture; it is a symbolic piece embodying personal growth, courage, and the beauty within the soul.

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Awards, Student Work RMIT Industrial Design Awards, Student Work RMIT Industrial Design

Ridgeline by Makushla Harper - 2024 Dean’s Award Winner

Makushla Harper is the 2024 Dean's Award Winner within the Industrial Design (Honours) program. Her outstanding design outcomes, peer to peer learning contributions, and consistent effort throughout her 4 year journey with us has been acknowledged by the witnessing staff and students. Makushla's heart is aligned to the outdoors and her design outcomes gravitate towards enhancing people's ventures into nature.

Her final Honours capstone project titled 'Ridgeline', is a mono-sourced, material backpack that integrates interactivity into the design, enabling greater dependence on sensory feedback in unlit environments and scenarios. These tactile sensory cues can alert users to vital information at night, such as water bladder remaining levels or the direction to access stored items through distinct surfaces and textures. A unique non-digital, materiality outcome, centred on hiker's needs to enhance safety and the overall experience in unpredictable natural environments.

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