Category Archives: Design Innovation

Chuck Pelly Featured Judge at EyesOn Design Awards 2013

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Screen Shot 2013-01-09 at 3.37.05 PMThe Design Academy, Inc. is proud to announce that Chuck Pelly will be a judge for the EyesOn Design Awards with a ceremony to be held on January 15 at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

In its seventh year, the EyesOn Design Awards is famous for honoring the best production and concept cars making their North American or worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

With great respect for the innovative automotive design gurus past & present, the EyesOn Design Awards panel of judges is a collaboration of hand picked active and retired design heads of automotive OEMs, transportation design chairs from top art schools, and designers from other fields.  Chuck Pelly is honored to be on the judges panel for the third year.

EyesOn Design is a unique foundation from the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, an internationally-recognized non-profit which accelerates the development of “artificial vision” — technology which will one day allow some blind and visually impaired persons to regain the vision to see the world around them, including seeing the designs of automobiles.

Centre for BioInspiration – San Diego Zoo Global Hosts Inspirational Luncheon for The Design Academy

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Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 3.54.48 PMSan Diego, California not only exhibits impeccable climate & breathtaking landscapes, but it also harbors a plethora of highly respected research institutions equipped with the world’s most brilliant academia & scientists.  Therein you will find next-gen intellectuals seeking innovative and sustainable answers to all of life’s current and future problems.  Amidst these amazing institutions, stands a unique umbrella organization. Motivated by “the genius of 3.8 million years of adaptations in animals and plants” the centre is focused in forging research and industry partnerships toward building bio-inspired adaptations which harness the power of nature in response to critical sustainable futures for the planet an its inhabitants. The Design Academy, Inc. also known as TDA, shares this vision.
The Design Academy recently entertained special guest Amko Leenarts, who was is now the Director of Global Interior Design for Ford Motors.  On his journey to find inspiration for future designs he sought the assistance of TDA, so they organized an accelerated agenda of affairs with the purpose of stimulating creative thinking.  The Centre for BioInspiration was in perfect alignment with the ambitions TDA held for the Ford Motors guest as well as investing in TDAs current stable of clients.
TDA was welcome to bring it’s extended team which included an interdisciplinary group of considerable experience drawn from design, architecture and science at the invitation of the managing director of the Centre for BioInspiration Mr. Larry Stambaugh himself a true visionary leader. Mr. Stambaugh has completed several strategic partnerships with Fortune 100 and other companies and therefore the ideal connector to the TDA mindset and vision for strategic partnerships.
The exposure on the visit to animal behavioral issues, and plant, terrestrial creature and sea life research was indispensable toward informing future design brief development in aspects of the natural world and the interdependencies required to strike a balance between natural and built environments and sustainable futures.
This common vision will in no doubt affect those that contribute to TDA through its interdisciplinary-oriented design consulting services and provide further possibilities for the San Diego Zoo to enhance its already significant sphere of global  influence as a leading biomimicry research hub. With TDAs expertise the commercialization of biomimetic interfaces for sustainable products and services is/may just/ be the accelerator this relationship needs. Space to watch: science inspired nature. TDA: your partner.

Michelin Design Challenge

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With anything but a lightweight challenge to cut excessive weight in materials, this prestigious student competition sought innovative architecture for a family vehicle. Three illustrious designs were selected with the help of Chuck Pelly and other automotive veterans. The winners will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next year, but the following link will bring the curious to the 2012 Michelin Challenge Design Finalists:

http://www.michelinchallengedesign.com/MCD_2012/mcd_participants_2012.php

Still not enough innovation for the automotive design lover? Don’t forget our own Los Angeles Design Challenge is just around the corner…

Written by: M. McQueen

GE Energy, Magic of Science and Empathy

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Did we forget to mention the GE Health Care Optima Mobile X-Ray machine?

The Design Academy enjoyed the challenge of translating GEHC’s design values into real applications. Ever interested in taking the next step in a company’s design initiative, we excel at evolving concept into creation. We had the perfect opportunity when GEHC approached us with the Optima Mobile X-ray project.

Designed by Jon Polhamus, this top-selling Mobile X-ray and the FlashPad were created for the ease and versatility of the human experience. By recognizing an opportunity to further humanize the interaction between x-ray machine and- say, a little girl in ICU- GEHC and TDA created a distinctive addition to the healing ability of healthcare.

We developed three images that would subtly convey a human reflection within the nature of transparency. Using our Power of Collective Thought ™ Methodology, we partnered with our strategic partner Mierello Graphico to print an image that would humanize the experience as well as be durable enough to sustain bumping along a crowded hallway hundreds of times a week. Our most popular seller, the frog x-ray is pictured here, integrating the intuitive with the hands-on for a happy ending to our tale … unless, of course, there should be a sequel?

Magic of Science and Empathy

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The Design Academy specializes in mentoring companies on design philosophy and brand user experiences. Together with our clients, we work to integrate design into their business objectives and company acumen. From the grand corporation to the start-up circle, collective design is at the forefront of TDA’s discussions.

In the following link, you can see Bob Schwarz from GE Healthcare, a strategic client with The Design Academy, will be speaking at the DMI conference about their Design Philosophy that is changing the face of General Electric.

http://www.dmi.org/dmi/html/conference/europe12/sp_schwartz.htm

PolyOne Design Storm

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Part of the design world involves connecting the dots. Sometimes the dots are concepts in a sketch, and sometimes the points are people- organizations made for each other, although perhaps unbeknown to them. Here at The Design Academy, we’re a bit guilty of playing matchmaker. We knew PolyOne and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena were made for each other, and the highly successful Design Storm this February only encourages us to continue playing Cupid.

Under the direction of PolyOne, the symposium focused on reSound® bio-based polymer; environmentally unique and virtually limitless in its applications. With a student challenge to translate reSound® potential into home healthcare products, the environment was perfectly poised for creative collaboration.

This is what TDA lives for. A room full of talent, wizened veterans intermixing with the raw promise of untested brilliance… the transference of energy is electric. The ticking clock counting down to a winner only heightens the anticipation, and it seems in these scenarios that designers never miss an opportunity to improve their comedic timing. Chuck Pelly, founder of multiple world-renowned design consultancies, is no exception. With Scott Clear and Cheryl Pelly rounding out our team, TDA was charged with describing Collaborative Innovation, and the power of bringing breakthroughs to life through inspirations in home healthcare.

Together with Thogus, PolyOne, and the Art Center College of Design, TDA is excited to continue the progressive approach to holistic design for the functioning world.

Design Los Angeles, November 17, 2011

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And The Design Challenge Winner is

Smart 341 Parkour


“This year’s theme presented these designers with creative challenges like never before. Not only were studios tasked with designing a futuristic Hollywood vehicle, but also the complex plots within which they starred. The Smart 341 Parkour captured the essence of the Design Challenge by combining innovation and functionality with an adventurous plot.” Chuck Pelly

Please read the article in PR Newswire.

We would like to thank all the Studios which participated in the Design Challenge this year:

  • Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc. - Honda IH (intelligent horse)
  • Hyundai Design North America - Hyundai Stratus Sprinter, DB Atlant (Airship)
  • Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.: Advanced Design Center California – Mercedes -Benz Silver Arrow
  • Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany – Smart 341 Parkour
  • Mercedes-Benz Interior Design Studio, Germany - Maybach Berline
  • Subaru Design Tokyo Studio – Subaru HORIZON

Please refer to The Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car Studios Presentations.

We also would like to thank all the sponsors:

  • Bose, one of the largest and best-known audio technology developers and product manufacturers in the world.  Bose has a heritage of research and innovation, and has produced inventions that have improved for instance the performance of Automotive sound systems.
  • Dassault Systèmes which develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. Its customers include companies in aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer goods, consumer packaged goods, energy, high-tech, industrial equipment, life sciences, shipbuilding and services industries.
  • Faurecia which designs, manufactures and sells automotive equipment. under four major segments, Automotive seating, Vehicle Interiors, Exhaust systems and Front end.
  • Inda , a trade association representing the nonwoven fabrics industry since 1968. Throughout the year, their conferences and action-oriented committees bring industry professionals together to explore the most pressing trends and issues in the areas of government relations, technology, marketing and international commerce.
  • RTT, a producer of creative and fascinating 3D visualization solutions and services for automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and apparel. Since last year, RTT has joined their forces with Bunkspeed to bring forth new technologies catering to all areas of design, engineering, marketing, and sales.  Producer of design software for automotive, aircraft and consumer goods applications.
  • Yokohama which main focus is tires for passenger car, truck, bus, mining and construction equipment, and aircraft markets worldwide.

Thank you to all of you who participated and/or attended. We look forward to welcoming more Studios to The Design Challenge next year.

L.A. Auto Show, Press Days November 16-17 & Public Days November 18-27, 2011 – Design Los Angeles on November 17, 2011

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The Design Academy will be at The L.A. Auto Show on November 16 and 17 for the Press Days. Chuck Pelly and Joan Gregor will be hosting The Design Challenge “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” on November 17. Please see The Design Los Angeles Program.

The Studios participating this year are:

Please read the related articles: LA Auto Show, Wired, New York Times and also IMotor Trend, NBC, Automobile, Car Advice, Car Design News, Motor Authority, World Car Fans, PSFK, Design Crave, Inhabitat, Sportwagen Und Tuning, Auto Zeitung, Auto Blog Greece, Stuff.

The judges are:

• Tom Matano, Director, Industrial Design, Academy of Art University
• Stewart Reed, Chair, Transportation Design, Art Center College of Design
• Jay Shuster, Art Director at Pixar Animation Studios
• Mark West, Transportation Chair, Detroit’s College for Creative Studies

The winner of The Design Challenge will be announced during The Designer’s Night Party.

IDSA International Conference, New Orleans, September 14-17, 2011

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Chuck Pelly, Joan Gregor, Scott Clear of the Design Academy attended the IDSA International Conference in New Orleans. This annual affair is the most important event in Industrial Design. One of the highlights was a presentation by Gaylon White of Eastman and a panel of the owners and team development of the Hydropack, system to provide drinkable water from contaminated sources. The filming of its use in Africa was very emotional and brought the audience to the point of tears. Gaylon was given the IDSA honorary membership. Three Eastman V.P.s attended illustrating the Company’s commitment to design. The Design Academy is one of their preferred design partners. Gaylon is retiring early next year. Winning a gold for the Hydropack was a nice honor. The Design Academy is very proud to have Eastman on a chart. Please read the article in Plastic News.

Another TDA client GE Healthcare accepted 3 more silver awards placing them in one of the top position of the number of total awards received.