DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
ED : The main principle behind the D|VERSE Sink System is to offer architects and designers versatile and aesthetically pleasing restroom solutions that integrate seamlessly into various design visions. The inspiration stemmed from the need to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of restrooms, with research into airflow dynamics leading to the innovative feature of directing water away from users to ensure cleanliness and safety.
For the recent office expansion that this product was used in, the driving concept was to design a space that embodied Excel Dryer's core values. This company deeply values creative innovation and collaboration, environmental stewardship, and promoting human health and wellness. So, we applied this lens to guide design decisions and create a space that intuitively demonstrates these principles.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
ED : The main focus was on creating a customizable, integrated hand hygiene solution that aligns with modern design preferences while enhancing user experience. We aimed to achieve a harmonious blend of form, function, and safety, ensuring a touch-free and spill-free hand washing and drying experience.
For the recent office expansion that this product was installed in, we had an exciting opportunity to showcase the D|VERSE integrated sink systems throughout the expansion. The main conference room creates a flexible meeting space that can expand to host larger company events. This was a perfect place to showcase the company's latest innovation while promoting excellent hand hygiene in this central gathering space.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
ED : Future plans include expanding the customization options further and integrating more advanced features to meet evolving user needs. We also aim to collaborate with more architects and designers to incorporate the D|VERSE Sink System into a broader range of projects, enhancing restroom functionality and aesthetics worldwide.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
ED : The design process for the D|VERSE Sink System took approximately one year, from October 2022 to September 2023.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
ED : This design was pursued out of inspiration to address the gaps in current restroom solutions, particularly the need for aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe hand hygiene systems. It was driven by the desire to innovate and improve upon existing restroom designs and by the need to offer architects and designers versatile options that align with their creative visions for restroom designs.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
ED : The design is produced by D|13 Group.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
ED : The design was motivated by the need to offer a more integrated, aesthetically pleasing, and functional restroom solution that meets the demands of modern architects and designers.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
ED : While the primary inspiration came from internal research and development, feedback from architects and designers about existing restroom solutions influenced the final design to better meet their needs and preferences.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
ED : The target customers are architects and designers looking for customizable, high-quality restroom solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
ED : The D|VERSE Sink System's unparalleled customization options, allowing for personalization of color, shape, and materials, compatibility with numerous top-brand soap and faucets, integration of the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer, and commitment to a touch-free, spill-free user experience set it apart from other concepts. Its focus on blending form, function, and safety in a seamless design makes it distinct.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
ED : The name "D|VERSE" reflects the design’s versatility and ability to adapt to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements, emphasizing its appeal to a broad range of design visions.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
ED : Advanced CAD software and 3D modeling tools were used to design and refine the D|VERSE Sink System, ensuring precision and high-quality integration of all components
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
ED : The most unique aspect is the seamless integration of washing and drying functions in a single unit with unparalleled customization options, providing a touch-free, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing solution.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
ED : The project involved collaboration with engineers specializing in airflow dynamics, materials experts, and architects to ensure the system's functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
ED : Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the system's touch-free operation, efficient water and air flow management, and integration of high-efficiency fixtures, enhancing both hygiene and user experience.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
ED : Yes, the design was influenced by extensive research into user preferences, restroom design trends, and airflow dynamics to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics. Surveys and focus groups with architects and designers provided valuable insights.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
ED : The creative challenge for the D|VERSE Sink System was balancing complete customization with functionality to meet architects’ and designers’ needs. Overcoming these challenges, we designed a basin that directs water away from the user, preventing floor spills, and incorporated touch-free fixtures for improved hygiene. The project harmonized aesthetics with hygiene, addressing the main issues of water control and cleanliness while offering full customization.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
ED : The decision was based on our confidence in the innovative aspects of the D|VERSE Sink System and our desire to gain broader recognition for our work and its potential impact on restroom design.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
ED : We learned the importance of integrating user feedback into the design process and the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration in achieving a well-rounded, functional, and aesthetically pleasing product.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
ED : The D|VERSE Sink System not only represents a significant step forward in restroom design but also aligns with sustainable practices through its use of durable materials and energy-efficient components, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility.