Design strategies, recycling concepts and material research for circular mattresses
In Switzerland, there are no solutions for recycling mattresses. As a result, 500,000 to 1 million mattresses are incinerated every year. The 2030 target of the Federal Office for the Environment aims for a circular material cycle of 75%, requiring bold action in the Swiss mattress industry. Since over 80% of the product-related environmental impacts are determined in the design phase, this is the first place to start.
The practical master’s thesis experiments with material, manufacturing processes and service design scenarios. The work is iteratively developed in collaboration with the mattress manufacturer Roviva, other actors along the value chain and end consumers. The goal is to establish sustainable and recyclable mattress design guidelines in Switzerland and prove its feasibility with a mattress prototype.
Supported by: Matratzen-Allianz Schweiz, Roviva Roth & Cie und Ikea Stiftung Schweiz
Mentors: Isabel Rosa Müggler Zumstein, Klaus Marek, Jan-Christoph Zoels
An investigation of visualization and participatory design approaches to create iterative mutual learning processes and accessible places of exchange in the context of development cooperation.
The Model Farm in Donomadé in Togo, West Africa, uses collaborative visualization tools to communicate with local stakeholders to raise awareness, motivation, organization and knowledge transfer. The interactive tools deepen the mutual understanding, learning and collaboration in the already established structures. The case study developed methodological approaches in intercultural communication for similar problems.
Mentors: Isabel Rosa Müggler Zumstein, Robert Bossart, Axel Vogelsang, Klaus Marek
Modified raw material wood - technology transfer through the collaboration of designers and scientists.
White Wood is a material concept based on wood. Compared to the natural raw material wood, a chemical treatment combined with compaction achieves the tripling of tensile strength and stiffness. A further material advantage is its deformability in the wet state, which allows the production of complex shapes and design elements. The WhiteWood project analysed the design and material science collaboration via a “Material Diversity” approach.
Mentors: Isabel Rosa Müggler Zumstein, Jan Eckert
Anuvad (meaning: Translation in Hindi) integrates E-textile technology in traditional crafts. The collaboration with craftsmen in rural villages and tech experts developed a range of heated rugs, heated cushions (to provide heat in places where conventional heating solutions are scarce) and LEDs embedded in scarves (for visibility and security). These products show the seamless integration of technology in textiles through weaving. Anuvad creates sustainable smart materials by enabling traditional crafts to grow in the ‘digital era. ‘ This project shows the potential in the age-old skills of traditional craftsmanship and takes it forward to the future.
Mentors: Klaus Marek, Jan Eckert
