The new product concepts submitted to design LAB are colourful, diverse and sustainable

The application period for the second design LAB has now closed, the incubation program launched by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency gave domestic manufacturers and creative design professionals the opportunity to submit their proposals. A total of 35 manufacturer-designer pairs applied this year. The evaluation of the applications will commence after which a Jury of national and international experts will decide on which concepts will be supported to turn dreams into reality.

Within the framework of the design LAB Incubation Program, the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency invites manufacturers and designers to collaborate and create a completely new, production-ready product or a product line. In order to achieve great results, finding the right partners is essential, so to support the process, the Agency once again organised the Speed Dating networking event, where professional manufacturers and creative designers could brainstorm together in close to 90 meetings. Following the facilitated meetings, 35 pairs submitted their applications for the program, which will be evaluated in the upcoming period.

The manufacturer-designer pairs submitted ideas mainly revolving around furniture, home accessories and textiles. The concepts showcase a variety of products, including outdoor furniture, overlays, tables, cabinets, accessories, lighting, acoustic furniture and panels. A common feature among the majority of the pairs is their plan to release not just a single product but rather a whole range of products, made possible by the financial support of the incubation program. 

The applications submitted to the program are once again a testament to the creativity and expertise of Hungarian, local talent. In their concepts, the duos have strived for uniqueness in both form and colour, and in addition to strong colours, they have boldly used the characteristics of different styles, including Scandinavian, minimal, and modern eclectic. A focus on sustainability guidelines and the use of natural materials such as wood, stone and marble were also particularly popular this year. Further, applications will initially go through a pre-screening process, during which the Evaluation Committee will check whether pre-conditions are met for eligibility to take part in the program. This involves checking that the project is in line with the aim of the program, i.e., that the products envisaged by the manufacturers and designers are suitable for mass production. Going forward, technical feasibility and budget justification will also be prerequisites for participation in the program.

Lastly, applications that meet the standards required, will also be assessed by the Evaluation Committee on the basis of additional technical criteria. Decisions will be based on originality, novelty, sustainability and costs in terms of material and human resources, as well as being based on a number of aspects regarding formal and visual presentation. Once all aspects have been evaluated, the jury of experts will then decide, which applicants will receive nonrepayable grants to implement their ideas.

The judging panel consists of illustrious experts, including Gergő Hosszú, Red Dot Award-winning designer and CEO of Co&Co Designcommunication; Barbara Majcher, Chief Counsellor of the Hungarian Design Council; Róbert Mascher, President of the Studio of Young Designers Association (SYDA) and Gábor Wilheim, President of the Fabunio, Hungarian Wood and Furniture Union. The design LAB program is organised in collaboration with the French design institute VIA (Valorisation de l'Innovation dans l'Ameublement), and the visual documentation of the entries will be reviewed by Jean-Paul Bath, President of VIA. From the HFDA’s side, Zsófia Bata-Jakab, CEO of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency; Árpád Keresztury, Director of Design; and Oszkár Vági, professional consultant, will be giving their opinions.