Another year of great designs
Another year of great designs
VUTSGSTP and TIA representatives with the happy clients
Selina Rapulane
On 31 January 2019, The Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park’s Design Department presented three of their projects to the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in preparation of their handover to clients.
While the clients had ideas of their prototypes, the Design Department made it all possible by refining their ideas and creating prototypes ready for marketing and mass production.
As TIA funded the projects, it was keen to note the progress of the projects and find out whether the clients were happy. TIA also wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the team for their perseverance and stamina which they showed while working on the prototypes.
The projects on display were; the Aqua Pillow by Ms Francina Tshegofatso Mogolane, the Door Sealer by Winraine Designs and the Multi-Purpose Fridge Side Hanger by Mr Eric Molokela.
The Aqua Pillow is a bath-tub pillow to be used for relaxation. The idea of a head and neck rest to be used in the bath tub was sparked by the desire to bring about relief from stress-related problems with mood, tense muscles and fatigue. The client wanted to make it a norm to rest comfortably in the bath-tub.
The Door Sealer is used as a rain drip and dust protection strip for household doors. A great edition to improve the energy efficiency of a building to meet Green Building Standards. The sealer is screwed in from the outside at the bottom of the door and has an innovative self-working mechanism that keeps dust, water and wind from coming inside. The client had a 3D-printed working prototype and the Design Department refined the design and produced aluminium production samples.
The multi-functional fridge hanger is portable storage unit which hangs on the side of a fridge to store items such as mugs, spices and tablecloths and is made especially for people who live in smaller spaces. The invention consists of detachable, interchangeable parts which makes it versatile and movable. It can hang from a wall and stand on a counter as well. The design team was inspired by the concept of “functional art” thus the design theme of the multi-functional fridge hanger resembles a framed artwork.
The design team, as always, put their minds and souls into the work they did. They are always learning so that they continue to create unique designs for clients and, year after year, they manage to improve their skills to deliver projects that are of good quality and can easily be marketable.
With a busy schedule and a high demand for prototype designs, the department strives to deliver on time and with a smile!
VUTSGTP, in partnership with TIA, wishes the clients the best in making a success of their businesses.
