Winner - Godrej Design Lab 2017
Jolly Rocker
Winner, Godrej Design Lab 2017
The Jolly Rocker is an idea from 2013 that was developed further in 2016 when it made the shortlist at the prestigious Godrej Design Lab competition. It was selected as one of the winning entries and later exhibited at India's biggest design event - India Design ID, held in New Delhi in February 2017.
What started out as a multi-faceted piece of furniture for children (kids could use it as a rocking horse, a see-saw, and as a rocking stool), evolved into a product that could work well for adults as well.
The design developed along two lines:
1. A rocking stool for kids that had medical uses for children with Autism - since the rocking motion stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. This made the Jolly Rocker a socially inclusive product that can be used by all without it looking like a medical device.
2. A rocking stool for adults that helps in promoting "active seating" - the gentle rocking will not tire you out, but the constant engagement of the core muscles will lead to a gradual buildup of core strength, leading to improved posture over time.
The seat is a custom designed fabric tube with cushioning that is woven into the structure of the stool. The weaving adds a personal touch of artisanship and we envision a scenario where a craftsman can visit you at home to custom-weave you a cushion with the fabric of your choice. We developed multiple weave patterns and owners can customize the colors, size and height as required, leading to a truly personalized object.
Print Business Outlook Conference, Mumbai 2016
Abhimanyu was a speaker on a panel on Packaging Design and Branding; presented on Human-Centered Design in Packaging.
Press coverage of the Conference: http://www.printweek.in/News/400842,panel-of-designers-discuss-responsible-package-design.aspx
Design X Design Exhibition at Alliance Francaise Delhi
Abhimanyu was chosen as one of 20 promising designers under the age of 35, to exhibit his work at the Alliance Francaise Delhi. The exhibition runs from the 5th of February till the 25th of February 2015.
"Open Structures in Design Education : A recent Government Proposal"
Abhimanyu gave a talk at the DDEI - Designing Design Education for India conference in Pune in early 2013. He spoke about his work at the National Innovation Council, creating policy on design education for India.
A video of the plenary discussion that followed.
Talk at Oxford Bookstore (Update)
Abhimanyu shared the stage with another NID designer - Chandrashekhar Bheda, speaking on 'The Designer's DNA'. The facebook page of Oxford Bookstore has some of the photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.747168078692448.1073741934.387450514664208&type=1
