Design contests are a rewarding break from daily practice for me. It gives me a feeling of liberation to give substance to a specific design question within a short time, without drastic consequences.

In 2017, the municipalities of Tilburg and Eindhoven launched a design competition on the theme of “interactive waste bins”. The starting point was that interaction contributes to raising awareness of a clean outdoor space. The winner received 1000 euros for the realization of a first prototype.

With my submission “Trash bin” I joyfully lost my mind: a garbage bin that automatically turns towards the user, can display audio messages on throw-in that residents can upload themselves wirelessly, which is adopted and maintained by local residents and which can be expanded with stimulating accessories .

Rake Lijnen is still looking for interested development partners…