Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity

Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award yn Brûns in Badkeamermeubels en Sanitêr Guod Ûntwerp Competition Category.

BrûnsSanitêr Guod· 2024

Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger

by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity

Client: Excel Dryer, Inc.

A' Design Award yn Brûns Winner in Sanitêr Guod Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger

Excel Dryer wurke gear mei de non-profitorganisaasje Artists For Humanity út Boston om tegearre de koelste hânddrûgers fan 'e wrâld te ûntwerpen. Mei har eigen digitale bylttechnology koe Excel de keunst dy't makke is troch de keunstners fan Artists For Humanity oerbringe nei har hânddrûgeroertreksels. Dit transformearre in yndustrieel kommersjeel produkt yn in keunststik dat de misje fan Artists For Humanity reflektearre, wêrby't funksjonaliteit en kreativiteit fersmelte om har hannen hygiënysk en skjin te hâlden wylst it in estetys oantreklyk produkt foar har toiletten is.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Brûns

Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Brûns, in heech prestisjeuze erkenning foar treflike ûntwerpen dy't har ûnderskiede troch kreativiteit, fernuft en tûkens. Brûnswinners binne tige feardige en opfallend kreative artefakten dy't de grutte ûnderfining, ferbylding en betochtsumens fan har ûntwerpers befêstigje. Fan Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierber objekt is dat opmerklik profesjoneel en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Brûns yntegrearret de bêste praktiken yn keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology en is treflik om syn omtinken foar detail. Complex Thoughts Komplekse Tinzen Hânddrûger foldocht behoeften prachtich, reitsjet winsken, betsjoeveret gefoelens en sprekt nijsgjirrigens oan.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Complex Thoughts Xlerator retrofit kit transforms a commercial hand dryer into a functional art piece, enhancing aesthetic and utility in workspaces. Created by the teen artists from Artists for Humanity (AFH), this project exemplifies the integration of art with commercial products while enhancing the environment and fostering community collaboration. The initiative advances hygiene standards while supporting emerging artists, seamlessly merging functionality with creativity.
Dimensions & Packaging: The retrofit hand dryer has dimensions of 415.925mm x 85.725mm x 660.4mm, optimized for efficient space usage while ensuring maximum performance. In our commitment to sustainability, all of our cardboard waste is transformed into robust inserts that ensure the product's durability and protection against shipping damage. This eco-friendly approach enhances product safety during transit while aligning with our environmental responsibilities.
Tags: Hand Dryer, Artwork, Restroom, Custom Design, Sustainable, Bathroom, Hygiene, Green, Customizable, Xlerator
Production Technology: Our design uses proprietary 3D image sublimation technology from France, enabling the transfer of custom artwork onto the hand dryers. A durable, top-seal coating prevents damage from chipping, scratching, or wear.

We are the first in the world to have HPDs and EPDs for our products, illustrating the impact that our products have on health and the environment.

Xlerator EPD: https://go.exceldryer.com/xlerator-epd
Xlerator HPD: https://go.exceldryer.com/xlerator-hpd
Design Challenge: The main challenge was reimagining commercial appliances, traditionally designed for functionality, as artistic objects enhancing spaces. Using AFH's teen artists' art and Excel's proprietary digital image technology, we transferred Complex Thoughts onto the retrofit kit, overcoming creative and technical obstacles. Balancing aesthetic appeal with restroom function, we made a unique product that reflects AFH's artistic ethos, demonstrating innovation in blending art with utility.
Research: The research aimed to transform hand dryers into pieces of art, enhancing restroom aesthetics and user engagement. We combined input from architects, designers, and AFH teens. Results showed increased user satisfaction and engagement. Insights and impacts gained include the importance of aesthetics and art in restrooms. The research influenced business by adding value to a standard product, positively impacted society, and reshaped design thinking by merging functionality with art.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this project came from a desire to give back to the community and empower underutilized teens. Partnering with AFH, we aimed to inspire through a nontraditional medium: transforming everyday objects into art. This initiative reflected commitment to social responsibility, leveraging art and our dryers to give back to the community. The technical foundation is rooted in merging design principles with functional utility, blending creativity, innovation, and community engagement.
Project Duration: This project started in February 2023 in Boston at the Artists For Humanity facility and finished in April 2023 and will be showcased at a special event at their facility in June 2024.
Operation Flow: The Complex Thoughts Xlerator hand dryer retrofit kit is designed for touchless operation, ensuring hygiene and ease of use. Users simply place their hands under the unit to activate it. The speed and sound levels are adjustable, allowing for a customizable experience tailored to the environment's needs. By merging art with utility, the dryers not only promote proper hand hygiene but also enhance the overall atmosphere, leading to a superior user interaction.
Patents: Patented. Patent No. US 7,039,301 B1 Excel Dryer, Inc. 2006. United States Patent Office.
Team Members: Richard Frank
Jason Talbot
Takii Samuels
Evelyn Trans
Lydia Disla
Samuel Quintin
Stephanie Wu
Jenny Nguyen
JingYi Li
Maradia Rene
Samantha Shave
William Gagnon
Joshua Griffing
Debbie Frangie
Justin Kohut
Chris DeGray
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Jon Jones, Complex Thoughts, 2023
Image #2: Photographer Jon Jones, Complex Thoughts, 2023
Image #3: Photographer Jon Jones, Complex Thoughts, 2023
Image #4: Photographer Jon Jones, Complex Thoughts, 2023
Image #5: Photographer Jon Jones, Complex Thoughts, 2023
Videographer Tim O’Donnell, Pixela Pictures, The World’s Coolest Hand Dryers! – Artists for Humanity Turns Xlerators into Works of Art, 2023