Skip to content
Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity

Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award in Usanifu wa Samani za Bafuni na Vyombo vya Usafi Competition Category.


ShabaVyombo vya Usafi· 2024

Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano

by Excel Dryer and Artists for Humanity

Client: Excel Dryer, Inc.

Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award Winner in Vyombo vya Usafi Category

43,812

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #158659

Colors

The Design

About Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano

Excel Dryer ilishirikiana na shirika lisilo la faida la Boston liitwalo Artists For Humanity kushirikiana katika kuunda vikausha mikono vya kisasa zaidi duniani. Kwa kutumia teknolojia yao ya kipekee ya picha za kidijitali, Excel iliweza kuhamisha sanaa iliyoundwa na wasanii kutoka Artists For Humanity kwenye vifuniko vya vikausha mikono vyao. Hii ilibadilisha bidhaa ya kibiashara ya viwanda kuwa kipande cha sanaa ambacho kilionyesha dhamira ya Artists For Humanity, ikiunganisha utendaji kazi na ubunifu ili kuweka mikono yao safi na nadhifu huku ikiwa bidhaa yenye kupendeza kwa macho kwa vyoo vyao.

The Recognition

About the Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award

Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano ni mshindi wa Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award, utambuzi wenye heshima kubwa unaotolewa kwa miundo bora inayotofautishwa kwa ubunifu, ustadi na busara. Washindi wa Shaba ni kazi za ufundi mwingi na bunifu ya kushangaza zinazothibitisha uzoefu mpana, mawazo na ustadi wa wabunifu wao. Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano inatarajiwa kuwa kitu kinachothaminiwa sana, kupendwa na kuenziwa, ambacho ni cha kitaalamu na bunifu kwa kiasi kikubwa. Muundo huu ulioshinda Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award unajumuisha mbinu bora katika sanaa, sayansi, usanifu na teknolojia, na ni bora kwa umakini wake kwa undani. Complex Thoughts Kikausha Mikono cha Mawazo Changamano hutosheleza mahitaji kwa uzuri, hugusa hamu, huvutia hisia na kuvutia udadisi.

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

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate