XL1 Concept Car Designed by Peter Wouda, Volkswagen – Photography by Luke Hayes

Each year the Design Museum holds a global award to showcase talent featuring pioneering and imaginative designs submitted by world-wide. The platform consists of 7 categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport design. The 7 category winners are on exhibition currently until 25 August, alongside the other 69 nominees.

Entries for 2014 have included cars, bicycles, mobile apps, floating schools to name but a few. And they range from visually minimalist such as Product entry ‘String Lights’ by Michael Anastassiades to the ornate ‘Totemic Collection’ in the Fashion category from Sadie Williams. The variety of designs to view at the exhibition is vast and with the 2014’s category winners having been announced, the calibre and bar of competition of this year’s designers is clearly set high.

Winners include ‘Pro Chair Family’ by Konstantin Grcic in the Furniture class who has created a multi-directional chair that promotes healthy seating habits. For those interested by mobile apps, ‘PEEK (Portable Eye Examination Kit)’ by Dr Andrew Bastawrous, Stewart Jourdan, Dr Mario Giardini, Dr Iain Livinstone, will intrigue you with its ability to do eye examinations, making eye care available remotely.

Volkswagon ‘Transport: XL1 Car’ will draw in any car aficionado as well as design enthusiasts with its sleek design and efficiency. Visitors may recognize more influential names such as Miuccia Prada who has won the Fashion category for ‘Prada S/S14’ designs.

The 7 winners from the individual categories will be submitted to compete for the final and Design of the Year award and the announcement is scheduled for 30 June 2014 at an event in St Martin’s Lane. Seeking out the most inventive and original talent offered, ‘Designs of the Year’ is an opportunity for designers to be not only recognized but to be recognised and voted for by their peers, followers and enthusiasts globally through the Social Jury voting ability on the website.

Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD
Open: 10.00am-5.45pm daily (last admission 5.15pm)
Price: £12.40 Adults / £9.30 Students / Members and under 6’s Free
Website: designmuseum.org
Twitter: @DesignMuseum
Visit: www.designsoftheyear.com to register your social vote.