30 July 2011 – June 2012

A joeycan for recycling shower water, a light-weight, compact FlipBike, cutting-edge pressurised technology to treat obstructive sleep apnoea and a new tethered tool assistant allowing workers to safely use tools at heights are amongst this year’s top designs selected by the Powerhouse Museum to go on show in the 2011 Australian International Design Awards (AIDA) exhibition.

The annual AIDA program recognises excellence in product design and innovation. This year, a panel of design experts assessed 232 new products and selected 127 finalists. The Powerhouse Museum has selected nine of these leading designs to go on exhibit in the Success and Innovation gallery. The selection of finalists for the Powerhouse Museum’s exhibition is based on good design, innovation and the potential to add to our quality of life.

A highlight of the selected finalists is the Backpack Bed by Swags for Homeless. This light-weight backpack converts to a roll-out full length bed, with a lockable pocket and mesh protection from insects. It can be folded to create a windbreak with a floor for shelter. It can also be used as aid for disaster relief.

Also on display is a selection of winners from the last ten years of the Australian International Design Awards program. Since 1992 the Powerhouse Museum has been making a selection from the AIDA finalists and acquiring some into the Museum’s permanent collection. This year marks ten years of this annual selection being displayed at the Museum.

Supported by the Australian International Design Awards – a division of Good Design Australia.

FlipBike folding balance bike by Ideation Design and FlipBike Pty Ltd. Courtesy of the Australian International Design Awards, a division of Good Design Australia.

Backpack Bed by Swags for Homeless. Courtesy of the Australian International Design Awards, a division of Good Design Australia.