Lots Of Swedish Design

Elektra is an interesting new range of domestic appliances designed by Hanna Ljungström of the Swedish design agency LOTS. Partly developed as a way to provide a vision of the future for the Swedish glass industry, LOTS also wanted to show how it was possible to turn the cooking process into a sensual experience that could provide enjoyment everyday.

Three concepts have so far been developed; a Kettle, a Toaster and a Moka Brewer. Made out of a combination of glass, black thermoplastic and gold, the appliances have been developed in collaboration with the Swedish glass manufacturer Orrefors Kosta Boda. You can see the Elektra collection for yourself at the Röhss Museum in Göteborg until June 3 2007. Our friend David Carlson of The David Report has written an interesting piece about the new designs and explains:

“Hanna Ljungström found a gap in the market concerning domestic appliances between retro design on one side and minimalism on the other. With the Elektra collection Hanna aimed to develop a series of products that don´t have to be hidden away in a cabinet. The bold character of the new designs is inspired by the catwalks of the grand fashion brands. The handmade organic thermo plastic tops make a nice contrast to the controlled classic relief of the glass. By allowing the tops to be handmade Hanna has created an interesting meeting between industry and craft.”

Read more about LOTS and see a selection of their designs below:

LOTS was founded in 2002 with the aim of offering industrial and strategic design under one roof. With experience from both the manufacturing industry and the service sector, Managing Director Iréne Stewart Claesson and designers Henrik Kreutz Erbéus, Helena Hansson and Hanna Ljungström experienced a growing need for coordination between business strategy, consumer priorities and branding for design. LOTS have developed strategies for clients such as Volvo Bus and GE Healthcare as well a range of innovative designs.

Taste

Aware of how viewer impression affects taste, Lots wanted to improve ready-made dinners delivered to senior citizens in their homes. Lots wondered how they could make home delivered meals a more enjoyable experience and add dignity to this daily routine? Dinners are usually delivered in aluminium or plastic trays and the food get easily mixed up when transferred to plate. Lots developed a tactile porcelain dinner tray for everyday use with the aim of stimulating taste and improving the eating experience. The Taste collection transforms modern plastic into high class china.

Baha®

The Baha® System of Cochlear is the only hearing aid that works through direct bone conduction. Lots brief was to make the visible disappear without affecting technical and acoustic capabilities whilst ensuring water resistance and easy handling for adjustment. By focusing on surface aspects and details, Lots managed to develop an improved system that is much appreciated by users.

Touch

With their Touch Collection Lots wanted to add a tactile experience to anonymous functional home details, such as door handles, hooks and circuit breakers. Aiming to inject daily routines with enjoyment and playfulness – e.g. by stroking door handles, by climbing up to the ceiling to get a coat and by exercising when turning on lights.

Siren

Siren is an innovative new fire detector. Why attach an alarm to the ceiling when you can combine it with an existing object? Lots have created an anodised aluminium fire detector that is integrated within the standard ceiling mount of a pendant lamp. The inner shape is inspired by the outlines of a megaphone

Lots