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Umeå Institute of Design prepares for annual Degree Exhibition

Students and course leaders review 'Mobility for the Next Generation' by Jonas Sandström (Sweden). Jonas is designing a car for the future silver market with the look of a young generation. Developed in collaboration with Volkswagen. Click for larger images


Branding Through the Entertainment Media by Daniel Forsgren (Sweden). Daniel is designing a vehicle concept from the preferences of a future film scenario and a main character. Developed in collaboration with SAAB Automobile AB.		T.A.I. MU - Traffic Aware Interface Motorcycle Utility by Göran Härnvall (Sweden). A motorcycle concept for the young and restless. A vehicle that interacts with the rider developing his/her driving skills and that presents features to prevent potential accidents.

Volvo Excavator by Jon Håkansson (Sweden). Jon proposes merging different types of excavators into one while improving operators working environment. The result objectives strengthening brand identity within the segment. Collaborating with Volvo Construction Equipment and Epsilon Perspectives Design.


Chevrolet Frontier by Timothy Shaw (USA). The essence of Americana, pioneered in a vehicle designed for the European environment and lifestyle, and inspired by the spirit of the American west. Developed in collaboration with General Motors.		Small Vehicle Focusing on Safety by Patrik Andersson (Sweden). Patrik is challenging the obstacles that impede small vehicle safety by exploring new and innovative solutions to this problem. Developed in collaboration with Volvo Cars.

Course tutor Ajay Jain (left) and course leader Anders Gunnarson (right) review 'Configurable Interior Concept' by Thomas Woods (UK). The intention is to design a future vehicle interior that expresses the customers’ character by providing environments more focused to their needs and aspirations.

A Truck for China by Wei Chang (China). Designing a future distribution vehicle for the Chinese urban environment and developing the Volvo identity with focus on safety. Wei collaborates with Volvo Truck Corporation.

Mar 30, 2004 – Another end of term approaches and the Masters students from the Umeå Institute of Design in the north of Sweden have just presented a preview of their final thesis projects. There are twenty two graduating students in total, eight of whom are from the Masters course in Transportation Design. Transportation Design is one of three MA courses offered at the Umeå Institute of Design - the others are Advanced Product Design and Interaction Design. The two-year MA course currently has 16 students. Students must have a first degree in industrial design or equivalent to be considered for the course.

The Institute of Design is housed in a converted power station and purpose-built premises on the banks of the Umeå River. The school has an atmosphere which is open and light, and all students have their own personal workspace within this environment. There are well-equipped workshops for woodwork, metal, plastic, clay modeling, assembly and painting. The college also provides students with state of the art technology for rapid prototyping and milling from CAD files.

The course has a highly international focus. The ratio of students on the current course is almost 50:50 between Scandinavian and international students who come from countries as far apart as Argentina, China, Israel, Russia, USA and the UK.

The final thesis work at the Institute has a duration of 17 weeks and the students are expected to develop an individual project involving a general transportation related problem. They are encouraged to approach the industry in search of support during the project development. In these co-operation companies they find a mentor and sometimes financial support to cover the project expenses. Besides this support, every year the graduating class receives guidance from an experienced designer from the automotive industry. Ajay Jain from the GM Europe Advanced Design studio in Sweden is in charge of tutoring the graduating class this year.

Final examination will take place on the 18th and 19th of May. The Degree Exhibition opens on the 4th of June at the Image Museum (Bildmuseet) in Umeå. On the 17th of June the exhibition moves to the Volvo Showroom in Stockholm.

Umeå Institute of Design website: www.dh.umu.se

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Umeå Institute of Design Degree Show 2003
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Umeå Institute of Design Degree Show 2001