Lexus announced the six finalists for the Lexus Design Award 2022. The finalists were selected from among 1,726 entries from 57 countries/regions by a panel of design luminaries onn January 27. All six finalists gain the extraordinary privilege of mentorship by four international creative stars, with whom they will interact directly while developing prototypes within a budget of approximately US$25,000 USD.

With 2022 as its 10th edition, the Lexus Design Award continues to evolve since its launch in 2013 with the mission of supporting and nurturing young creators. The Lexus Design Award program identifies promising talent whose fresh ideas receive a high-profile, cross-media introduction on an established platform respected by the global creative community.

Finalists were chosen for their original solutions contributing to a better tomorrow, while articulating the Lexus brand's three core principles. These three principles — Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate — must be included while seamlessly enhancing the happiness of all.

Lexus Design Award 2022 judge Anupama Kundoo said, "I was impressed by the creators' sensitivity to real-life issues faced by individuals with disabilities and the challenges facing society, such as sustainable coexistence with nature. The mentoring process will optimize the impact of the finalists' designs. I greatly enjoyed working with such a diverse jury and finding so much alignment. Where there were different perspectives, those too were complementary and aligned in their core values."

List of the Lexus Design Award 2022 Finalists

1. Chitofoam by Charlotte Böhning & Mary Lempres (Dual USA - Germany and Dual USA - Norway / Based in USA), who presented a biodegradable packaging solution derived from the exoskeletons of mealworms that have digested polystyrene foam waste.
2. Hammock Wheelchair by Wondaleaf (Malaysia), who presented combination wheelchair, forklift and hammock for reducing the manual lifting of patients by caregivers.
3. Ina Vibe by Team Dunamis (Nigeria), who presented sustainable cooking, charging and lighting product.
   Rewind by Poh Yun Ru (Singapore): A platform that leverages multi-sensory stimulation to prompt meaningful recollection for seniors with dementia
4. Sound Eclipse by Kristil & Shamina (Russia), who presented noise-cancelling device that reduces noise from outside when placed near an open window.
5. Tacomotive by Kou Mikuni (Japan), who presented tangible driving simulator for children with visual and aural challenges.

The precious mentorship

Earlier in January, the six finalists participated in a five-day workshop with four mentors: Sam Baron, Joe Doucet, Sabine Marcelis and Yosuke Hayano. Interacting directly with these leading lights, the finalists received professional guidance to explore the potential of their ideas, and help bring them to life. Finalists will continue working with mentors to flesh-out their prototypes throughout the three months or so leading up to the Grand Prix.

In spring 2022, the judging panel, comprising renowned creative visionaries Paola Antonelli, Anupama Kundoo, Bruce Mau and Simon Humphries, will select the Grand Prix Winner based on the finalists' presentations of how their prototypes put their design concepts into practice.

In exclusive individual follow-up sessions, the six finalists will receive personalized consultations with each of the panel members to explore career paths and give a flying start to their further professional development.