Winning designs from HOT STUFF: heat pump design challenge
www.nesta.org.uk/project-updates/winning-designs-hot-stuff-heat-pump-design-challenge/
www.nesta.org.uk/project-updates/winning-designs-hot-stuff-heat-pump-design-challenge/
Explore the winning designs and find out how we chose the five finalists
Heat pumps are an established, fossil-free technology for heating homes, but are relatively new to most people in the UK. A lack of consumer confidence and interest in this low-carbon technology could be slowing down the transition to net zero. How can creative thinking and imagination shift perspectives and increase the appeal of heat pumps?
Working with University of the Arts London (UAL), we partnered up with their Climate Emergency Network (CEN) to launch a competition to 're-imagine' the traditional heat pump. Tapping into the creativity and imagination of art and design students, we wanted submissions to produce either new, innovative heat pump designs or engaging communication campaigns showing heat pumps in a new light.
We were looking for creative responses that drew attention and interest in heat pumps by positioning the technology in a new and fresh way – highlighting their transformative potential in cutting harmful pollution from our homes. We also wanted submissions to inspire homeowners to take a fresh look at this technology and manufacturers to be more imaginative in their designs.
Working closely with CEN, we launched the competition in April on International Earth Day 2024 and closed for entries in August 2024. The competition brief was shared through CEN’s networks to reach eligible students and recent graduates from UAL’s six colleges across art and design disciplines to enable a wide range of responses. Up to five winning submissions would be chosen, with a prize of £500 for each piece.
Initially, take up from students was low. We recognised that as the window for entry overlapped with exam and submission period, students were competing with demanding deadlines. To combat this, we extended the deadline for entries by a month (from early July to early August) and broadened the channels we advertised the competition on to reach more students more often. Once submissions closed we had received 15 entries, ranging from graphic design and animation to advertising campaigns and jingles.
We brought together an expert panel of judges to evaluate each submission based on the judging criteria of creative merit, relevance to the brief, functionality and practicality, as well as presentation and communication. Judges independently scored each of the submissions, meeting to moderate scores and discuss any points of difference. At the end of shortlisting, the panel came to a consensus on the final five winning pieces.
While longer timelines would have given students more time to refine their concept, the range of talent and creativity within submissions was positive and exceeded the criteria of repositioning the visual design of heat pumps.
Bringing together a judging panel from UAL and Nesta, alongside independent judges, prompted interesting discussion and was helpful to understand different perspectives in relation to what was important for different stakeholders.
Our winning designs and more details on our judging panel can be found in our competition booklet below.
We hosted a special showcase and drinks reception celebrating the winning proposals from the HOT STUFF: heat pump design challenge. With attendees ranging from creatives and designers to experts from the heat pump sector, the event focused on a collaborative discussion on how fresh ideas, artistic expression and creative approaches can accelerate the heat pump industry's growth and play a vital role in the journey to net zero.
HOT STUFF competition booklet
This booklet showcases entries to the HOT STUFF heat pump design challenge, run by Nesta and the University of the Arts London's Climate Emergency Network. The challenge aimed to reimagine traditional heat pumps to increase consumer confidence and interest in this low-carbon technology. The booklet features a foreword, information about the judging panel, and details of the winning designs:
Victor Hwang: Photograph of a small air source heat pump unit in a dark forest setting. The text "MIGHTY SMALL" is written at the top of the image with an arrow pointing to the heat pump. Further text explains that: "An air-source heat pump cuts your carbon footprint by the same amount as a half a football pitch-sized forest per year" and asks "Which do you have room for in your garden?". The image also contains the text: "Installation is quick and easy. Grants available."
Tenley Tomlinson: Illustration of a heat pump concealed within a tall, red garden shed on a green background. The shed has shelves on either side of the double doors and contains plants and gardening equipment. The words "The Heat Pump: Garden Shed" are written at the top of the image.
Tireni Adeniji: Illustration of a heat pump concealed within a decorative sunflower. The sunflower is yellow with a black centre and the background is brown and textured like stone. The words "Petal Heat Pump" are written at the bottom of the image.
Ozge Sahin and Nanthini Sampathkumar: Photograph of a board game about carbon emissions called "Carboned Out!" The board is yellow and black with numbered squares. There is a stack of cards and a scoring track that is orange, yellow and grey.
Binoy Thomas: Line drawing of a tall, white air source heat pump with three levels of planters integrated into the design. The unit sits outside the house, and there is a green awning above the top planter.
