Electrolux Design Lab 2014 is a competition that seeks inspiration from design students to help create devices that will promote healthy lifestyles as well as be sustainable for the future. Si Hyeong Ryu, who is completing a degree at the Samsung Art and Design School and works for Industrial/UX Designing in South Korea, came up with a design for a washing machine and treadmill combination that washes clothes using human kinetic power. The young designer aimed to increase healthy lifestyles and cut down on energy use with the idea of the Wheel.

“We are living in a paradox that we cannot keep ourselves clean without damaging our surroundings. Wheel is a crossover between gym bike and washing machine to break out of this vicious circle by using human kinetic power to save electricity and our nature,” Ryu said. “The power generated from the spinning can be used to wash clothes and the unused power can be saved to be used as electricity in the future.

“The washing balls inside shortens the washing time and saves the amount of water used in the process. The saved energy can be used when there is no one around or the only person who can run the machine is a kid or an elder. The treadmill mechanism helps the user for better work out experience for healthier life. The normal plug in and flexible display system inside the wheel provides let’s the user to experience better riding experience.”

The competition is now in stage three with 35 designers remaining. That number will then be decreased to six, and in 20 days, voting will begin to determine the winner.

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