Exciting engineering challenges with great prizes

Show off your skills and solve real design problems

BOAST YOUR TOAST! Reinvent the toaster

Sustainable Minds and IDSA invite you to reimagine the toaster to differentiate and position an existing kitchen appliance manufacturer, or a new company that you imagine, as a leader in high-performance home appliances with environmental performance’ as a key component of the story.

To do this, we’re providing you with a proven process and tools to generate innovative design concepts and measure
the environmental performance of each to identify the best solutions. By participating in this challenge, you’ll learn
how to consistently integrate life cycle thinking and environmental performance improvement into your (and your company’s) design processes.

We are looking for you to:
1. Tell a great brand experience story.
2. Defined user persona(s) and scenario(s), key insights that inform the strategy
3. Demonstrate how using multiple ecodesign strategies in multiple product life cycle stages creates innovation ideas
(even if most apparent innovation is not your final selected solution). Material changes only are generally not
innovations.
4. Show a 15% environmental performance improvement over the reference toaster.

Requirements

  • Judging Factors

    • Effective use of ecodesign strategies
    • Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model
    • Environmental performance improvement: 15%+ overall improvement
    • Aesthetics
    • Compelling story
    • Functionality/usability

  • GET STARTED

    1. Download the overview Sustainable Minds Getting Started: Using ecodesign + Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to drive product innovation.

    2. Download the PowerPoint presentation template.

    3. Get your FREE IDSA subscription to Sustainable Minds Eco-concept + LCA Software: sustainableminds.com/get-started
    • Scroll down to Education subscriptions and click the Student ‘Purchase now’ button (no purchase involved).
    • In the ‘Referral code’ field enter: IDSA2020
    • Free subscriptions for this challenge expire on June 15, 2020. You can purchase a monthly or annual subscription at that time with your 10% IDSA discount.
    • Note: Sustainable Minds is phasing out Flash, but for the best user experience today, use Firefox and enable Flash.

    4. Login to your account and download the example toaster project from the front page. To learn more about the software, watch the step-by-step how-to videos: sustainableminds.com/software. Also, visit the Learning Center in your account for more detailed content.

    • If you’re looking for specific life cycle inputs not currently in the tool, email support@sustainableminds.com. If that data is publicly available it can be added on request.

  • PROJECT PROCESS

    1. Build the reference toaster in Sustainable Minds. Identify what’s causing the greatest impacts in each life cycle stage.The environmental performance of your new product concepts will be compared to the reference.
    2. Brainstorm, research, sketch, and develop at least 3 new concepts.
    3.Model all your concepts in Sustainable Minds. Identify if your new ideas are actually contributing to performance improvements or not. Select one concept as the final and develop your presentation. Reminder, we are looking for at least 15% overall performance improvement.
    4. Create your submission presentation using the PowerPoint deck template provided. Feel free to include as much content on each slide as you like to tell your story. Have fun, get us excited about your process and innovative ideas. Submissions that do not use this template will not be considered.
    5. Upload your presentation as a PowerPoint file along with any 3D and rendered image files of your concepts. Video links to support your presentation are also welcome.

Rules

  • ENTERING THE COMPETITION:


    If you think an entry may infringe on existing copyrighted materials, please email challenges@grabcad.com.


    By entering the Challenge you:

      Judging process – How winners were selected

      All the jurors were enormously impressed by the hard work put in by all the entrants. The overall quality of the submissions was extremely high – which says a lot about this community. Congratulations to the winners and special mentions!
      Four rounds of review


      Round 1: From 52 entries, 25 advanced to the next round. Screened to ensure each met all the
      submission requirements in the challenge brief including a 15%+ overall environmental performance
      improvement. Entries that did not include the PowerPoint presentation and/or no evaluation in Sustainable
      Minds Eco-concept + LCA Software were disqualified.
      Round 2: From 25 entries, 13 advanced to the next round. Each juror was assigned to select 10 finalists
      by assigning 1-10 for each of the criteria below.
      Round 3: LCA technical review, from 13 entries to 10 finalists. All entrants were contacted to provide SM Software login credentials. SM’s LCA analyst reviewed models for completeness and accuracy of the reference and final concept models. Entries with a score of 6 or lower for this criterion were eliminated. Round 4: From 10 finalists, 3 winners and 4 special mentions were selected. Finalists were scored 1-
      10 for each criterion by consensus. There were so many great entries, the new category of ‘special mention’ was created.


      The criteria
      1. Effective use of ecodesign strategies – Application of ecodesign strategies from multiple life cycle
      stages to create innovative product concepts
      2. Comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) model – First, accurate/complete reference toaster
      model then same for new concepts in the Sustainable Minds software; accurate % improvement 
      3. Aesthetics – Design works for the target persona; current/appealing form, color, user interface  
      4. Compelling story – Create a brand for the target users, insights that inform design, selection and application of ecodesign strategies, concept exploration / evaluation to select final product
      5. Functionality/usability – How the toaster was reinvented, relative to the target users; ease of use


      Watch out the blog posts and webinar from Sustainable Minds and IDSA coming soon.


      1) Accept the official GrabCAD Challenges Terms & Conditions.
      2) Agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges (Jury).
      3) Warrant that you are eligible to participate.
      4) Warrant that the submission is your original work. Warrant, to the best of your knowledge, your work is not, and has not been in production or otherwise previously published or exhibited.
      5) Warrant neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent, utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trademark, copyright or any other intellectual property right) of any other person.
      6) Warrant participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment.
      7) Are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs.
      8) Agree the Sponsor and GrabCAD have the right to promote all entries for PR and Marketing.

  • SUBMITTING AN ENTRY


    Only entries uploaded to GrabCAD through the "Submit entry" button on this Challenge page will be considered an entry. Only public entries are eligible. We encourage teams to use GrabCAD Workbench for developing their entries. Entries are automatically given the tag "BoastYourToast" when uploading to GrabCAD. Please do not edit or delete this tag. Only entries with valid tag will participate in the Challenge.

  • AWARDING THE WINNERS


    The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person. Prizes may not be transferred or exchanged. All winners will be contacted by the GrabCAD staff to get their contact information and any other information needed to get the prize to them. Payment of cash awards is made through PayPal. All team awards will be transferred to the member who entered the Challenge.

  • We will release the finalists before the announcement of the winners to give the Community an opportunity to share their favorites in the comments, discuss concerns, and allow time for any testing or analysis by the Jury. The Jury will take the feedback into consideration when picking the winners.


    Winning designs will be chosen based on the Rules and Requirements.

  • Schedule


    This challenge ends on May 24th, 2020 (23:59 EST.)


    Finalists will be announced on June 1st, 2020


    Winners will be announced on June 4th, 2020.

Prizes

Prize Winnings

Software Subscriptions, a 3D printer, and more!

First Place

Two (2) one-year subscriptions to Sustainable Minds Eco-concept & Life Cycle Assessment Software; One (1) Prusa i3 MK3S 3D Printer provided by AutoDesk: should be Autodesk; One (1) one-year membership to Material ConneXion; One (1) registration to IDSA’s International Design Conference 2020

Second Place

Two (2) one-year subscriptions to Sustainable Minds Eco-concept & Life Cycle
Assessment Software; One (1) registration to IDSA’s International Design
Conference 2020

Third Place

One (1) one-year subscription to Sustainable Minds Eco-concept & Life Cycle Assessment Software; One (1) registration to IDSA’s International Design Conference 2020

About IDSA, Sustainable Minds, Autodesk and Material Connexion

IDSA
With its roots reaching back to 1938 and founded in 1965, the Industrial Designers Society of
America (IDSA) is the world’s oldest, largest, member-driven society for industrial design. IDSA
represents professionals in product design, interaction design, human factors, ergonomics, design
research, design management, universal design and related design fields.

Sustainability Deep Dive 2020
The Sustainability Deep Dive 2020 is a virtual event spanning three days. It will feature a
comprehensive mix of expert presentations and skill-building sessions meant to produce a
wellspring of innovative ideas and possibilities that are desperately needed to bring about change.
Decades of global human activity and the expanding greenhouse effect have created a situation that
needs to be addressed with more urgency than ever. We think design can help. Action must be
taken today if we have any hope of creating paths forward to a sustainable future.
As the developers of products and services used by billions of people around the world, industrial
designers hold a crucial position: one that demands we look for ways in which our work can ignite
social, cultural, and institutional change. By leveraging our resources, processes, and voice as
designers, we can establish new ways of thinking and methodologies in our studios, companies, and
corporate settings that, in turn, can help to ensure the ongoing health of our planet and its precious
resources.

For more details and to register visit: https://www.idsa.org/SDD2020

***************

Sustainable Minds
Founded in 2007, Sustainable Minds® is a cloud software and services company whose mission is to
‘operationalize environmental performance in product development & manufacturing to drive
revenue and growth through greener product innovation.’
 
Sustainable Minds is now the #1 cloud life cycle assessment (LCA) software for greener product
innovation used by industry and education in 600 locations in 90 countries worldwide. Sustainable
Minds’ easy-to-use, standardized solution makes it possible for manufacturers across the value
chain – large and small – to dynamically evaluate, compare and improve their products’
environmental performance by integrating life cycle thinking and LCA into their product
development processes. The company has been recognized by Gartner® in its 2013 Cool Vendor Report as ‘innovative, impactful and intriguing.’

Additional Prizes kindly provided by the support of Autodesk Sustainability and Material Connexion

88 comments

  • Sunoj Kashyap

    Sunoj Kashyap over 4 years ago

    Well i think, If i do such a environmental friendly and Sustainable design then why i will uplode here I start my own company! 😎. Anyway this challenge is a Adventure 👌👌👌

    Sunoj Kashyap has uploaded 5 CAD models & has left 17 comments.
  • Trevor Owens

    Trevor Owens over 4 years ago

    why do they want us to recreate the toaster?

    Trevor Owens has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 26 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    @Trevor on SM software you will see an excellent example of toaster and its impact on the environment. You can redesign the toaster and make it more relevant for today's lifestyle and better environment performance

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    @Sunoj that's an awesome idea, you can start by vetting your ideas with the experienced!

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • ibrahim bendebka

    ibrahim bendebka over 4 years ago

    15% overall performance improvement…
    you have to redirect all the heat from a fridge heat exchanger??
    so.. a fridge toaster

    ibrahim bendebka has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Tommy Mueller

    Tommy Mueller over 4 years ago

    Great challenge, bout time we reinvent the toaster!
    Thanks for another great challenge GrabCAD & IDSA !!

    Tommy Mueller has uploaded 224 CAD models & has left 1843 comments.
  • Vaclav Lhota

    Vaclav Lhota over 4 years ago

    Tommy can't wait your toast animation! How about two toasts, jumping up from the toaster, giving high five joyfully to each other...:)

    Vaclav Lhota has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 57 comments.
  • Tommy Mueller

    Tommy Mueller over 4 years ago

    OMG Vaclav Lhota Totally doing it!

    Tommy Mueller has uploaded 224 CAD models & has left 1843 comments.
  • Robert Vertin

    Robert Vertin over 4 years ago

    I already have 3 patents on convection toasting.. I send high temp air through the bread first from one direction then the fans reverse so the heated air can travel and toast the 2nd side .. the forced heated air makes toast in approx. 5 seconds ...this uses approx 35% less energy .. The devise also takes up 30 percent less space and uses 25% fewer materials to manufacture. I'm experimenting with liquid flavor additives that I spray mist into the ducting . This infuses flavor like cinnamon and even butter without the soggy issues. I don't have time to follow the format however I'd like to talk. Thank you.

    Robert Vertin has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Bintang Farhan

    Bintang Farhan over 4 years ago

    Thank you for GrabCAD and all the sponsors for keeping us busy during these hard times, I'm bored so lets go toaster

    Bintang Farhan has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 59 comments.
  • Ankush Sharma

    Ankush Sharma over 4 years ago

    Its a great challenge to boost your story telling skills as well :) One of the objective of the challenge is "15% environmental performance improvement" Can anyone clarify what/which product will be the reference design whose environmental performance has to be improved?

    Ankush Sharma has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    @ankushsharma Pl refer the Sustainable Minds LCA software as mentioned in the description. Once you go through the material on the software you will see the data for the reference toaster project. Benchmark the toaster as a reference and create a design for 15% better environment performance
    Thanks

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Kavian Niazi

    Kavian Niazi over 4 years ago

    What? Designing a toaster?
    I would like to see the result of this challenge!

    Kavian Niazi has uploaded 41 CAD models & has left 595 comments.
  • PAVITAR SINGH©️

    PAVITAR SINGH©️ over 4 years ago

    I know there are 3 common toasters...pop up toaster,toaster oven & conveyor belt. But I have question is sandwich bread toaster comes under these categories?😁

    PAVITAR SINGH©️ has uploaded 136 CAD models & has left 179 comments.
  • Sava Savov

    Sava Savov over 4 years ago

    I have a feeling that my personal life cycle is threatened by participating in challenges. Maybe this challenge is for firms that can pay the means of subsistence to their workers to participate.

    Sava Savov has uploaded 25 CAD models & has left 149 comments.
  • Bintang Farhan

    Bintang Farhan over 4 years ago

    Studying the software needs time, and making the model also needs time, if i dont spend the whole day to read and trade studying concepts, I will not able to finish on time, maybe next time.. Overall its really niceee and interesting, but only 24 days and I dont have the time because i got various tasks to do, yea student life.. Thank youu

    Bintang Farhan has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 59 comments.
  • Stephan Clambaneva

    Stephan Clambaneva over 4 years ago

    We are two weeks out everybody! Lets get toasting! I want to see what you can come up with!

    Stephan Clambaneva has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Leonardo Echeverria

    Leonardo Echeverria over 4 years ago

    Can anyone enter the challenge?

    Leonardo Echeverria has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    Anyone above the age of 18 can enter

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • Flying  Monkey

    Flying Monkey over 4 years ago

    I started out a design for this Challenge, but i can't seem to find the "example toaster project" anywhere, can someone point me in the right direction? Thank you!

    Flying Monkey has uploaded 12 CAD models & has left 3 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    After creating a login on SM website, go to Eco-concept Modeling & Life Cycle Assessment Software
    Download the quick start guide and download the example toaster project. Now set up a new project.
    Now create a reference concept using the downloaded toaster sBOM, which will give you complete details about the product materials. Complete the reference concepts by filling in use stage, end of life stage and transportation basis the details provided in the downloaded SM_Example_Project_Instructions.pdf

    The toaster model on SM software is NOT a 3D model, it is details about the reference product, highlighting the energy intensive areas being consumed at various stages of product life cycle
    You will have to create a new design in 3D which should be better than the reference in terms of environmental performance
    Hope this helps

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Cheyenne Raker

    Cheyenne Raker over 4 years ago

    Do you have to be an IDSA member to be eligible?

    Cheyenne Raker has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    @Cheyenne No need to IDSA member, anyone can participate

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Ellen Britton

    Ellen Britton over 4 years ago

    Hey - Is it possible to enter as a duo or a small team? This is a lot of work for 1 person! Especially as I've just seen it now and we are 9 days out

    Ellen Britton has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Stephan Clambaneva

    Stephan Clambaneva over 4 years ago

    You can most definitely enter as a small team! Just make sure you all have separate profiles on GrabCAD so we can properly identify you once you upload your submission! Good Luck Ellen!

    Stephan Clambaneva has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Stephan Clambaneva

    Stephan Clambaneva over 4 years ago

    Hello Everybody! Start getting your submissions ready! You can still start if you havent yet! Over a week out! Lets see what you can come up with!

    Stephan Clambaneva has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Netanel Segev

    Netanel Segev over 4 years ago

    I'm trying to sign, need to know course and instructor name. Thanks

    Netanel Segev has uploaded 5 CAD models & has left 11 comments.
  • Sarah Brand

    Sarah Brand over 4 years ago

    Hi Stephan, when you submit the powerpoint is it visible to the public? The first page of the powerpoint asks for your personal contact info.

    Sarah Brand has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    Hi Sarah, leave the details empty on the first slide. We will reach out to you for details if your entry is shortlisted. Thanks Shruti

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    Everyone please make sure that you enter your entry here on GrabCAD. If you dont you will not be considered as a completed entry. If you have any questions please message me.

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • Jamie Saunders

    Jamie Saunders over 4 years ago

    Hi Shruti Parikh, you replied to someone saying that we can leave out our details on the first slide, but then how will you contact us if our entry is shortlisted?

    Jamie Saunders has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Shruti Parikh

    Shruti Parikh over 4 years ago

    @JamieSaunders You may not put confidential details life password.

    Shruti Parikh has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Stephan Clambaneva

    Stephan Clambaneva over 4 years ago

    Come on you slackers! Lets get those final entries uploaded before the deadline!!!
    You got 12Hours to go!!!!

    Stephan Clambaneva has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Stephan Clambaneva

    Stephan Clambaneva over 4 years ago

    Hello you slackers! You got 12 hours left! Upload those designs before the deadline!

    Stephan Clambaneva has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    We will be announcing the Finalists Tomorrow 6/2/2020. Sorry for any inconvenience.

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • shubham lohare

    shubham lohare over 4 years ago

    When we get list of finalist

    shubham lohare has uploaded 5 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    Finalists are up!

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • Jamie Saunders

    Jamie Saunders over 4 years ago

    Hi @jacob carter, thanks for the feedback on my toaster design! But I actually put down the power rating at 1.8kWH not 2.4kWH for that toaster design (or maybe lower), but it was infact the other concepts that had 2.4.

    Jamie Saunders has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Jamie Saunders

    Jamie Saunders over 4 years ago

    @Jacob Carter. I believe I made a typo. I meant to say 1.4 kWH (or something lower) instead of 2.4kWH (whilst still making the final concept use less energy than the others). Sorry I'm dyslexic and make these kind of mistakes all the time. Please take this into consideration competition people! :) @Shruti Parikh @Stephan Clambaneva

    Jamie Saunders has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Jamie Saunders

    Jamie Saunders over 4 years ago

    @Jacob Carter. Yep you're right about that. Thanks! :) So I believe my final concept would then have a power of 1kWH then.

    Jamie Saunders has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Annuai

    Annuai over 4 years ago

    Congratulations everyone!
    Loved your feedback @Jacob Carter
    I was thinking the tapered body towards the top gives it a direction and the edge illumination will help the user know when the hot plate is turned on, which would be helpful in reducing incidents like fire hazards.
    Cleaning the toaster surely is an issue but I was not sure what an ideal solution would've been. Now when i think of it i feel a simple removable cook plate would've had solved the cleaning problem.
    I'll surely try and put together things you pointed to make the toaster better. Thank you.

    Annuai has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Jamie Saunders

    Jamie Saunders over 4 years ago

    @Jacob Carter, its the power rating

    Jamie Saunders has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • shih-hsuan, huang

    shih-hsuan, huang over 4 years ago

    Hi @Jacob Carter, I am a member from Ding Toaster. I would like to discuss with you about "excess unnecessary features". Would you mind sharing more about the parts of our toaster seems unnecessary? If we could remove some parts, of course it will help improve our design~ Thank you~

    shih-hsuan, huang has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • shih-hsuan, huang

    shih-hsuan, huang over 4 years ago

    Hi @Jacob Carter, thanks for your feedback.

    I guess the controller part you motioned is our separated timer switch, if not please let me know. You could find the video of our toaster with the link below.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CArGDnkJodv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    In our design process, in order to prevent user touching the hot toaster, applying symmetric parts design to decrease manufacturing cost, and simplifying the input operation scenario, we decided to separate the switch with the main body. The result is that we shrink the toaster size about 50%, which means our toaster is only half size of traditional toaster which not only safe the materials and the size of user's kitchen, and because of the small toaster cavity, we are able to decrease our numbers of heating plate.

    About the orientation of the toaster, we did make some design modifications to make our side opening toaster possible.
    1. hot air goes up, so traditional toaster waste some energy to cover the escaping hot air. As we turned the opening to side, it will decrease the leasing of hot air.
    2. hear transfer faster in solid metal than in the air, so we create single sheet metal shades around each tunnel, so that the cavity is heating up more equally even we only use one heating plate in our toaster.
    3. We use the frame to bake the toast so that the way to operate our toaster is also ergonomic.

    About the toaster frame design, we had already found there's existed design from SMEG as the link below,
    https://www.connox.com/categories/accessories/spare-parts-replacement-parts/smeg-sandwich-pliers-for-tsf01-tsf03-toaster.html
    Their design is good enough so that we can use directly, which was designed a little bit narrow than toast that the frame can hold the toast tightly. but considering it's not our original idea, we just use a simple frame in our current design.

    We used Keyshot for the photo rendering.

    I hope we answered your questions, and welcome for more discussions.

    shih-hsuan, huang has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    Winners will be posted later today

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • Kesa

    Kesa over 4 years ago

    Winners are Posted!

    Kesa has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 211 comments.
  • wasif

    wasif over 4 years ago

    Congratulations to all the winners

    wasif has uploaded 239 CAD models & has left 356 comments.
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