The Best Designs of the Year

The Best Designs of the Year

Every year the Design Museum of London announces its 99 contenders for the Design of the Year award. Remarkable designs from around the world are chosen to compete in seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport.  Here are only a few of this year's 99 contenders for the prestigious award. Judge the winner for yourself!

Last year's winner: The Olympic Torch

When London hosted the Summer Olympic games in 2012, designer Thomas Heatherwick won the title 'Design of the Year' from the Design Museum for his design of the torch. This year he is nominated for his design of the Olympic Cauldron.

Galaxy Soho Building

This fabulous structure planned by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid won two nominations this year for the prize. The structure is located in Beijing, China.

Liquid Glacial Table

Another of Zaha Hadid's creations, this stunning table has also been nominated for the prize.

Rain Room

A room that simulates rain, this design by Random International became such a hit that there were people waiting in lines to enter the room for over three hours.

Non-Stick Bottle

A non-stick ketchup bottle was invented by Varanasi Research Group at MIT. The bottle is made non-stick by spraying a special edible solution on the inside of the bottle.

Adjustable Glasses

A magnificent design and invention, this pair of glasses is self-adjustable and caters to kids who don't have access to an optician. The design and technology was invented by the Centre for Vision in the Developing World in Oxford.

A Flat Wheelchair Wheel

A wheelchair wheel that can be made completely flat for easier movement by Vitamins Design.

Wedge-Shaped Packaging

One of the favorites of this year's contest, the wedge-shaped packaging containing medicial supplies fits seamlessly into the spaces between the Coca Cola bottles being delivered to developing countries. The design allows necessary medicines to 'piggyback' on the Coca Cola delivery and help out those in need of medicine and medical care.

The 3D Printer

Although this invention has been around a couple of years, it's redesign makes it much easier to use.

Raspberry Pi Computer

Yes, this is the world's smallest functioning computer. Of course, you won't be able to store all of your documents and files on it, but the brilliant creation is inspiring more people to design gadgets at home.

Small Printer

An adorably small printer by Berg

Surface Tension Lamp

Designed by Front.

Flyknit Sneakers

These sneakers are ultra light-weight and breathable with their unique stitch technology. Designed by Nike.

Four Freedom's Park

Four Freedom's Park in New York as part of the World Trade Center memorial and the construction of the new Freedom Tower. Designed by Louis Khan.

Fracture Vases

Beautiful fracture vases designed by Phil Cuttance.

Donkey Bicycle

This incredibly useful bikecycle has room for all of your groceries and more! Designed by Ben Wilson.

Book Mountain

An incredible mountain of books to save space in the library. Located in Spijkenisse, Holland and designed by MVRDV.

Air Access Seat

This air access seat makes it easier for handicapped individuals to make their way on and off the plane, eliminating the need for them to wait until the rest of the passengers exit the aircraft. Designed by Priestmangoode.

Windmap

A map of the wind patterns over the United States designed by Martin Wattenberg and Fernanda Bertini Viegas.

The Shard

What once was the London Bridge Tower, the Shard is an 87-story skyscraper in London, and is the tallest building in the European Union. The building was designed by Renzo Piano.