Two ground-breaking projects by students from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) have been honoured with the prestigious 2025 iF Design Awards. The winning projects include the "MeshRoom" mycelium-based eyewear and the "iRest LumiGalaxy" massage chair. These awards highlight UNNC's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence.
The "MeshRoom", designed by PhD candidate Ruiheng Lan, introduces a breakthrough in sustainable eyewear. These glasses are the first to incorporate mycelium—a natural material from agricultural by-products like rice husk—into finely detailed, customisable designs. Lighter yet comparably strong to traditional materials, MeshRoom offers a personalised fit for every user.
Ruiheng, whose projects have previously won the iF Design Award four times, credits UNNC's research-driven environment for his success. "The university has instilled in me a deep curiosity for exploration and innovation," he said. "After discovering mycelium as a functional material, I worked closely with my mentor, Professor Xu Sun, to refine the design and conduct extensive research. This award reflects the successful fusion of science and design."
The "iRest LumiGalaxy" massage chair, co-developed with Zhejiang Haozhonghao Health Products Co., Ltd, redefines relaxation by providing a multi-sensory approach to relieve stress and improve sleep quality. Combining full-body massage, mindfulness music, aromatherapy, and light therapy, the chair creates a fully immersive environment. These multi-sensational elements cultivate a calming atmosphere, helping users focus their minds in a meditative state to relieve physical and mental stress effectively.
Yihe Liu, one of the team members, reflected, "This project taught me that even the most advanced technology must prioritise user experience. Great product design is an art that balances technology with human needs."
Yanchen Shen, another team member, highlighted the value of collaborating with industry. "Finding the balance between design innovation and commercialisation is always challenging, as products often face compromises and obstacles from concept to completion," she said. This experience also helped Shen secure a place at Harvard University, where she will continue her studies this autumn.
The success of these two projects in global competition is a testament to UNNC's educational model and strong industry connections. UNNC integrates industry, academia, and research, bringing the latest scientific advancements into design practice while giving students hands-on experience in real-world settings. This approach equips them with the ability to translate innovative research into practical products—a core competency for future design professionals.
Published on 07 March 2025