The Department of Industrial Design at Taipei Tech recently held its annual graduation exhibition, Products of the Deserted Island, spotlighting the innovative spirit of 61 graduating students. The theme challenged designers to imagine essential solutions for survival in isolation, sparking creations that bridge necessity, empathy, and sustainability.

This year’s exhibition was not only a platform for creativity but also a proving ground for design excellence. Several projects gained recognition at the prestigious Golden Pin Concept Design Award, with Yu Sheng, DP-Pro, and WingSaver advancing to the Best Young Pin Design Award finals. MedWise, Mira, and Corn Hub were shortlisted for the Golden Pin Sponsorship Special Award, and RE: Face was selected as a finalist for the 2025 Vision Get Wild Award.

Yu Sheng addresses a niche yet pressing global issue: the short lifecycle of shuttlecocks used in sports. By repurposing these lightweight, often-discarded materials into modular outdoor seating, the project gives new life to waste, turning it into public furniture suitable for parks and courts, encouraging sustainable design thinking.

DP-Pro tackles the health risks construction workers face due to prolonged exposure to cement dust. This closed-system mixer reduces airborne particles and includes foot pedals and ergonomic handles, improving safety and user comfort on indoor job sites.

WingSaver focuses on an often-overlooked ecological concern: bird collisions with urban glass structures. This solar-powered system uses ultrasonic detection and infrared signals to gently divert birds mid-flight, promoting coexistence between nature and modern architecture.

Other notable designs include Mira, a smart dressing assistant that supports Alzheimer’s patients by guiding daily routines and reducing caregiver stress; Corn Hub, which transforms agricultural waste into biodegradable packaging; and MedWise, a thoughtfully designed cart that streamlines medical waste disposal to boost hospital safety.

These projects embody Taipei Tech’s commitment to forward-looking education that blends technical skill with social and environmental awareness. The graduation show not only celebrates student achievement but also reflects how design can shape a more responsible and responsive world.