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Riding away with top prize

3 June 2009

The Switch Commuter Bike.

Monash graduate and emerging Victorian designer Robert Dumaresq has won gold in this year's Australian International Design Awards.

The Industrial Design graduate won the top prize for his Switch Commuter Bike, a high-performance bike specifically designed for easy handling on crowded public transport that can be folded to the footprint of just one wheel.

"The design innovation is the Switch's ability to fold in one smooth motion – making it one of the fastest folding bikes available," Mr Dumaresq said.

"It doesn't rely on any structural locking mechanism to fold as the weight of the rider keeps the frame open and rigid. A spring-loaded ball bearing stops the rear section of the frame from unfolding prematurely when manoeuvring and handling."

The Australian Design Award - James Dyson Award was announced at Standard Australia's Australian International Design Awards in Melbourne on 29 May. The program recognises and promotes design excellence and innovation in Australia.

Fellow Bachelor of Industrial Design alumna Daniel Molloy was highly-commended for the Boomer Mobility Aid, a mobility aid designed in response to Australia's ageing population. It includes a stair-safe mechanism and ergonomic seating in a modern, lightweight frame.

As this year's gold award recipient of the James Dyson Award Mr Dumeresq will receive $4000 to further develop his design, and an all expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom to visit the Dyson Research Design and Development Centre, home of inventor and engineer James Dyson. He will also have the opportunity to take part in the global James Dyson awards.

Four Monash graduates made the finals in this year's awards, competing in a field of 13 designers. Alex Cheong designed the Mo:Ben, a portable food container that can heat up food, and Tom Gaunt designed the Ripcurl Headstrong, a hood that surfers can wear to protect themselves from injury and the elements.

For more information on studying Industrial Design at Monash, visit the Faculty of Art and Design website.