Are you a designer of the future? That’s the slogan of the new Fiat ‘Smiles Per Hour’ competition. How does it work? Well, apparently Fiat are looking for designers who aren’t just interested in economics or practicality – they want people who have an eye for making a car fun to drive too.
That means £50,000 goes to the person who can make travelling more fun. Apparently, Fiat are quite happy with their cars, so they are looking for something that features pedal power, water, air or ‘even a thousand household objects’ to get people around. Naturally, this means a fairly open brief.
This is how the concept is playing out:
Phase 1
Entries arrived in with many of them put into the gallery on the microsite and where we are now. Keep sending your entries in!
Phase 2
During the week starting 1st September, five shortlisted finalists are given the opportunity to be mentored by the Fiat engineering team. This is in preparation for their big road test.
Phase 3
Consumers are given the chance to visit the Fiat Flagship store between 4th-20th September and vote for any one of the five designs on offer, to help decide who should win the prize.
Phase 4
Pitch night is 25th September. On this fateful date, the five shortlisted contestants will have to persuade the Fiat panel and Suzi Perry (hmmmmm – you know, the one who presents the gadget show) that their design does indeed offer the most ‘smiles per hour’.
I’ve taken a look at a couple of the designs and must say I’m pleasantly surprised. There are some good designs in there, but my personal favourite is the Vespa Barchetta. Why this isn’t actually in production yet I have no idea – but it looks simply fabulous. Pop along to the ‘Smiles Per Hour’ website and choose your favourite.
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