Design Contests
In 2021 we launched a design contest to invite and encourage designers from any part of the world to participate and design a 3D printable design for 7-year-old Mia to practice archery and follow her dream of mastering this sport.
Design Contest No 2
Due to an increased request by our community of designers, we are launching our 2nd contest, only this time it is sponsored by:
Xometry, the leading platform for on-demand manufacturing, is proud to serve as a lead sponsor of Blue Heart Hero's Kitchen Accessibility contest to leverage technologies like 3D printing to make items that help people with disabilities in the kitchen.
As the lead sponsor, Xometry will proudly support the evaluation process of Blue Heart Hero's Kitchen Accessibility contest and 3D print the designs of each finalist.
Kitchen Accessibility
What is the contest?
We invite all designers, engineers, makers, and enthusiasts to share their designs for a 3D printable assistive device that makes kitchens more accessible. It can be an attachment to open the fridge door for those with lower dexterity, maybe something that helps the visually impaired with cutting vegetables, or a solution that helps those in impoverished countries.
Would Blue Heart Hero or Xometry help me with the design?
Once you enter the finalists, yes! As part of the program, we will help the designers revise, improve, and test the designs.
Why should I participate?
We are building a platform for outside-the-box thinkers that share their talent and contribute to making the world better. Our platform will be a great line to add to your resume and to grow your career.
Why only 3D printing?
It is not limited to 3D printing, but we believe 3D printing is the most cost-effective, accessible, and consistent technology that we can rely on to give everyone access to our designs.
Your design could be out of wood, metal, or other materials but we will only fabricate and test the 3D printable designs, but don't worry, your application will still be reviewed.
Do I win a prize?
Yes, for those in the U.S. they will receive a 3D print of their work by Xometry, for those out of the U.S. we will have to review the shipping options. Blue Heart Hero and Xometry will share the designers' work on their social media and websites.
Who are the judges?
Greg Paulsen
Advanced manufacturing expert at Xometry
Juan Noguera
Chair of Product Design at Maryland Institute College of Art
Sarah Tuberty
Occupational Therapist, Disability Advocate, Adaptive Aerial Coach
Jed Tango
Blue Heart Hero co-founder
Mina Kasirifar
Industrial Designer at bould design. Winner of Student Merit Award IDSA 2021
Mads Hindhede
Industrial designer at GN Hearing
Noam Platt
Healthcare Architect at WA DoH - Chapter Leader @ Makers Making Change NOLA
Amin Hasani
Blue Heart Hero co-founder
Details of the Contest
Categories:
🏆 Best Problem-solving Design
🏆 Most Creative Design
🏆 Smallest Solution
🏆 Best Sketch
🏆 Best 3D Rendering
🏆 Best Prototype
🏆 Best Presentation
🏆 Best of Best
Regulations:
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The material should be tough or flexible plastic (ABS, FDM, TPU, PETG, PC, or similar)
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The overall size of the part can not exceed 8" x 8" x 8"
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A 3D model of your submission is a must, we will not review applications with no 3d model attached. Please export your design with one of the following formats: .STL or .3MF
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3D prints of your design are not necessary but it is an extra point.
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A detailed presentation is an extra point.
Webinar:
A webinar with Xometry’s 3D printing experts, Juan Noguera and Blue Heart Hero founders: Late February 2022, exact date TBD. Discussing 3D printing technology, its advantages, and opportunities.
Pricing:
Students: Free
Industrial Designers: Free
Engineers: Guess what, free!
We do not charge anyone for the design contest or other services we offer, and we do not trade the submissions in any capacity. The finalists will be mentioned on our website and social media. We always accept ideas to share on our website and all of this is free of charge, the goal is to collect ideas and promote the designers who are helping the world be more accessible.
Deadlines:
Enter the contest as early as Jan 25th 2022 12AM EST
The deadline is March 27th 2022 11:59PM EST
Winners announcement: April 13th 2022
How to submit:
Send us an email at bluehearthero@gmail.com with the subject Design Contest 2 Submission.
Include the following information:
Name
Country
Background (optional)
Link to the portfolio (optional)
Description of your design (max 500 words)
Attach images of your project, we accept sketches, renderings, or photos of your 3D print.
Good luck!