2021 polestar design contest calls for progressive electric mobility ideas

the 2021 polestar design contest is a forward-thinking creative challenge from the swedish electric performance car brand, led by designer turned CEO thomas ingenlath. design-thinking is at the heart of the progressive company. fittingly, the competition is centered on the same theme – progressive – seeking ideas that encourage positive change throughout society. this speaks not only of the brief but also the aim to help develop designers of the future.

do you have ideas for change? enter the 2021 polestar design contest – here.

all images courtesy of polestar

the 2021 edition follows the inaugural 2020 contest which drew over 600 applications from student and professional designers globally. it was first established to help the EV brand find the most creative, design-led ideas to drive electric mobility into a more socially progressive and sustainable future. imaginative concepts last year ranged from prosthetic springboard blades for walking to an autonomous pod and even a luxury yacht that exuded polestar’s renowned minimalistic style. one of the winning designs translated their ethos into the aviation industry with an airship that looked 20 years into the future.

the second competition focuses on the theme progressive. it calls for aspiring creatives to visualize new ways of thinking that could encourage positive change in society, including responses to the ongoing climate crisis. specifically, the EV brand is hoping for more than automotive ideas. they seek designs that need not be cars but needs to be ‘polestar’.

‘in a landscape of disruptive technologies, evolving lifestyles and fast-growing concern for climate change, design can be the driving force for positive change. we believe our contest provides a great platform for the design community to visualize progressive mobility ideas of the future,’ explains maximilian missoni, head of design at polestar.

head of design maximilian missoni also spearheads both the jury as well as one of the contest’s most unique, exclusive features – ongoing finalist feedback. together with other polestar designers and sustainability leads, missoni will give personal, expert guidance to shortlisted submissions to aid them in developing concepts and realizing ideas. entries are free and split into two categories: student and professional.

once the jury narrows down the submissions, winners of the 2021 polestar design contest will a unique set of opportunities. firstly, each laureate will receive a computer and tablet to aid their ongoing development as creators, along with a prized trophy. furthermore, winners will also be flown to the EV brand’s dedicated design exhibition at either polestar changdu, china or polestar headquarters in gothenburg, sweden, where their concept will be brought to life as 1:5 scale models. these designs are set to tour exhibition spaces around the world afterwards.

still curious to enter? registration is open until 5 july 2021 – here.