A portable conductive warmer designed to prevent hypothermia in newborns in resource-limited settings won the top prize at the Seoul Design Awards 2026, held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Wednesday.
Designed by US-based Design That Matters, the Otter Newborn Warmer was among 10 finalists selected from around 1,200 design teams from 91 countries.
Now in its seventh year, the international awards were held under the theme "Think Make Change," recognizing designs that address everyday challenges shaped by social and cultural environments.
The finalist teams presented design projects inspired by challenges in their respective communities, demonstrating how design can respond to diverse needs and make a change.
Taiwan's Immotion Design with China Motor Corp. presented project ET35, a modular vehicle designed to support recycling and address challenges on the street. Japan's WheeLog! introduced a mapping platform designed to help wheelchair users navigate their surroundings and travel more easily.
The awards brought together established businesses and emerging designers, highlighting how designs can connect people with nature and the environment.
"Creative designs that open up new possibilities through eco-friendly and socially conscious designs, along with designs that transform our daily lives, have all gathered here," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said at Wednesday's congratulatory remarks.
Organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Design Foundation, the awards were held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program, World Design Organization, Designboom and Design House. The competition involved 36 jury members from 21 territories, with university students participating in on-site voting.
Nine jurors attended the final round in person, including Mauro Porcini, chief design officer at Samsung Electronics; Andrea Cancellato, director of ADI Design Museum; and Jee Sungwon, executive vice president at Hyundai Motor Company.
The awards ceremony marked the opening of Seoul Design Week.
This year's festival is held under the theme "The Design Recipe," aiming to rediscover everyday life as an inspiration for design. Centered on the DDP, the festival extends across the city for the first time, with exhibitions, talks, markets and other events taking place in Seongsu, Yeonhui, Seochon and Apgujeong.
The Seoul Design Week runs through Oct. 25.
mjcha@heraldcorp.com