A portable newborn warmer that can maintain an infant's body temperature for up to eight hours without electricity has won the top prize at the 'Seoul Design Award 2026.'
On October 14, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, the 'Otter Newborn Warmer' by Design that Matters from the United States was awarded the grand prize.
This year's Seoul Design Award, now in its seventh year, received a record 1,204 projects from 91 countries, showcasing intense competition. The grand prize was determined through a combination of evaluations from judges and online and on-site public voting among the top 10 selected projects.
The Otter Newborn Warmer is a portable device that delivers heat directly from the cradle itself, eliminating the need for water or gel mattresses. Unlike traditional warmers that rely on a heated mattress, this design features a built-in heating element beneath the cradle, reducing the risk of burns and bacterial growth while also eliminating the burden of replacing damaged mattresses.
It also includes a built-in battery to ensure functionality in environments with unstable power supply. In the event of a power outage, the device automatically switches to battery power, maintaining warmth for up to eight hours. This product was developed with the challenging medical conditions in rural areas of Africa, such as Zambia, in mind, incorporating considerations for power shortages and the difficulties of maintaining medical equipment from the design stage.
Judge Mauro Porcini, Chief Design Officer at Samsung Electronics, stated, "Every year, 1.8 million newborns lose their lives due to hypothermia. As a father, designer, and global citizen, I see the Otter Newborn Warmer as a design that not only addresses this issue but also raises awareness. Design should contribute to improving people's lives through creativity and generosity, and I commend its affordability for those who need life-saving solutions the most."
Other notable projects in the top 10 included artificial coral reefs aimed at restoring marine ecosystems and a platform for sharing mobility information for wheelchair users, addressing various environmental, health, and mobility issues.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who attended the awards ceremony, remarked, "For the past 20 years, Design Seoul has transformed various areas of the city. As more walkable streets and inviting spaces emerge, Seoul has grown into a global design city that attracts worldwide attention. Building on the achievements of the past 20 years, we will open a new future for Design Seoul, enhancing the city's charm and quality, making design more accessible to the daily lives of Seoul citizens, and enriching their lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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