The best under-the-desk nap you’ll ever have

How the Schnap – an under-the-desk hammock - works
Schnap hardware
The Schnap – an under-the-desk hammock - in use
The Schnap – an under-the-desk hammock - packaging

Meet the Schnap – OCAD U graphic design student Aqil Raharjo’s under-the-desk hammock.

“As a design student, I have noticed a lot of my friends often stay overnight at school to finish school assignments. However, they couldn’t get to sleep properly because there is no comfortable medium to sleep on. Instead, they are most likely to sleep while sitting and this not good for the muscles and their own health,” says Aqil.

“The Schnap derives from the idea of a school nap. It is made to be installed under your table.”

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Imagination Catalyst entrepreneur reinvents laundry time

Yi Jiang and DRUMi
Friday, May 8, 2015 - 2:30pm

The world has discovered a bold new way to do laundry: DRUMi – the invention of OCAD University Industrial Design alumnus and Imagination Catalyst participant Yi Jiang – is an easy-to-use, portable, eco-friendly way to clean clothes. While it won’t be launched until mid-2016, orders are rolling in daily and Jiang is fielding interest from distributors around the world.

Getting noticed

DRUMi’s prototype was unveiled at the Green Living Show this spring, which led to a raft of stories by, for example, NOW! Magazine, Breakfast Television, the Journal de Montréal, Digital Trends, The Huffington Post and Gizmodo.

“The online stories really got YiREGO noticed,” Jiang says. By May 8, the company’s YouTube video has had over a million hits, while its Facebook page has garnered over 100,000 likes and 3,500 people have signed on to receive news updates.

The Imagination Catalyst impact

“Involvement in the Imagination Catalyst has driven us forward in refining DRUMi’s design, creating a business plan and sorting out manufacturing,” Jiang says. “The monthly roundtable meetings with fellow I-Cats and mentors are especially valuable.” Jiang also credits the advice of his mentor, Paul Rowan (Vice President of Inspiration and founding partner of Umbra), as well as Rowan’s generosity in opening doors to major players in the household design world.

Before they take DRUMi to market, Jiang and his team will focus on making several structural refinements. They also expect to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in the fall.

From student to entrepreneur

DRUMi  was Jiang’s fourth-year thesis project, which he exhibited at OCAD U’s 2013 Graduate Exhibition. That same year, Jiang won the Industrial Design Association’s Best Customer Experience Award and joined OCAD U’s Imagination Catalyst.

The Art of Invention

The art of Invention Poster
Saturday, June 7, 2014 - 4:30pm to 9:00pm

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 7, 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. with Remarks at 1 p.m. The reception will be held in the Challenge Zone, on level 6 of the Ontario Science Centre across from the Weston Family Innovation Centre

In collaboration with OCAD University

The Art of Invention: Celebrating 5 Years of the Weston Youth Innovation Awards is an exhibition that explores connections between young scientists and emerging artists. This collaboration between the University of Toronto, the Ontario Science Centre and Life Studies students from OCAD University, examines issues of human health, the environment and sustainability. Charged with the vitality of young minds, The Art of Invention encourages visitors to explore their own creative solutions to real-world problems. The exhibition will run from June 7th, 2014 to September 28th, 2014 in the !dea Gallery, located within the Weston Family Innovation Centre at the Ontario Science Centre.

Opening remarks by Ana Klasnja, Ontario Science Centre !dea Gallery curator, OCAD Life Studies Student Nicole Rocca and Emma Johnstone, Professor Pam Patterson and Student curators Adrienne Costantino & Jana Black.

Coffee, tea and light snacks will be provided.

Register for free tickets.

Venue & Address: 
The Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Road Toronto, Ontario  
Website: 
http://bit.ly/1ibl6Sw
Cost: 
Free (Registration Required)