The latest Toyota Logistic Design Competition is open. This time around the competition focuses on the African continent. It is calling on design students and recent graduates to bring their perspective on Africa and the unique challenges the continent presents.
Anyone with a curious mind can send in their creative ideas to respond to critical issues related to infrastructure and accessibility with effective and sustainable solutions.
The seventh edition runs in collaboration with its trusted partners Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota Europe Design Development (ED²), Toyota Material Handling Design Center and – new this year – Toyota Open Labs, an overarching innovation platform that brings together startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs with business units across Toyota.
The key question designers are asked is How might we reimagine delivery solutions to overcome infrastructure and accessibility, availability and affordability challenges in Africa? A lack of structured road networks or standardised addressing system makes it harder to reach or locate African customers. A fragmented logistics landscape contributes to increased operational costs for first and last mile delivery. Particularly in certain regions, safety and security is also a big concern.
The competition accepts entries in 4 different categories: Product Design, Digital Platforms, Business Innovation and an open category, welcoming unique and creative entries that don’t fit into traditional categories but demonstrate significant impact or innovation.
Ideas pitched should offer efficient solutions that compliment or improve transportation in first and last mile delivery, streamline logistics processes or improve connectivity in delivery operations. Designers are challenged to think of opportunities to give underserved communities access to important supplies such as medicine, food and educational materials. Looking at the bigger picture, stronger and improved local systems support international trade and contribute to a better quality of life for society at large.
The Toyota Logistic Design Competition is more than what the title implies. It’s a platform for young designers to showcase their creativity on a global stage and it’s an open invitation for fresh, innovative ideas that drive real change and leapfrog conventional barriers.
