The judges of the Audi Innovation Award were selected to represent a diversity of sectors; they are designers and architects, people working in the automotive industry and those working in the public sector. As unique in skills and experience as they may be, they have one thing in common: the ways in which they have propelled innovation in and beyond their fields.

Design Days Dubai asked four of the judges four questions about design and innovation, this is what they had to say:

Brendan McGetrick

American author, designer, and curator of Global Grad Show

What is your definition of Innovation?

Innovation to me is more a way of thinking than a finished product. The beauty of a truly innovative design is often in its idea, in the impulse that the work responds to and the effectiveness of its answer. A great design delivers both a diagnosis and a cure. It identifies an unseen opportunity or unexpressed need and suggests a solution.

This emphasis on addressing unsolved problems matters because “innovation,” often amounts to little more than a recombination of already existing products. In June, Nielsen released its annual Breakthrough Innovation Report. Among the breakthrough products it identified were Butterfingers Peanut Butter Cups and Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel home manicure kit. These are innovations, sure: clever, commercially successful and, to me at least, utterly meaningless.

What design trends from the region are you most excited about?

There are lots of exciting trends from the region, but I’m most excited about the overall trend of increasing interest in and excitement about design among citizens and decision-makers across the Gulf. I think this is the river from which all current and future trends flow.

What was the last well-designed object you acquired?

A Japanese puzzle box.

What do you most want to be known for?

Encouraging curiosity.

Aisha Al Sager

Managing Director of AGi Architects

What is your definition of Innovation?

Innovation to me is all about problem solving. It doesn't have to be something flashy, or new - it’s just a smart solution to a particular problem someone is facing.

What design trends from the region are you most excited about?

Following up on innovation and problem solving, I'm excited by all the ideas coming out over how to house refugees, or improve their lives. It’s not a trend, but I appreciate that there is serious thought on a socially important problem our region in particular is facing.

What was the last well-designed object you acquired?

A pair of boots! I get compliments on them every time I wear them. They aren't typical but they are definitely comfy.

What do you most want to be known for?

My individual relationship to people, whether it is family and friends or in a professional capacity.

Janice Hinson, Audi Middle East  

Riyad Joucka

Architect, researcher, SHoP Architects

What is your definition of Innovation?

In my opinion, innovation emerges through the use of available resources, to generate positive impact in one's society. It can have many forms that vary in complexity, however, to me; the most meaningful innovative ideas are the ones that use the minimal amount of resources to solve big problems.

What design trends from the region are you most excited about?                      

The word 'trend' is by its nature temporal and impermanent. What we need in the region is forward-thinking leadership that facilitates the correct environment for innovation to emerge. In my view, the impact this could have on communities must take sustainability and longevity at its core.

I think the most interesting 'directions' in design that are emerging in the region is the idea of the 'cultural district' as a hub of collaborative innovation. I think many MENA governments are investing more in this direction; to encourage young talent by providing workspaces and showcases to exhibit their work. I think this is great because it empowers the young talent to elevate their work and get it to a world-class level. I hope that this will motivate the new generation to create products that solve emerging problems without any foreign intervention.

What was the last well-designed object you acquired?

I passed by the 'Little Bits' store in SoHo, New York last year by coincidence. I knew they had just acquired the space so I had to buy something from there. I bought a kit to make an RC car that is responsive to light and sound and gifted it to my little cousin.

Little Bits, founded by Aya Bdeir (a Lebanese American entrepreneur) is the perfect example of putting skill, talent, and grit to good use. They created a product that aims at teaching the youth how to assemble electric circuitry by playing with modular parts similar to Legos. I think it's brilliant!

What do you most want to be known for?

As an architect, it would be great to build the firs major Arab Museum that is not designed by a western architect. As a design, researcher, and educator, I want to travel the region and empower young designers by contextualizing traditional craftsmanship, and to draw from it in ways that influence contemporary technology.

Salem Al Qassimi

Professor of Design, Founder of Fikra, Designer and entrepreneur

What is your definition of Innovation?

I would define innovation as the ideation, and creation of something in order to challenge our understanding of it, enhance it, or make someone’s life easier, or better. To innovate doesn’t necessarily mean to reinvent the wheel. It is to modify, enhance, adjust, change, adapt, and refine in order to make a better iteration of the wheel.

What design trends from the region are you most excited about?

I am really excited in seeing how regional designers are using design as a way to address, and solve the regional issues from an experimental/research perspective — works are becoming not only aesthetically and formally beautiful, but also purposeful with strong messages that are relevant to this part of the world. This is not necessarily a trend, but it shows maturity in understanding the value of design and what it can do. And, I am really excited to see how this will affect design discourse in the next 5-10 years.

What was the last well-designed object you acquired?

Recently, a running shoe that was not only beautiful, but extremely comfortable.

What do you most want to be known for?

Hopefully, for my contribution to the design discourse in the region through my work, research, and teaching.