Interview with Young Professionals Application Day Sieger Roel Heyninck

A powerbank that powers your home

Roel Heyninck worked as a designer for the Myriad ModuleOne. Together with founders Jan Wellens and Kristof Geerts, they developed a new way of storing energy.

In this interview, Belgian designer Roel Heyninck talks about the design journey for this project and how the ModuleOne can change the way we store energy. Moreover, winning the Young Professionals Application Day and the affection on him as a young product designer will be a topic.

Red Dot: The ModuleOne is one of your heart’s projects. Why?

Roel Heyninck: I embarked on the ModuleOne project with a deeply rooted passion driven by the fundamental principle of making sustainable energy accessible to all. The prospect of contributing to a more sustainable future where clean energy is within reach for everyone has always been a driving force behind this project.

For the first time, I found myself in a position to craft an entirely new category of product, one that could redefine the way we perceive and utilise energy storage. This creative freedom allowed me to not only shape the physical aspects of the product but also to define the very essence of its user experience and design DNA.

It allowed me to blend my personal values with my design expertise, driving me to create a product that not only serves a practical purpose but also makes a positive difference in the world. This project embodies the essence of who I am as a designer, encapsulating my commitment to social responsibility and innovation, and that’s why ModuleOne holds a special place in my heart.

Roel Heyninck

“This project embodies the essence of who I am as a designer”

What exactly can the ModuleOne do?

The manufacturer MyGrid enables users to take their energy into their own control with the ModuleOne - a revolutionary power bank that powers your home. This easy-to-use, plug-and-play home battery is designed for ease of use and can be plugged into any standard wall socket. The bi-directional charger provides seamless communication with your digital meter and home network, so you can use it to both take and give energy. In addition, the ModuleOne serves as a mobile power source for all your portable power needs.

This battery is designed with clean and clear lines that will make it fit in any room. It’s a beacon for the energy transition, allowing you to act now and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

How did the energy storage project come about?

The genesis of the idea emerged from the founders Jan Wellens and Kristof Geerts contemplation on the need for home batteries that seamlessly integrate into the modern urban lifestyle, particularly in the constrained spaces of apartments and regular homes.

Upon thorough research, it became evident that no existing battery pack effectively met the criteria they envisioned: a functional and user-friendly home battery optimised for smaller living spaces. Fuelled by this realisation, Jan Wellens reached out to me, and this marked the beginning of a dynamic partnership focused on realising this novel concept.

Together, we embarked on a journey of ideation and innovation, channelling our collective expertise into crafting a comprehensive concept that would serve as the foundation for our groundbreaking energy storage solution.

The evolution from concept to a fully functional product was an exhilarating process that involved rigorous testing, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The energy storage project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to transform an ambitious idea into a reality that has the potential to reshape the way we interact with energy in our homes and communities.

To what extent has participation in the Red Dot Award: Product Design supported you as a young product designer?

Participating in the Red Dot Award has been a pivotal support in my journey as a young product designer. The competition’s rigorous evaluation process has honed my skills and guided me towards design excellence. The global recognition and prestige of the award have amplified my profile. The exposure gained through the award’s network and media coverage has elevated my designs’ marketability and credibility. Additionally, the Red Dot community has provided valuable connections and insights, fostering continuous growth and inspiration. Overall, the Red Dot Award has been an indispensable catalyst for my evolution as a young product designer.

What opportunities does the Young Professionals Application Day offer?

Being able to connect with other designers all over the world at the live event is a big opportunity. This is the perfect moment to share insights and talk about upcoming trends. As a young designer the Red Dot award is a big opportunity to validate the work and show your first professional projects to a big professional audience.

What advice would you give to young designers and entrepreneurs who want to apply?

To young designers and entrepreneurs considering applying for the Red Dot Award: Product Design, my advice would be to seize the significant opportunities that lie ahead. Taking the leap and submitting your work is an investment in your growth and recognition within the design community.

The feedback you receive from a panel of world-leading jurors is invaluable – it offers insights that can refine and elevate your design approach. Moreover, the chance to connect with a diverse network of professionals at the Red Dot events is an opportunity to forge connections that can lead to collaborations, inspiration, and shared experiences.

Undoubtedly, one of the standout benefits is the prestige that accompanies the Red Dot Award. The recognition you gain through this esteemed platform serves as a quality stamp on your work. This recognition can be a pivotal asset as you navigate your future career, setting you apart as a designer committed to excellence and innovation.

In essence, my advice is simple: take the leap, embrace the potential, and utilise the opportunities that the Red Dot Award offers. The returns – in terms of learning, networking, and career advancement – are bound to be invaluable and will undoubtedly contribute to your journey as a designer or entrepreneur.

Young Professionals Application Day on 6 December 2023

On the Young Professionals Application Day, young entrepreneurs and designers who graduated no more than five years ago have the opportunity to enter a drawing for 50 free registrations for the Red Dot Award: Product Design. The products of the selected talents will be evaluated by the Red Dot Jury along with those of all participants. In the event of an award, the emerging talents will have access to the comprehensive winner's benefits at no cost. More information here.