Generally the focus is always on rapid action response kinda systems that help provide relief during disasters. The flat-pack recovery Rescue Boat seen here is not for rapid response but for post-disaster scenarios. The focus is on a systematic, reliable vessel that will help recover cargo and victims. It is stored and transported in its stackable 9″-deep form, with pontoon tubes detached; till its services are required.

The pontoon tubes add stability to the design and are attached when the boat is set in the water. The sidewalls fold up to become handrails and rotate further to become ladders, to help up stranded folks. Depending upon the retrievals, it can either be used as a flat space for cargo or pull up the foldable seats to accommodate 26 pax.

A tent stored in the floor compartment comes in handy as temporary accommodation, when you bring ashore the vessel.

Facts and figures:

- L’ x W’ x H’: 14 x 8 x .75 (w/tubes 14 x 8 x 1.75)(w/tent 14 x 8 x 5.75)
- Material considerations: heavy-duty biopolymer (or aluminum) for boat body and pontoon tubes, steel sidewalls. Wooden or plastic oars, plastic or aluminum benches, canvas or synthetic tent, rubberized metal tent poles.
- Seating capacity: 10 comfortably, 20 full capacity, 26 maximum
- Sleeping capacity: 8 comfortably, 14 maximum

Designer: Matthew Spencer

Here’s a look at some other commendable rescue missions covered on YD earlier

Rez-Q by Jacob Ballard

This one is a pretty basic canoe and stretcher mission.

TESEO+ARIANNA by Davide Anzalone

The design requires no filling material due to the structure of the felt material. However, collecting newspapers makes the news roll more comfortable and provides an incentive to reuse rather than recycle. The product is lightweight (without newspapers) and multi functional, with use as a mat, screen, stool and cushion, using 100% natural wool.

I appreciate the “green” attempt of this design but there could be a number of improvements. On is to forget the wool and use sustainable cotton.

Designer: Andrew Millar

Grass cutting is a bore, but even the most monotonous chores can be remedied if you make it fun. The Muwi concept is an automated mower barreled shape to compact grass cuttings into balls and disks for, get this. . . to play with. Of course if you’re the type that hates grass stains, these balls and disks are also perfect as compost fertilizer.

Designer: Yuli Sung

Texts from the designer:

‘Muwi’ first acknowledges the entire size of the land and automatically cuts the grass. The cut grass, which is created upon cutting the grass, is stored inside. As the cut grass begins to accumulate inside the machine, ‘Muwi’ constructs and compresses the cut grass into two types of blocks.

Then this cut grass is no longer a remainder that needs extra efforts to be thrown out or cleaned up. It rather becomes balls for children to play with or a chair to sit on or any other opportunity.