Interdesign Hungary 1981

Industrial Design for Traffic Safety, Keszthely (Hungary)

10-24 May 1981

This Interdesign, held in Keszthely at Lake Balaton, had attracted fourteen international industrial designers from twelve different countries, to work with ten Hungarian colleagues. Their aim was to elaborate and propose possible solutions to specified problems that might arise in connection with the development of more efficient traffic safety. This would mean the augmentation of traffic safety by creating a system better adapted to the faculties of man and, within this, the creation of an appropriately harmonised form-colour-function unity. The participants were divided into four teams and were expected to work out means, solutions and suggestions for improving traffic safety with which accidents could be prevented or the seriousness of these already occurred could be decreased.

Objectives

  • Reducing the accidents involving pedestrians and workers on and along the roads by form and colour designed clothes and objects assuring good visibility.
  • Accident reduction of motorists and moped riders by form and colour designed crash helmet and clothing.
  • Decreasing the accidents involving children in cars and riding bicycles with design innovation and design development.
  • Elaboration of a safe traffic system both for pedestrians and vehicles following analysis of accidents typical of residential areas.

Proposals

Each objective was thoroughly analysed and proposals were drawn respectively. For instance, in order to reduce accidents, great emphasis was on visibility requirements, such that garments should ensure good visibility in daylight with the help of “fluorescent dyestuffs”, and at night with the use of “retro-reflective materials”. Among other suggestions were the use of safety helmets, the use of motorist boots, gloves, leg protecting pipes, leg wind guards, and the use of a luggage carrier when necessary.