Profile: Yilei MA – Only Natural Design Competitions

Yilei MA

RMIT University Melbourne

I am a designer and maker who thrives on pushing creative boundaries while preserving design integrity at every stage. Everyday inspirations fuel my work - I find beauty in detail and transform ordinary materials into extraordinary solutions. With a unique blend of aesthetic sensibility and engineering knowledge, I've developed my design philosophy that balances form, function and sustainability. My hands-on approach spans the entire creative process - from initial sketches to final fabrication. Proficient in CAD modelling, 3D printing, and traditional craftsmanship, I particularly enjoy the challenge of repurposing waste materials like plastic and cardboard into functional furniture and products. This intersection of sustainability and innovation drives my practice. Currently, as a Fibre Packaging Designer at Visy Specialty, I'm redefining cardboard's potential beyond conventional packaging. My work focuses on developing durable, consumer-ready products that challenge perceptions - proving sustainable materials can deliver both environmental benefits and high performance. At my core, I believe good design should be: - Purposeful - solving real problems with thoughtful engineering - Playful - creating engaging user experiences - Sustainable - giving materials new life through upcycling Whether experimenting with material properties or refining production techniques, I'm committed to proving that eco-conscious design can be both beautiful and functional. My goal is to keep pushing boundaries while maintaining that crucial connection between concept and execution - the mark of a true designer-maker.

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Glueless Folding Playfulness - HexGulp

Category: Furniture

Competitions: Home Competition 2025

Introducing HexGulp, a groundbreaking cardboard design that redefines sustainability, user engagement, and functional aesthetics. This innovative solution combines an irregular hexagonal geometry with a streamlined shape, creating a visually striking yet structurally efficient form. Fully recyclable and produced with a low carbon footprint, HexGulp aligns with circular economy principles while maintaining exceptional durability. Designed for effortless assembly, HexGulp features a glueless, tool-free construction with interlocking tabs and an advanced folding sequence, transforming flat-pack components into a sturdy structure in moments. The engaging assembly process enhances user interaction, making it as enjoyable as it is intuitive. Compact yet robust when erected (234 × 201 × 295mm), the design maximises space efficiency, while its flat-pack dimensions (732 × 711 × 27mm) optimize shipping and storage. Playful yet purposeful, HexGulp incorporates functional "Kitty Faces" (developed from the hexagon profile) liner hooks and locking tabs, adding a touch of whimsy without compromising utility. Its modular design ensures adaptability across diverse environments—from homes and offices to commercial spaces—making it a versatile solution for modern needs. Manufacture & market-ready, HexGulp exemplifies how ingenious design can merge sustainability, user experience, and aesthetic appeal.