The MEX blog is featuring ideas, images and videos selected by the designers at Brunel University in the build-up to the next MEX event on 30th November/1st December 2011.

Each breakout team at MEX is supported by a pair of Brunel designers, who work with the team’s facilitator to inject new thoughts and help the group to visualise ideas for their final presentation. The involvement of Brunel’s designers continues a thriving partnership between MEX and Brunel, which has seen the students contributing their design skills and fresh creative spirit to several previous MEX events, while building relationships with and learning from the industry pioneers in the MEX community.

The Brunel designers were asked to share a single item which has been inspirational to them, with no limitation on the industry it was sourced from or its subject matter.

The first selection comes from David Johnston:

David explains: “I find it fascinating that there are no wires, no computers operating through sensors, no hydraulics, just incredible engineering powered by wind. It’s refreshing to me knowing that in today’s world not all great design revolves around high levels of technological advances.”

It is interesting to consider how objects powered or shaped by the wind often correlate strongly with feelings of elegance: a kite flying in the sky, the sails of a boat or the contours of an aerodynamic car. Perhaps there is inspiration to be found in nature and the elements for MEX Pathway #13, entitled: ‘Use quiet design principles to reduce the visual noise of mobile interface design‘?