Passengers Design Train Interiors: Bombardier Chooses Winners of the YouRail Design Contest at InnoTrans 2010

As part of InnoTrans 2010, Bombardier Transportation today announced the winners of its “YouRail – Visions of Modern Transportation“ design competition.

First prize was awarded to Svyatoslav Saakyan, from Russia, who concentrates on the automotive sector as part of his everyday work in his design studio in Moscow. His design for a train interior for medium and long distance routes impressed the jury immediately. The concept envisages a flexible room design with mobile chairs and tables, together with ample quiet zones and free areas as well as daylight from large windows. “I thank Bombardier for organising such an interesting contest and supporting creative people”, said Svyatoslav Saakyan. “I really like the fact that I can network with other young designers from all corners of the world and exchange ideas on the online platform.” The lucky winner received his award including a cheque for 2,000 euro from Andre Navarri, President and COO of Bombardier Transportation.

Second prize was awarded to Stefano Ivan Scarascia from Italy, who won two awards with his design: the President’s Choice and the Community Award, the first choice of the YouRail Internet community. With his “Sawtooth” concept, the design graduate envisaged passengers being able to stand in underground trains without holding on to the stanchions. “This idea really impressed me. It’s innovative and space-saving, making it perfect for underground trains that have to carry as many people as possible at rush hour”, remarked Andre Navarri. “We’re delighted with the very high number of creative ideas that came from those taking part in the competition, the majority with a high level of design quality,” he added.

The contest was the brainchild of Martin Ertl, Chief Innovation Officer, Bombardier Transportation. Launched in November 2009, it was aimed at young designers and those enthusiastic about design, inviting them to present their ideas for the interior design of trains for discussion on an interactive online platform. Bombardier is the first company in the rail industry to involve Internet users in the future design of trains with this project.

“The platform will remain available as a network and we’re already planning new campaigns,” said Martin Ertl. “We’ll draw on the valuable insights gained from the many concepts submitted for our future work.”

An accompanying presence in social media channels like Facebook and Twitter helped to generate tremendous interest in the competition throughout the world in a relatively short space of time. A total of 4,300 designs in various categories were submitted for the project, also known as “open innovation”. The community included more than 2,500 registered members at the last count.

“The success of the competition has convinced us of the value of interactive channels of communication and social media in our work,” commented Sharon Christians, Vice President Communications and Public Affairs, Bombardier Transportation and a member of the YouRail jury. “Innovative online platforms make a direct exchange with passengers possible, which is very important in creating greater awareness of the role that attractive rail transport plays in a sustainable, low carbon future”, she said.

The YouRail jury consisted of the members of the senior management team of Bombardier Transportation and external industry experts. The value of the prizes awarded totalled 10,000 euro.

You can find more information and all the winning designs at http://yourail-design.bombardier.com