2025 Galleries
The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.
Galleries // 2025 Spark:Spring Student // Floatis
Floatis
Winner - Bronze
Competition: Spark:Spring Student
Designer: Hyeonsu Yu
Design Type: Product & industrial
Company / Organization / School: Daegu Catholic University, KDM +
Team Members: Hyeonsu Yu, Gagyeong Min & Dami Seo
This floating water purification device is designed for regions around stagnant water sources in developing countries. These areas may appear to have access to water, but in reality, the water is often undrinkable due to contamination from industrial waste, domestic sewage, pesticides, or saltwater intrusion. Inspired by the shape and function of lotus leaves, this device floats on the surface of the water and uses a three-stage filtration system—pre-filter, activated carbon, and ceramic/UF filter—to purify the water into safe, drinkable form. The device operates without electricity by utilizing the buoyancy of a vertical propeller. It is simple to assemble and use—just float it on contaminated water and let it do the work. By delivering clean water directly from local sources, this system reduces the need for long-distance travel to access potable water. Once filtration is complete, users can press a button to dispense clean water and even share it with animals, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems. This design aims to help solve the global water crisis affecting over 2 billion people who currently rely on contaminated water sources.
