WE'VE DISPLAYED our love of Swedish design – at good prices – in Ikeawhich is still pulling in furniture buyers despite the recession. Now DITis showcasing good Swedish design in an attempt to highlight how well-designed objects, created in Ireland, could be one way of giving this country a positive future.

“It is important that Ireland is involved in innovation and the creation of new products,” says Donal O’Malley of DIT, whose students of manufacturing and design engineering develop and show new products each year.

DIT has joined with the Swedish Embassy to put on the Quality of Life – the Design of Swedish Innovationsexhibition which will feature 30 products.

“A number of innovations played an important part in the emergence of modern Sweden,” say the organisers.

The event kicked off with a talk on how design thinkers can identify consumer needs, solve business problems and create new business opportunities. Speakers were Robert Bau, senior brand and design strategist from Sweden, and Sean McNulty, who specialises in brand and product design in Ireland, with the companies Dolmen and Innovator.

The exhibition is at DIT, Bolton Street, Dublin 1 until October 3rd and runs from October 7th-15th at DIT Aungier Street, Dublin 2 (10am-5pm).