Elmer Handojo

Pratt Institute

2023

Design Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Elmer is an industrial designer originating from Indonesia, currently studying at Pratt Institute pursuing a major in Industrial Design with a Sustainability Studies minor. He is passionate about designing and elevating user experiences through cultural storytelling. A lot of his work explores his own cultural background and identity as an Indonesian studying in the United States. His interest also lies in keeping himself abreast with the latest technological innovations such as AI, additive manufacturing, biomaterials, and augmented reality.

Selected Projects

(un)Folded

Inspired by traditional open-plate food packaging and stacked metal-lunch boxes of Southeast Asia, the paper-based packaging aims to create brand identity while promoting cultural preservation and awareness.

Katan

A groundbreaking initiative derived from the Indonesian phrase "kaki rotan" (rattan foot), proposing a self-made lower leg prosthesis using rattan, a widely available local material in Indonesia. The primary aim is to enable rural amputees to craft their prosthetics using accessible materials.

Cloude

The "Cloude" project presents a revolutionary approach to the traditional Japanese floor seat, known as tatami, by introducing a three-part design that can be easily disassembled. Crafted with sustainability in mind, this innovative seating solution facilitates easy repair and replacement using meticulously chosen materials.