Jan Ankiersztajn of Poland was awarded the first prize in the Electrolux Design Lab 2012 Contest for Aeroball at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. Aeroball is a collection of luminescent hovering spheres that filter and fragrance air in a room. Powered by helium, they drift to the ground when they are ready to be recharged.

"This year's winning concept Aeroball is a truly innovative concept that uses space in a unique way and delights our surroundings," says Thomas Johansson, design director at Electrolux and head of the jury. "It also changes our perception of an air cleaner, because it is delicate in aesthetics. It is emotional and also relevant because it addresses the consumer's needs."

The second prize was awarded to Ben de la Roche of New Zealand for his refrigerated Impress wall that allows the user to press storage containers and bottles directly into the wall. The concept employs thermo-acoustic technology and non-ozone depleting argon and helium gasses.

The third prize went to Christopher Holm-Hansen of Denmark for Tastee, a taste indicator in the form of a spoon that utilizes receptors based on the human taste bud to indicate which ingredients are lacking in a recipe or dish. Tastee also earned the People's Choice Award after receiving 1,000 unique votes on Facebook.

In its 10th year, undergraduate and graduate design students worldwide were challenged to draw inspiration from professional experience creators such as chefs, architects, interior designers, to design future home appliances that stimulate, engage, and enlighten all the senses. The competition jury consisted of Johansson; chef Davide Oldani; designer Dante Donegani; and design blogger Kelly Beall.

For more information, visit electrolux.com.