INFOLD

What it does

INFOLD is a wall-mounted panel trash can with a minimal visual footprint. Its three foldable panels expand into a 3D form, allowing flexible capacity. The design resolves the spatial imbalance commonly seen in conventional trash cans.

Your inspiration

I was deeply impressed by how products related to living spaces have evolved alongside people’s lives within the broader world of design. However, the development of trash cans has been relatively limited. Despite being essential to daily life, they occupy valuable space, and although every home needs one, it is not yet standard in society for them to be built into the living environment. With this in mind, we focused on the "lack of harmony with the space" that trash cans often create, and developed the concept of INFOLD as a product to resolve this issue. From these thoughts, this sparked new ways of seeing utility in harmony with space.

How it works

First, the front consists of three connected panels. These panels unfold one by one, allowing the trash cans capacity to expand according to the amount of waste. When not in use, they remain folded flat, minimizing thickness and maintaining a clean appearance that doesn’t interfere with the surrounding space. Second, the panels are connected by a flexible accordion-style fabric. Unlike a simple sliding mechanism, this material enables each panel to open at a slight angle. It supports the motion of unfolding smoothly and intuitively, while maintaining structural integrity. Third, the panels use built-in magnets for secure closure. Magnets are embedded in each panel and attach to the wall-mounted back panel, keeping the folded state firmly in place. This allows INFOLD to remain compact without the need for complicated locking systems. Together, these three features ensure that INFOLD offers both ease of use and seamless integration into any living space.

Design process

This project began with a focus on two specific issues trash bins often face: their tendency to occupy unnecessary space and their difficulty blending into the surrounding environment. I aimed to explore how these problems could be addressed through design. The first idea that came to mind was a foldable trash bin—something that would minimize its physical presence and only expand when needed. I felt this was a promising direction, but rather than relying solely on intuition, I decided to research existing products in depth to understand the current state of the market. Through this research, I discovered that most foldable trash bins available today are built with simple crossed metal frames. They prioritize utility but lack the warmth or aesthetic quality suited to modern interior spaces. This confirmed for me that the concept of “foldability” had real potential, especially when paired with careful consideration of form and material. From there, I shifted my focus to how a trash bin should exist within a space. I considered different placements—whether it should be placed, attached, or suspended—and explored various shapes and positions it could take. Through repeated sketches and prototyping, I arrived at the current structure of INFOLD.

How it is different

INFOLD differs from conventional trash cans in three key ways. First, it is a wall-mounted trash can that looks built-in, despite being added after construction. While many trash cans are designed beautifully as standalone items, few are considered in relation to the overall space. INFOLD is designed to harmonize with its surroundings, functioning more like part of the architecture than an object placed into it. Second, it features a step-by-step expandable structure. Three connected panels unfold one by one depending on the needed capacity. This allows INFOLD to stay compact when not in use and adapt to daily changes in the living environment. Third, it minimizes visual presence when unused. Unlike typical trash cans that remain visible even when empty, INFOLD folds flat against the wall, becoming part of the surface. It redefines how a trash can can exist quietly within a space.

Future plans

I aim to become a designer who can bring truly original ideas into the world. As a university student, I know I’m not yet a full-fledged designer. This is also my first time participating in a design competition of this scale. While I sincerely hope my work will be recognized, more than anything, I see this opportunity as a valuable first step toward becoming a professional—and I’m determined to keep creating bold and original designs in the future.

Awards