Advice on how to successfully run a freelance operation is everywhere as the working population shifts more and more toward a self-employed workforce, but how many people are actually thinking about objects or systems that can help these independent workers?

For our latest 1-Hour Design Challenge, we asked this very question: if you could design a piece or furniture or object that would help freelancers work more efficiently and happily, what would you make?  We were happy to see that many of you were excited to explore this question, and after looking over many of your sketches we've determined a winner!

Here is the list of winners and runner ups in our 1-Hour Design Challenge: Furniture for Freelancers Edition: 

GRAND PRIZE

The Wind Up Power Cord by Graham Wilson

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Wilson's design for an adjustable computer charger really struck a "cord" with all of our judges...equipped with wind-up functionality as well as an interface indicating the charge status of your computer, this design is simple yet highly useful. Our judges at Grovemade complimented the project saying it was a "simple concept with a lot of usefulness" while judge Carly Ayres summed it all up in one simple sentiment: "Preach." 

RUNNER UPS

Work Cocoon by knoll321

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Runner ups in the 1-Hour Design Challenge all turned out to be rather future gazing, one being the Work Cocoon by knoll321. Judge Brad Augustine of Humanscale dubbed it as one of his favorites—"[The project] addresses a major issue of privacy...though concerns over breathability and claustrophobia need to be addressed."  

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Air Stool by Aaron Yong

Our other runner-up imagined a progressive new system for getting work done, simply utilizing a VR workstation and a nifty levitating swivel stool. Grovemade designers applauded Yong for his forward-thinking ideas: "Very conceptual but the designer goes into detail about the tech and the integration it will have into our future...Overall the product is well considered and detailed for just a concept. The concept might not be the most attainable at the moment but shows the type of thoughtfulness that helps move technology and design forward."

Honorable Mention!

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Also a big shout out to Core77 moderator and sketch master Michael DiTullo for his Ultimate Freelancer Furniture Station! Carly Ayres spoke for all of us when she said, "Wow. Just wow. If this all-in-one package came on the market tomorrow, I would buy one immediately...clients would stand in awe, observing this combo platter furniture piece in all its glory."

Thanks again everyone for your submissions! Congratulations to the grand prize winner, who will be taking home an amazing desk set from Grovemade, designed by our 1-HDC judges, while runner ups will be taking home $25 gift certificates to Hand Eye Supply! 

Also: stay tuned in the future for more 1-Hour Design Challenges by joining our Facebook group or following our 1-HDC discussion board page!