Gunes: A High-Tech Door Handle Design

An Innovative and Ergonomic Addition to the Built Environment

This door handle design, named Gunes and created by designer Elif Gunes, offers a unique blend of ergonomic, innovative, aesthetic, and high-tech design approaches. Unlike traditional door locking systems, Gunes is a fixture with an ergonomic locking system supported by colored light, eliminating the need for keys. To open or lock the door, one simply needs to grasp the illuminated circle by hand and turn it to the right or left. The design is formed by circular lines that refer to this turning action and are distributed from a single center.

The Gunes door handle is made using die-cast aluminum for the body, which features a brushed texture and can be dyed to any color according to personal preferences. This allows for different user experiences and personalization, making it a seamless part of the interior environment. The design incorporates universally accepted red LED light to indicate the locked state and green LED light to indicate the unlocked state.

With dimensions of 180mm in width, 55mm in depth, and a height of 110mm from the floor to the center, the Gunes door handle is designed to be both functional and visually appealing. The lock system is represented by a 60mm diameter circle, while the base of the fixture forms a semicircle with a 15cm radius. The lock system is powered by a battery socket located inside the full circle.

This innovative door handle design not only provides a high-tech and aesthetic visual approach to a built-in element but also offers an ergonomic and user-friendly experience. The door can be locked or unlocked with a simple turning movement of the illuminated circle, eliminating the need for keys. The color of the light provides a visual clue as to whether the door is locked or unlocked, enhancing the overall design aesthetic.

The Gunes door handle design project started in December 2019 in Ankara, Turkey. Extensive research was conducted to understand the evolving relationship between technology and built-in products. The challenge was to create a door handle that reflects the innovative design approach used in daily products such as telephones and music listening devices, while also incorporating a locking system that operates without the use of a key.

The Gunes door handle design has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Accessories, Hardware, and Materials Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Gunes door handle design stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world.