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Simple, playful, and surprisingly clever: the Munchkin Sippy Cups, with their koala and owl motifs, are designed to make drinking easy and fun for toddlers. BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and perfectly sized for tiny hands, the cups show that everyday objects can make a real difference in children’s lives.
Behind this thoughtful design is young professional Twisha Shah, who was awarded a Red Dot in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025. In this interview, she shares the lessons she’s learned as a rising designer creating products that quietly make life better.
Red Dot: Which aspects of your design give you the greatest sense of accomplishment, or hold the most personal significance?
Twisha Shah: The sippy cups hold particular significance for me because they were the first products I worked on that made it into the world. I learned early on that design doesn’t have to be loud. It should quietly fit into people’s lives and make things better. That’s exactly what these sippy cups do: they’re simple, thoughtful products that improve a child’s everyday routine and help them become more independent. I feel proud knowing my work can have that kind of positive impact.
Have mentors or peers played a role in shaping your vision or challenging your ideas along the way?
The list of people who have helped me grow into the designer I am today is endless, including my professors, mentors, and friends who have taught me so much along the way. The sippy cups, in particular, wouldn’t have been possible without Nick Trumbo, my manager at Munchkin. He challenged me to approach design more intentionally, and I learned so much from collaborating with him throughout the project.
As a young professional, how do you stay current with the design landscape while making sure your work remains original and forward-thinking?
I think the key is to never stop learning. I stay current by keeping up with trends, exploring other disciplines like fashion and science, and learning new software through classes to stay on top of industry standards. There’s always a challenge in making sure your work remains original, and often it’s about finding innovative combinations of existing ideas.
Looking ahead, what types of projects or industries are you most excited to explore?
I’m most excited to explore projects that sit at the intersection of human-centred design and innovation. I’m particularly interested in lifestyle and wellness products that improve everyday experiences and help people in ways they didn’t know they needed. As I mentioned, the key is to never stop learning, and I want to continue exploring new areas of design to keep pushing the boundaries of my work.
In what ways has participating in the Red Dot Award: Product Design impacted your growth or career as a young professional?
Winning an award as a young professional is incredibly encouraging. Awards are often seen as a reflection of years of experience, so having my work recognised at such an early stage is validating and exciting. It motivates me to keep growing and to make a meaningful impact as a designer.
What was your impression of the Red Dot award ceremony in Essen, Germany?
The Red Dot award ceremony was truly one for the books! It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented designers and to see everyone’s work celebrated on such a large scale. Meeting designers from across the globe and learning about their journey in design was a great experience.
What’s your top tip for young designers just starting out?
My top tip for young designers is to stop second-guessing yourself and put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to take unconventional paths because any experience can be valuable. For me, taking a gap year to gain professional experience helped me grow as a designer, and ultimately led to opportunities like working on award-winning projects and being recognised at the Red Dot Award and the IDSA Student Merit awards finalist.
Save the Date: Young Professionals Application Day 2025 – 19 November
On 19 November 2025, young designers will have 24 hours to secure one of 50 free registration spots for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026.
Those selected in the draw will receive free entry to the competition – and with it the chance to compete with the best in the industry and present their work to a global audience. If they are awarded, they will also receive the Winner Package Regular free of charge, which offers comprehensive support in communicating their success internationally.
Anyone who graduated no more than five years ago is eligible to participate.
Further information on participation and the conditions of entry can be found here.
