This was the question presented to young designers entering the Design Lab 2010 challenge. Looking at science and technology trends today, household appliance manufacturer Electrolux asked them to predict how these could be used to make futuristic products for ultra compact living.

Out of all the entries, I have to say the closet that zaps your dirty clothes is one of the best. Designer Michael Edenius, came up with this idea that would automatically wash your clothes using waterless molecular technology every time you hung them up or put them away.

The closet would scan your clothes for any kinds of odour or dirt, and then wash them accordingly, eliminating the need for a standard washer and dryer. Since no water is used during the cleaning process, it is much kinder and gentler to the environment.

Unfortunately for Edenius, Peter Alwin from National Institute of Design in India is the winner of the Electrolux Design Lab 2010 competition for inventing The Snail, the Micro Induction Heating.

The Snail is a portable heating and cooking device based on magnetic induction processes. Such is the size and versatility of the Snail; it can be stuck directly on to a pot, a pan, a mug etc. to heat the contents.

Click here for a list of the eight finalists.