Allbirds Tree
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The introduction of Allbrids’ Tree material represented the brands biggest sustainability feat to-date, and presented the footwear industry the opportunity to incorporate more renewable materials into products. The Tree collection is the first-ever Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified shoe, crafted from a fabric that Allbirds engineered using ethically sourced eucalyptus fiber, which boasts an incredibly low carbon footprint, and is manufactured in a clean, closed-loop process. By utilizing a new3D-knitting process, Allbirds was able to target the integration of structure and support where feet need it most. In combination with this cutting edge knitting technology(reliant on software engineering versus traditional knitting machines, which also helps to eliminate extraneous waste from the manufacturing process), Allbirds was able to bring eucalyptus fiber to the footwear industry for the first time, with the same incredible comfort and design customers have come to expect. Tree leaves an even lighter footprint with an eye on protecting the world’s endangered forests. Tree creates a cooling effect by wicking away moisture and, in concert with a silky-smooth mesh construction, delivers unmatched breathability and supreme comfort. And the Wool-lined insole and heel cup ensures the soft fit with which Allbirds has become synonymous. Through the release of Tree, Allbirds is challenging the footwear industry norms and strengthening its position as a leader in bio-based footwear , pushing the boundaries of sustainable material innovation.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, closely following oil and fossil fuels [source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation], and will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2020... unless something changes. Allbirds believes in creating better things in a better way. The Tree collection was designed with this mission in mind. Compared to traditional footwear materials, Tree uses 3x less land, and has an overall carbon footprint that is 17x smaller. Additionally the closed loop process used to produce the Tree fiber saves 95% more water than traditional footwear materials, making it safer and cleaner than standard manufacturing practices.The journey to releasing Tree began over two years ago and has been an incredibly laborious process for Allbirds, who searched tirelessly to find just the right materials, technology and partners to bring the vision to life.
Who worked on the project?
Tim Brown + Joey Zwillinger, Co-Founders + Co-CEOs
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIC6OahXqmI#action=share
Axyl
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Axyl is driven by a strong set of design values to deliver the most amount of user benefit: • Super sustainable The AXYL collection is part of LAYER’s ongoing commitment to working with companies to lower their impact on the environment. The recycled aluminium in the inverted Y-frame of the chairs uses just 5% of the energy required to create new aluminium and also offers significant cost savings. The bio degradable polymer chair and stool shells comprise recycled wood fibre from re purposed timber waste product from the office furniture industry. The components are all mechanically fixed together for ease of disassembly so each component can be readily recycled. This construction method also enables the chair to be assembled locally, minimizing shipping volume and cost around the world. • Engineering Performance Axyl is designed with an economy of materials and weight in mind. The distinctive angular form language triangulates the structure to deliver a high strength to weight ratio. The recycled poly fibre shell is tied into the structure to increase the overall integrity and allow the shell to be slim and lightweight. The use of recycled fibres in the bio-polymer shells adds tensile strength and replaces the traditional unsustainable glass fibres often found in seat shells. The AXYL chairs stack four-high to enable easy storage in contract environments. • Differentiated form The furniture market is highly saturated and offering significant differentiation whilst maintaining a sense of honesty and restraint is important for a design to become timeless. With this in mind the chairs employ an identifiable recycled die-cast aluminum Y-frame silhouette tempered with a softly geometric injection moulded shell to soften the language. The café table and barstool share the same design language, with angular recycled aluminum frames topped with gently curved tops. • Crafted comfort Axyl’s generous enveloping seat shell is designed to embrace the sitter and deliver a high level of comfort. The ergonomic form was driven by over 20 prototypes to test and refine the comfort over a 2 year period. • Local Axyl is Layer’s first furniture design for a British company, and in a difficult socio political climate around the world we believe supporting local manufacturing and the economy is becoming even more important. • Design for everyone We believe that design driven products should be for everyone, therefore the price point for the Axyl collection is purposefully accessible. This was made possible by focusing on a simple construction and an economy of parts to create products that are designed to be democratic. • Communicating design We believe that the way you communicate and launch a project is key for the success of a project. With this in mind Layer art directed all video and imagery aswell as the printed communication literature. Layer also designed an immersive installation during London Design Festival at Somerset house to highlight the designs sustainable ethos by utilising the aluminium die-castings to create an immersive architectural installation.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The creative team at LAYER, led by Benjamin Hubert, began their two-year design journey researching engineering and material technologies. Our designers investigated the furniture industry and found the market was saturated and largely lacking in material innovation in the commercial mass-produced space. The focus of Axyl was to create a timeless piece of commercial furniture that is both responsible and identifiable for everyone.
Who worked on the project?
-Benjamin Hubert, Creative Director and Founder of LAYER -Paulo Fonseca, Mid-Weight Industrial Designer
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/236700667
Bike Share – Electrified
Why is this project worthy of an award?
JUMP is bike share electrified. We create the hardware and software so you can go further, get there faster, and have more fun. With our mobile app, users can find and unlock our pedal-assist e-bikes, ride to their destination with ease, and lock up to any bike rack to end their trip – all for just $2. JUMP bikes are designed in Brooklyn, NY by people who love bikes and care about the future of our cities. Our bike is designed from the ground up to deliver safety, ease of use, affordability, and durability with a beautiful and joyful mode of electric transportation. Whether you need an affordable commute, to make it across town during rush hour, to conquer neighborhood hills, or just want a fun way to get around, JUMP transforms how you move about your city. JUMP is experiencing industry-leading adoption in the cities we operate because of the product experience. Our electric bikes provide a familiar, yet revolutionary, mode of transportation that appeals to a broader audience, changes preconceptions, and increases urban livability. The team set out to engineer the most meaningful improvements to the bicycle since it was invented 200 years ago. We designed the JUMP bike upon the foundation of seven years of experience delivering bike share hardware and software in over 40 cities across the globe. Our goal was to build a complete solution for personal urban mobility – one that could provide an exhilarating experience but endure years of intense use. JUMP is the result of that pursuit – it’s the embodiment of our passion for bikes and everything we know about usability, durability, manufacturing, technology, and design.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
In 2010, stationed bike share was booming in major cities around the world. Auto-centric cities like New York City, Boston, and Washington DC were experiencing seismic shifts in how people perceived and used bikes. Meanwhile, JUMP Bikes was rethinking the very fundamentals of bike share design. We took the technology from the stations – the GPS, the payment system, the customer interface – and moved it to the bike itself. This flipped bike share on its head. By removing the need of costly stations, and allowing users to conveniently lock up our bikes at racks, we created a more cost-effective system and a more reliable bike share experience. JUMP Bikes was the first to bring a Smart Bike to market, and now the first to bring dockless electric bike share to the United States. JUMP BIke’s creation process is founded upon the simultaneous obsession with almost-microscopic bike details and the comprehensive understanding of how those details aggregate throughout the entire bike share system. Rapid iteration and constant re-evaluation of design criteria is vital to managing these two vastly different scales of understanding. During the development stage, we designed and built a custom large-format 3D printer which allowed us to continuously print full-scale bike mockups. We created real-material CNC prototypes years before we were ready for production tooling. We took dozens of trips to our manufacturers during development. And we sought out vertically integrated partners who could make our designs responsive throughout the entire process of shaping raw materials into finished products. The outcome of this incredibly fun, deeply challenging process is a product that preserves a beautiful aesthetic and polished user experience while still mastering the difficult realities of bike share. On a technical level, the common failure points of a consumer bicycle have been re-imagined and re-engineered: screws, cables, exposed metals, removable components, have all been protected and integrated. This is crucial to a safe, theft-proof, weather-resistant vehicle that lives and endures in public space. All of the touch points on the bike – the saddle, seatpost, brake levers, handlebars, handling geometry – have been custom designed for maximum ease of use and durability, building on the best characteristics of two centuries of urban bicycle design. The electric-assist is tightly integrated into the shared bike experience, providing industry-leading responsiveness and a human-electric harmony that delivers a boost up to 20mph whenever the rider pedals. This must be felt to be believed. On a visual level, we fought to make the form, color, and branding striking – more bold than any bike share that came before it. The bike’s aesthetic serves as a beacon for this new mode of transportation and the revolutionary user experience it delivers. The JUMP design is a demonstration that technology can be fun, that visual form makes cities more vibrant, and that an equitable, low cost mode of transportation can be fundamentally cooler than everything that preceded it.
Who worked on the project?
Nick Foley: Chief Product Officer Jacob Bouchard: Senior Industrial Designer Chris Partelow: Creative Director Ryan Rzepecki: CEO and Founder
View the project video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11b1XGGjqtbVaGzLKZ9C5ooAXdAYbQq4S/view?usp=sharing
Brandless
Why is this project worthy of an award?
According to a Catalina study of the top 100 CPG brands, “90 percent of the leading household goods brands are losing market share on consistently low-growth categories.” Gone are the days of fictional narratives fabricated by Madison Avenue. People want to tell their own stories and crave real, authentic connections–with each other and their favorite brands. In this climate of brand rejection and reluctance to align with a brand, Brandless is reimagining what it means to be a brand, putting people first and fostering a community anchored in integrity, transparency and authenticity. Brandless is ushering in a new wave of consumer culture, created in opposition to a system that isn’t serving people. Brandless launched on July 11, 2017 with one affordable price of $3 for all your everyday essentials. This direct-to-consumer, values-based business model ignited a paradigm shift, bringing attention to BrandTax, the hidden costs consumers pay for a conventional brand, and ruffling traditional vendor philosophies in the consumer packaged goods and retail space with one clear mission for its customers: better stuff, fewer dollars. In its first 60 hours, Brandless fulfilled orders from all 48 states where it ships. Today, every items sells daily and Brandless has more than doubled its SKU count from 110 to nearly 250 with values representative of the Brandless community (non-GMO, organic, gluten free, cruelty free, tree free and non-toxic). By educating consumers about national daily consumption and exposing BrandTax, Brandless has created a collection with savings up to 400%. Beyond price, Brandless is modernizing the way people shop, reflecting the values of today’s consumer. Brandless broke the threshold offering everything for $3, however the company recognizes that not everyone has $3. Brandless partners with the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, and donates one meal to the organization for every order placed. To date, 350K+ meals in 33 weeks have been shared with families in need. When natural disasters struck in 2017, Brandless sprung into action, offering free shipping with code “LOVE” to help people send packages to those in need and donating an additional 10 meals with each order to support those affected. As a new kind of company, a community that puts people first and makes better products at fairer prices, Brandless has made it possible to shop your values and get great value, without having to engage in a false brand narrative, providing a new outlet for consumers across the country.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The entire Brandless assortment is shaped by the concept of “just what matters.”Each product in their assortment of hundreds of everyday essentials is filtered under this lens, and that means they are only offering products that match the values, preferences and requirements of their consumers. The entire food assortment is non-GMO, most of it is organic and over half is gluten free, and these key attributes are the focal point of their product packaging. Adopting the concept of UI/UX that has worked so well in the digital world, Brandless has applied it to the physical world as their guiding design concept for their product packaging. Simplicity and restraint are key to the Brandless design aesthetic, and they’ve removed the brand clutter and messaging by starting fresh with white space. Every Brandless product has a white box that’s front and center and showcases the top attributes people find most important for that product, like non-GMO or organic. It’s not every ingredient or facet of the product—it’s just what matters. Brandless recognized that people were not only becoming paralyzed by the paradox of choice, they were rejecting the false narratives that have been attached to products and were instead seeking brands that represent their values. To combat this brand fatigue, Brandless streamlined their design process and peeled back the clutter to put the attributes customers care about most front and center. Tons of data, surveys and conversations with customers helped in shaping this initial selection of the most important attributes. Beyond a modern, clean aesthetic, each product is designed to simplify decision-making and allow consumers to live more and brand less, a mission that is embodied in their trademarked white box. Brandless specifically tells shoppers what’s most important on the front of each package in this box and discloses what they consider to be the most important attributes — which can mean the ingredients and nutrition facts of the product itself or the packaging it's enclosed in. They also put even more attributes on the back of the package so you can easily find and understand the information that is important to you. Symbolic of shaping one’s own narrative, Brandless’ decision to trademark a clean, white box and integrate it into all of their products was a physical manifestation of the message to shape your own narrative and to live in the white space. Each white box is a reminder to fill in the space and focus on just what matters. Through their ultra minimalist design and attention to the most important attributes of every product in their line, Brandless has successfully bucked the trend of brand narrative and built a community of consumers who have connected with the product, messaging and design and are placing orders of every single item on their site nearly every day.
Who worked on the project?
Tina Sharkey, Co-Founder and CEO Ido Leffler, Co-Founder
View the project video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Hj88srPP3yc-fHFC_C8G6aexIB3drcv/view?usp=sharing
Bugaboo Fox
Company Bugaboo
Introduction Date March 1, 2018
Project Website https://www.bugaboo.com/US/en_US/strollers/bugaboo-fox
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Bugaboo changed the way strollers looked and worked with the launch of our first stroller 20 years ago. For the last two decades we’ve been dreaming up products that are as beautifully designed as they are innovative and functional. Our newest stroller, the Bugaboo Fox offers a robust construction with a remarkably lightweight feel, an effortless push and our smoothest ride yet. During the three-year design process, one of the goals was to create a durable stroller that was less than 22 lbs. to make lifting and carrying easy. The design team selected aluminum tubing for the stroller’s chassis that is also used in the auto and aviation industries to create a more a sturdy, stable ride without adding weight to the stroller. In addition to all-wheel suspension, the Bugaboo Fox also has suspension built into the stroller’s central joint. The benefit of the central joint suspension is that it creates a comfortable, smooth ride for the child and a comfortable driving experience for the parent that makes steering and maneuvering smooth and easy. The Bugaboo Fox’s sleek silhouette is characteristically Bugaboo, and the many customization options give families the ability to design a stroller that reflects their personal style. Other features of the revolutionary Bugaboo Fox include: • Higher seat to easily connect with your child • Exceptional comfort with an ergonomically designed seat • Big wheels to handle any terrain • Seat can accommodate children up to 48.5 lbs., which is 10 lbs. higher than other Bugaboo strollers • Extra-large underseat basket that can hold 22 lbs. of cargo • Compact one-piece fold with self-standing option • Completely customizable from the color of the wheel caps to the handlebar grips • Soft fabrics made from recycled PET bottles (Bugaboo’s first stroller made with recycled fabrics)
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The Bugaboo Fox takes Bugaboo’s modular design approach and history of creating long-lasting strollers to the next level. All of the stroller’s structural parts can be removed from replaceable parts, making it easy to refresh, repair and re-use parts so the stroller can be used for multiple children in the same family or passed on to friends and family. The ability to separate the hardware from the parts and fabrics extends the life of the stroller and reduces waste. Additionally, Bugaboo is making conscious choices to use fewer raw materials and decrease waste by creating high-quality soft fabrics for the Bugaboo Fox made from recycled materials. The Bugaboo Fox is Bugaboo’s first stroller made with recycled fabrics – the fabric for a single color canopy with bassinet is made from 92 recycled PET bottles.
Who worked on the project?
• Max Barenbrug, chief design officer and co-founder of Bugaboo • Marco Nieuwenhuizen, senior product developer, Bugaboo, (lead designer for Bugaboo Fox)
View the project video:
C by GE Sol
Company GE Lighting
Introduction Date September 1, 2018
Project Website https://www.cbyge.com/products/sol
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The industry’s first Amazon Alexa-embedded lighting product – C by GE Sol – launched in September 2017 and is now available at Amazon.com and CbyGE.com. Sol, which gets its namesake from the circular shape and illumination of the sun, combines functional illumination, visual indicators for everyday tasks, sleep-based light and all the skills you’d find in an Amazon Alexa product into a contemporary table lamp without the need for a stand-alone Alexa-device. In addition to using Sol to order your dinner, listen to the latest headlines, play music or respond to a host of other Alexa voice commands, the LED lamp with microphones and a speaker can control all Alexa-compatible products in your home, from connected light bulbs to thermostats to home appliances. It can also access more than 20,000 Alexa skills.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Sol was designed in part by Richard Clarkson, famed designer of The Cloud, a cloud-shaped ceiling fixture that produces a motion-triggered lightning and thunder performance. In addition to voice control, the product can also be controlled via a free C by GE app for iPhone or Android devices.
Who worked on the project?
Jeff Patton, General Manager, Connected Home Product Division at GE Lighting
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkJklkh7exs
Charge Up! – The simplest and most delightful charging experience to power the future of mobility.
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Electric mobility is the future. However, a lack of infrastructure and too many different payment systems and charge point operators (CPOs) prevent seamless travel for electric vehicle users. To make life easier for these drivers, entrepreneur Constantin Schwaab partnered with IDEO to build Wirelane, a startup working to creating an easy-access, holistic e-mobility charging infrastructure in Europe. Together, Wirelane and IDEO created a product line of charging stations designed to be used both in public spaces and also marketed as a private electric charger for e-car owners to installed at home. For the modular product platform, the IDEO team designed an iconic product family that is delightful to use, differentiates itself in the market, and is easy to scale to different use-cases and industries. The underlying design language ensures consistency for future product design and portfolio extension. With the help of two physical and fully functional prototypes of the wall-mounted charging station product, the design was made tangible and experienceable for both potential customers and investors. Because Wirelane was built by merging the people and the cultures of the two separate companies —Kinoheld (CEO Constantin Schwaab) and Mobile City (CEO Erik Pazzi)—the IDEO design team also worked carefully to assess the values and cultures of each to design one holistic brand. IDEO also helped define the company’s underlying pillars of purpose, personality, and points of difference, as well as the Wirelane identity and its visual expression, from key components (logo, fonts, colors, imagery, etc) to animated key visuals and sound branding. Within just six weeks, IDEO brought the Wirelane brand, the design of the charging stations, and the user experience to life to provide a holistic vision of the company, and its products before early investor meetings. In order to create a seamless, world-class user experience, IDEO also designed software and hardware touchpoints for business customers and end users – including product interactions and processes, as well as key screens for the consumer mobile app and the e-mobility management portal for businesses. Wirelane is bringing its products to market based on IDEO’s integrated design work and aiming for a market entry as well as installation of its first charging stations in 2018.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
From the product perspective, this project was a challenge. Unlike gas stations, which are recognizable and easy to see from a distance, charging stations are often at the edge of a parking lot, and harder to spot. They also don’t have a distinctive form, and have different payment options and cables. The IDEO team had to design a product line of charging stations that could be installed both in public spaces and in homes. They had to consider which materials and form factors would be recognizable in public spaces, while remaining unobtrusive, vandal-proof and easy to install and maintain. The in-home charging stations also needed to be unobtrusive, and distinguish themselves from other options on the market. Because the IDEO team had the opportunity to work on the product design, interaction, digital touchpoints, and brand identity at the same time, all of the elements informed each other. For example, the yellow colour, the main colour of the brand’s visual identity, works as a guiding element in the product design on the charging cable, and the particles that make up the Wirelane logo are represent the motion and electricity flowing in the cable and are represented in related branded materials. The team’s guiding principle was to make EV charging better and easier, so that owning and running an electric car feels seamless and effortless. To make sure that their initial ideas and prototypes were doing just that, they did some prototyping in virtual reality, setting up the model of the charging station and a car in the virtual environment, then testing out some basic interactions. The testing gave the team quick feedback on size, ratios, composition and user scenarios that could happen while charging an electric vehicle.
Who worked on the project?
Charlota Blunarova – Communication Designer Franz Blach – Design Director Nicki Schäfer – Industrial Designer Sven Stumm – Interaction Designer Thomas Junk – Portfolio Director
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/268799440, password: IDEO-wirelane
Cosm
Company Herman Miller
Introduction Date April 16, 2018
Project Website https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/cosm-chairs/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Cosm represents a culmination of two decades of engineering and design research with Herman Miller and a deep understanding of the science behind how people sit and work. Known throughout the world for their Aeron chair, Cosm is the next chapter for Herman Miller. With a move toward shared workplaces and workpoints, Cosm is not only great for individuals, but it’s also the ultimate shared chair. Cosm marks Herman Miller’s first auto-tilt chair, which instantly provides balanced support and movement corresponding to the user’s body, posture, and seated position. Cosm is made for the contemporary workplace, instantaneously and comfortably adjusting to whoever is sitting in it. To experience Cosm is—as Studio 7.5 says—to forget you’re sitting in a chair at all. Perfecting the tilt mechanism—to give users the seamless experience Studio 7.5 was aiming for—involved more than seven years of building and testing full-scale prototypes. Studio 7.5’s iterative process recalls the practice of famed Herman Miller designers, Charles and Ray Eames, with a contemporary update. Studio 7.5 built and tested prototypes in-house using a new 3D-printing technology blending aluminum dust and resin to create mechanically-sound components. After years of pairing this technology with hand-sculpting, tweaking, and testing, Studio 7.5 was able to arrive at Cosm’s final form. The Leaf Arms are the industry's first suspension elbow rests, using Intercept™ suspension material. They are precision-designed for comfort, cradling the elbow no matter the user’s stature or arm positioning. While other chairs prescribe positions for users to sit in, Cosm is a chair that welcomes motion. The tilt of the Leaf Arms allows them to avoid colliding with tabletops while keeping with the sculptural form of Cosm.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The secret to giving users a feeling of weightlessness and balance is hidden in Cosm’s gearbox beneath the seat. Auto-Harmonic Tilt, instantly and automatically provides continuous support and fluid movement corresponding to the user’s body, posture, and seated position. Current chairs on the market with force-activated tilts achieve this simplicity by compromising the user experience—relying on systems that cause the user’s body to follow the tilt mechanism, rather than directing the tilt. Cosm’s Auto-Harmonic Tilt is able to understand how much tension to provide based on the downward force exerted by the user and can provides the same experience for anyone no matter their body type or seated position. Adaptable not only to bodies, but use, Cosm is available in three back heights and as a stool, providing a range of configurations to be implemented seamlessly across an entire floorplate. The minimalist low back aids in facilitating conversation and movement by gently folding away to provide support for the back and arms while inviting casual conversation and collaboration. This classic look, in the words of Studio 7.5, “integrates seamlessly within a landscape of work surfaces.” Cosm’s versatile mid back provides lower back and scapular support. Cosm’s high back version goes one step further providing total spinal support and an experience of “offloading,” where the users back muscles can relax fully due to support to the lower back through the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. Not limiting ergonomic support to mechanics, the frame and fabric suspension work in tandem with the Auto-Harmonic Tilt™. The continuous contour envelops each person’s individual form, delivering dynamic, uninterrupted support. The entire Cosm line uses Herman Miller’s new Intercept™ suspension material. Intercept supports users throughout the day and delivers thermal comfort while standing up to years of use. Cosm is “dipped-in-color,” coming in six all-over-hues unlike any other office chair. Attaining exact-matching colors between the metals, plastics, and fabrics that comprise Cosm was a technical challenge, and reaching the high levels of saturation on the see-through fabric suspension that could work with the opaque materials required a great deal of color engineering. The six shades—three new saturated hues and three classic Herman Miller neutrals—provide options for everyone. Canyon (a bright red-orange) is the boldest color, while Glacier (a soft, light blue) and Nightfall (a deep navy) can call attention to itself on its own, or in more vibrant settings to become a “new neutral." Cosm is also available in the more familiar neutral options, Graphite, Carbon, and Mineral (dark, medium, and light shades of grey). As interior walls come down and sight lines open up, the dipped-in-color options allows designers to create visually interesting and harmonious solutions for floorplates of all sizes and layouts. The six colors were designed and curated by Laura Guido-Clark, Herman Miller’s Creative Director of Materials Innovation and are intended to “foster great connection, creativity, productivity and ultimately greater prosperity for all.”
Who worked on the project?
Studio 7.5- designers, Herman Miller- manufacturer
View the project video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zqgwv3fhvgukgd9/FC_ShortVersion_20180125.mp4?dl=0
CRAFT-ing the Creative Professional’s Dream Keyboard
Company Logitech
Introduction Date August 31, 2017
Project Website https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/craft
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The Logitech CRAFT Advanced Keyboard is the new Logitech new flagship keyboard that breathes new life into the desktop keyboard. Our designers focused on perfecting the smallest details to create the biggest impact for creative professionals. CRAFT is highlighted by the addition of a creative input dial called the Crown. The small, touch-sensitive, aluminum dial recognizes the app you are working in and gives instant access to the tools you need. Slightly touch the Crown to access context-specific functions -- like brush size, brightness, chart type, font size -- tap to change the function and turn to change the selected function’s value. It’s intuitive with no learning curve to immediately allow you to work faster, more precisely, and with a greater sense of focus and immersion. The Crown is integrated for maximized efficiency in a variety of Adobe apps, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, as well as common business applications including Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, web browsers, and even Spotify. This new creative input dial brings comfort, immediacy, and convenience to your creative process and allows for increased two-handed interactions. Because the Crown is a physical control that’s easy to grab and interact with, you can focus on what matters - your creation on the screen. The Crown spins fluidly and switches to ratchet mode for point-by-point precision when you need it. The design not only lets you work more efficiently using intuitive controls, but it’s also built to last. The keyboard leverages the 20 years of typing expertise of Logitech with a familiar key layout and natural tilt angle so you can type comfortably over long work sessions. It’s beautiful, made of premium materials, and crafted for efficiency, stability, and precision. A matte surface covers each key so your fingers can glide effortlessly as you type with large strike areas and spherical dishing that let you touch type with speed and precision. People have come to expect great hardware, enhanced by great software, from Logitech and CRAFT showcases this perfectly. From the touch-sensitive Crown that integrates with your favorite apps to the sturdy keyboard build, Logitech CRAFT revolutionizes what is possible to create with a desktop computer.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Logitech CRAFT is geared towards highly productive people who frequently use multiple devices at once on their desk and was designed to connect with up to three different devices thanks to Logitech Easy-Switch. With the press of a button, you can seamlessly type on and switch between any computer, phone or tablet you use at your desk. It’s designed to work equally well with a Windows or MacOS computer and to complement and complete any desktop. CRAFT is built with authentic materials and finishes with an input dial and spine crafted from hardened aluminum. It is then polished, anodized for tactility, and given a perfect shine. It also comes equipped with small touches that enhance the typing experience, unlike any keyboard we’ve made to date. Smart illumination means the keys light up as you approach the keyboard with your hands, and slightly indented key caps add comfort while you type. As CRAFT is adopted by more creative professionals, we expect the keyboard to grow with the community. We recently released a software developer kit for CRAFT enabling third parties to create custom integrations for their favorite applications. The potential for integrating the Crown into your app of choice is now truly limitless.
Who worked on the project?
Logitech Internal Design Team
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZQZZ4mHTM
Daydream View
Company Google LLC
Introduction Date October 4, 2017
Project Website https://store.google.com/us/product/google_daydream_view
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Inspired by premium furniture upholstery, the new headset seamlessly integrates textiles into an inviting, soft but light product. The result of this material focussed design, is a product that you simply want to pick up and experience. Daydream View is designed for an easy in and out VR experience. Simply place a Daydream-ready phone into the headset to get started. The facepad of the Daydream View fits over most eyeglasses and therefore allows for an effortless in-and-out-of-VR experience
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The new VR headset’s soft forms and it’s textile integration do not only invite the user into virtual reality - they also speak to comfort. In order to perfect the appearance of the material, the team developed a special knit fabric. Throughout numerous iterations, the team designed a two-tone textile from different yarns that give the surface a controlled depth and premium texture.
Who worked on the project?
Google Hardware Design Team
View the project video: https://youtu.be/PNBL2DpB1YE
DIGISEQ
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The way we make payments is changing. In January 2017, there were 351 million contactless payments made in the UK, a 2.6x increase compared with last year. Digital payments are being made with mobile phones, wearables and more. We expect the range of pay-enabled devices to keep growing. Right now, giants like Samsung and Apple enable payments, but only on their devices – and tokenisation is only available on their platforms. Digiseq opens up a new world of possibility, turning any object into a payment device in an instant via the Digiseq app. Just sync your bank details, pair with the app and pay with a tap. We’re the only company in the world that can offer this level of flexibility. Our tiny chip can be securely added to any object, such as a watch, bracelet or bag, ensuring transactions are yours and objects are authentic. Digiseq is the most secure, smartest and fastest way to bring contactless capabilities to the things we know, own and love.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
We wanted to make wearable payments available to everyone, on both analogue and digital products. In the same way that you can download your account to your iPhone or Samsung Watch, you can download it to Digiseq on any item you wish. With our platform and technology we are changing the way the wearables landscape develops, opening up the market for new growth. To do this we have partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry, from secure chip manufacturers to banks such as Barclays and ABN AMRO, to device manufacturers such as Swatch and Kerv.
Who worked on the project?
Terrie Smith - CEO Nicola Marins - Head of Marketing Robert James Powell - Design Director Robert Northam - Creative Director, Visual Design Amelia Cope - Senior Producer Jessica Ryde - Senior Consultant Bradie Tippetts - Senior Copywriter James Temple - EVP, CCO EMEA Nicolas Olivieri - Senior Director of Programs R/GA Ventures Matt Webb - Managing Director IoT UK Accelerator Lisa Ritchie - Program Director R/GA Ventures Chloe Cronyn - Content Producer Matt Deeming - Video Editor
View the project video: http://judgeseyesonly.com/digiseq
Dripkit
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Dripkit is solving a conundrum for specialty coffee lovers by making great coffee more accessible. Single-cup pour over coffee is debatably the best cup of coffee you can make, yet unless you have the right tools or are at a coffee shop it can be a challenge. Dripkit has designed a small, flexible, paper brewer that comes flat packed and opens to fit atop any cup. Each brewer is pre-filled with the 14 g. of single-origin, consciously sourced coffee that comes from small, family-owned farms and which is ground on our specialty coffee grinder. All you have to do is open the packet and add hot water and you have a fresh cup of coffee. Combining the convenience of instant with the quality of pour over, Dripkit is making fresh coffee easy for all those terrible coffee situations (the office, hotel rooms, camping). The consumer mindset is changing and people are now demanding more of their coffee. Nearly 70% of millennials report they drink specialty coffee, 45% report they drink it daily. Yet, the single-serve market is dominated by Pod coffee, not considered specialty. Many new instant coffees have also emerged, yet none have mastered the taste level of specialty coffee. Consumers are looking for coffee at the intersection of convenience and quality and Dripkit was designed to meet both those demands. Founders Ilana Kruger and Kara Cohen came up with the idea for Dripkit out of their own need and experiences as work. The office coffee was not up to par and they didn’t always have time to step out to the coffee shop. Instead of having to sacrifice taste or time, they felt there was an opportunity to design something to meet both needs. For two years the two friends turned founders worked to develop Dripkit. They teamed up with design studio – Prime to go through over 500 prototypes. Dripkit’s final design is the perfect mix of form meets function – a pre-packed brewer that comes flat but expands to fit any cup. It is an innovative, portable pour-over solution.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The design is unique because the packaging is functional. It is designed not only to keep the product fresh, but also as a function of the brewing process. Everything you need is inside the packet and ready to brew. The Dripkit team worked with their Head of Coffee who came from Sightglass and intelligentsia to develop the perfect cup, which included the roast, amount of coffee and messaging how to prepare the perfect pour (which is also included on the packaging). Dripkit is making great coffee more convenient, but it is also making great coffee more accessible and inviting, especially for the novice coffee maker who is also a coffee lover. Coffee is very personal and people’s rituals, ceremonies and expertise levels vary. Some of the more advanced techniques can be intimidating, require a lot of work and require a lot of tools. Dripkit is designed to be approachable and make it easy for a novice to create a great cup of single-serve pour over. There is no weighing or measuring necessary, and no tools, prep or clean-up. Dripkit is primarily a direct to consumer brand. It comes in 5-10 and 20 packs that are available for purchase through our website via one time order or subscription. All products are made to order and maintain a freshly ground taste for 60 days. Dripkit’s current coffee is La Basa from Guatemala, but the coffee will change seasonally. Dripkit will also be releasing their first roasting partnership in June with Verve, a world-renowned roaster from the west coast.
Who worked on the project?
Prime Studio, Caroline Kepley, Kara Cohen, Ilana Kruger Graphics: Marian Shelley
View the project video: https://dripkit.coffee/pages/how-it-works
Dyson Cyclone V10TM cord-free vacuum
Company Dyson
Introduction Date March 6, 2018
Project Website https://www.dyson.com/sticks/dyson-cyclone-v10-overview.html
Why is this project worthy of an award?
This year, James Dyson unveiled the future of clean-home technology: the Dyson Cyclone V10TM cord-free vacuum. Once again, Dyson is interrupting the industry with a device powerful and versatile enough to make bulky uprights obsolete and convince James Dyson that the future of vacuums is cord-free. With the launch of the V10, Dyson has decided that they will no longer develop new corded vacuums. Key to this change is delivering on a cord-free vacuum that’s as powerful as a corded vacuum, but also lightweight and portable enough to clean up an everyday mess. Through extensive research and at-home trials over the years, Dyson learned that people often believe they need a big machine to properly clean their home and “get the job done.” Big machines came with big power, but also with big hassle: the bulky machines are hard to maneuver, with cords that get tangled up and tripped over. Vacuuming by definition was not a quick chore, but an entire process that includes plugging, unplugging and wrangling cords. The Dyson Cyclone V10 combines the versatility of a cord-free vacuum with big machine suction power, engineered with Dyson’s most advanced digital motor. Specifically, the new Dyson V10 Digital Motor is 40% smaller than its predecessor, keeping the handheld vacuum lightweight, but 20% more powerful. With the ease of a cord-free vacuum, people can clean from the floor to the ceiling to the car more often and in less time. With a new approach to a common chore, Dyson’s latest device has transformed the way we clean.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Dyson’s investments in healthier, more hygienic technology date back more than 25 years, when the company started developing filtration systems for vacuums to capture allergens, dust and bacteria. Dyson continues to build on its longstanding investments and makes it easier than ever to have a clean home. With the Cyclone V10, fourteen cyclones are precisely arranged around the central axis of the machine, enabling the airflow inside each cyclone to travel at up to 120 miles per hour, generating over 79,000G, separating even microscopic dust from the air efficiently. Other cyclonic vacuums can be inefficient. Dust and dirt is not efficiently separated from the airflow so it instead ends up on the filter where it chokes the airflow from the motor. When it comes to filtrations, Dyson engineers have wrapped both the pre- and post-motor filters around the motor as one sealed unit for improved filtration, for improved whole-machine HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns – thus releasing cleaner air. While other vacuum cleaners can expel dust, allergens and bacteria into the air you breathe. Dyson didn’t just launch a new model vacuum, they’re continuing to changing the way we clean. Gone are the days of vacuuming for hours, instead we can quickly grab the light, yet incredibly powerful Cyclone V10 and easily clean up a mess -- thus making the bulky, upright vacuum of the past obsolete.
Who worked on the project?
James Dyson, Chief Engineer and Founder
View the project video:
Echo Spot
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Echo Spot is a first-of-its kind device: A small, compact spherical Echo with a touch display designed for any room in the home, all powered by Alexa. As we were developing Echo Show – our first Echo with a display – we set out to make it a communal device, ideally viewed between seven to ten feet. Part way through the development, we realized there was an opportunity to give customers a more personalized screen experience. Something with a small footprint to put on their bedside or work desk that they could make their own. Cue Echo Spot: the stylish and compact Echo with a circular display which enhances the Alexa experience by providing glanceable information, such as weather, unique clock faces, video flash briefings, smart home camera feeds, video calls and more, all hands free. It took many iterations to get the final result. We were initially tasked to develop a small device with a screen influenced by an alarm clock. Right away we thought a circular design would be the right choice, but as we started developing prototypes we found it easier and more cost effective to create a square or rectangular product and went in that direction. But we are a company that values customers first, so as we began to garner feedback from focus groups and beta testers we realized quickly the square design wasn’t meeting customers’ needs, and the device was not being utilized to its fullest potential. So we went back to our spherical design and challenged the team to solve a complex problem – putting the smarts of Alexa, a capable mic-array, and quality speaker system in a non-traditional form factor at a customer-friendly price. The team worked hard to get the design and engineering dialed in, and initial feedback was much more positive; we kept hearing words like “cute”, “warm”, and “engaging”, and knew our instincts for a round design were right. But of all the things that make Echo Spot unique, it’s the design ethos that sets it apart. Our other Echo products were designed to fade into the background of your home – sitting on a shelf or blending in to a kitchen counter – but Echo Spot was our first product designed to earn a spot in a prominent, noticeable location. With a small, more personalized display best used from three to five feet, we challenged ourselves to create something both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The final result is a device we’re proud of, and a device customers have come to love. Our most important metric is customer reviews, and Echo Spot remains one of our highest-rated products at 4.5 stars with many of the review calling the device “cute”, “versatile”, and “elegant”.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Echo Spot builds on the voice-first experience customers have come to know and love with other Echo devices. At Amazon we are always looking for new ways to delight customers. Though novel in design, deciding on a round screen for Echo Spot did not come easy – we listened to customers who wanted a device that fit in with home decor and fit easily into any room, but choosing to make the Spot round meant that everything, from hardware engineering to UX design, would be more challenging to produce. While Echo Spot has a smaller form than Echo Show, we wanted to ensure that customers have a similar experience with Alexa across all their Echo devices. So, while customers have the added benefit of a screen for glanceable content, they still get everything they love about Alexa with Echo Spot – they can get the news, ask for information, see their calendar, browse audiobooks, ask for music, add items to their shopping list, and more. Given the small design, we optimized the screen for glanceable content, but also made the experience suitable for different use cases and incorporated touch in a natural way. For instance, we decided customers should have the ability to bring back simple actions by touch, so for example, when they do not want to wake their partner by speaking to Alexa, they have the ability to use one touch to snooze or dismiss alarms.
Who worked on the project?
Amazon designers, speech scientists, engineers, product managers
View the project video: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ttf-frv1/rook/01_US/DPV/Rook_DPV_Edit_120117_MASTER_20171201_Airy.mp4
Electric Paint Lamp Kit
Company Bare Conductive
Introduction Date September 27, 2017
Project Website http://www.bareconductive.com
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Electric Paint is changing the way that everyone looks at electronic devices. Our Electric Paint Lamp Kit puts the capability of our electrically conductive paint into anyone’s hands. Bare Conductive is propelled by a community which deeply engages with our technology. The Electric Paint Lamp kit introduces our technology to a new range of users, requiring no programming or previous electronics experience. In just a few minutes, anyone can design, prototype and use a custom lamp. Along the way, they will learn about how our Electric Paint and sensors work, which will help them create precisely what they want. The Electric Paint Lamp Kit is worthy of an award because it puts contemporary technology into anyone’s hands and invites them to play, discover and create, not just consume.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The Electric Paint Lamp kit is innovative in that it introduces printable (or paintable) electrical conductor technology to a broad audience. This presented the team with significant technical challenges. We choose a lamp as the basic format for the kit as for many people, light is shorthand for electricity, and a lamp provides a useful output. We had to consider how to connect craft materials like paper and paint to a circuit board, providing a mechanical and electrical function, while creating a pleasing and functional lamp. We had to consider how to instruct novice users to apply our Electric Paint in a way that would increase the quality of their project. All of these challenges pushed us to create solutions that hadn't previously existed, a unique twisting connector system, a system of paper folding that allowed us to create modular lamp shapes and a way of describing Electric Paint application both visually and verbally. Though a seemingly simple product, the Electric Paint Lamp Kit is full of small details that make it an astonishing product to use.
Who worked on the project?
Owen Hissey, Lead Industrial Designer, Stefan Dzisiewski-Smith, Head of Technology, Bibi Nelson, COO, Matt Johnson, CEO
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxaVAjmQ9Ts
Ember Ceramic Mug
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Ember is the world’s first temperature control mug that allows you to enjoy coffee and other hot drinks at the precise drinking temperature you prefer, and keep it there, prolonging the drinking experience. While keeping beverages at the perfect temperature may not seem like a huge problem, Ember discovered that a few degrees can make all the difference when it comes to taste. Our design challenge was to fit Ember’s technology into a small package so as to be useful yet unobtrusive. Our intent was to lightly augment the things people already expect when drinking from their favorite mug. This meant finding ways to make Ember’s technology recede into the background so that people can simply enjoy their hot beverage. Getting the feel of the mug right was absolutely key for a great drinking experience, so we spent a lot of time finding the perfect materials. The body of the mug is made of durable double-walled stainless steel with a ceramic coated exterior that perfectly replicates the look and feel of a traditional mug. And while what Ember does is completely new, we knew that we needed to make the mug look both familiar and unique at the same time to appeal to a broad audience. Ember brings something truly innovative to the humble drinking vessel. It adds technology to an everyday object in a way that makes drinking coffee and tea more enjoyable without adding complexity. The mug is also a proving ground for Ember’s larger mission of changing the way we eat and drink with an eye towards bringing its heating and cooling technology to dishware and other areas of the kitchen. As with the mug, Ember wants to do this in a way that puts the human experience of eating and drinking first, while keeping the technology in the background.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Ember delights users by doing one simple thing very well – keeping coffee or tea at a precise drinking temperature. The product approaches this in a way that doesn’t add complexity to the simple act of taking a sip. Ember’s technology is core to the product, but it doesn’t overwhelm the experience with unnecessary buttons or complicated instructions. The design is deliberately simple—the only visible tech on the mug is a small LED light, so the focus remains on the enjoyment of drinking coffee or tea. The battery was designed to fit into a small area in the base, so Ember looks and feels like a classic ceramic mug. The ceramic coating intentionally offers a familiar drinking experience. Ember is extremely smart. It is embedded with a microprocessor-controlled dual-band heating system and motion and liquid sensors to maintain coffee or tea at the user's precise drinking temperature. The technology allows Ember to wake up when moved or liquid is poured in, and sleep when not in use to preserve battery life. To eliminate dials and buttons, the Ceramic Mug connects to the Ember app which controls the temperature with a swipe of a finger (120 -145 F), lets users customize the LED light for personalization, select presets for your favorite drinks, toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and it sends notifications to your device when your temperature has been reached. Ember also ingrates into daily life by remembering desired temperature, so you can use the mug without needing to open the app each time.
Who worked on the project?
Ember Technologies Ammunition
View the project video:
Essential Phone and 360 Camera
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Created by Andy Rubin, the founder of Android, Essential is a brand new consumer electronics company that creates delightful consumer experiences. We are a small, upstart company battling lumbering industry giants. The Essential Phone and Click Connect accessories are the first products that reflect our vision of the future. In a category that sees incremental innovation year-over-year, Essential Phone and 360 Camera has distinguished itself with a series of industry-leading firsts. We built the first smartphone with a 3-sided borderless, notched display; our notch remains the world's smallest and our screen:body ratio the most generous. We are the first to craft a smartphone out of titanium and ceramic. We then paired it with the world's smallest 4K 360 Camera and made it magnetically attach to the phone for wireless integration. And we do all of this at an affordable price, enabling cutting-edge technology to seamlessly fit into your life—so it works for you. You can find out more information about Essential Phone and 360 Camera at www.essential.com.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Essential is unveiling sophisticated devices that embody truly forward-thinking technologies. A triumph of minimalism and engineering, our smartphone features a durable titanium frame, scratch-proof ceramic back, and an expansive display. Our logo-free device also houses a magnetic accessory platform that enables new capabilities to seamlessly attach to the phone. Modular accessories such as the Essential 360° camera ensure our phone only gets better with time. Every detail is built for modern users who demand capability without compromise. Launched simultaneously, The Essential 360 Camera is the world’s smallest 4K 360º video camera, and the most intuitive to use. While other 360 cameras are bulky to carry and clumsy to use, the Essential 360 Camera can effortlessly capture full-life moments. The Essential camera instantly clicks onto the Essential phone with magnets and establishes a wireless link. Then it simply operates as if integrated into the phone itself. It uses the phone as a display, a power source, for storage of pictures and video, and to connect to the web. No dongles, cards, or syncing required. Capturing and sharing immersive 360 content has never been easier or more beautiful. Essential is unveiling sophisticated devices that embody truly forward-thinking technologies. A triumph of minimalism and engineering, our smartphone features a durable titanium frame, scratch-proof ceramic back, and an expansive display. Our logo-free device also houses a magnetic accessory platform that enables new capabilities to seamlessly attach to the phone. Modular accessories such as the Essential 360° camera ensure our phone only gets better with time. Every detail is built for modern users who demand capability without compromise. Launched simultaneously, The Essential 360 Camera is the world’s smallest 4K 360º video camera, and the most intuitive to use. While other 360 cameras are bulky to carry and clumsy to use, the Essential 360 Camera can effortlessly capture full-life moments. The Essential camera instantly clicks onto the Essential phone with magnets and establishes a wireless link. Then it simply operates as if integrated into the phone itself. It uses the phone as a display, a power source, for storage of pictures and video, and to connect to the web. No dongles, cards, or syncing required. Capturing and sharing immersive 360 content has never been easier or more beautiful.
Who worked on the project?
Andy Rubin, Founder and CEO Dave Evans, VP of Design Linda Jiang, Head of Industrial Design
View the project video:
FirePit
Company BioLite
Introduction Date September 13, 2017
Project Website https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/biolite/biolite-firepit-see-fire-not-smoke/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Fire is one of our oldest tools. The glow, the warmth, the smell, it hits on something inside all of us. We love to be around it, yet it always seems to come with this annoying sidekick – smoke. At BioLite, we’ve been cleaning up wood fires all over the world for over five years. This time around, we’ve got our sights set on the fire in your backyard with the BioLite FirePit, a smokeless wood-burning device that cooks your meals and gives you a front-row seat to everything going on inside your fire. With FirePit you can enjoy the warmth, smell, crackle, and feel of a wood campfire, without any of the smoke. With capacity for up to 4 standard firewood logs, the BioLite FirePit creates hyper-efficient flames with patented airflow technology and gives you a front-row seat to the magic thanks to the X-Ray mesh body, enabling 360 views. Lift the fuel rack and toss in charcoal to transform the FirePit into a hibachi style grill, complete with an included grill grate. Control the size of your flames manually or remotely with the free Bluetooth app. This project is worthy of an award because it is taking a product that people know and love and completely updating it in a way that makes sitting around a fire more enjoyable.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Across the body of the FirePit we’ve got 51 airjets that inject the fire with oxygen along key locations thanks to the fan located inside the USB-rechargeable orange power pack. This creates a more uniform temperature and mixing of gases inside the fire which dramatically improves combustion. This means two important things: 1) You get the crackling, the smell, and the feel of a robust wood fire but WITHOUT the smoke and 2) You can actually achieve a warm, roaring fire with LESS wood because you’re burning your original fuel more efficiently. You can control that fan intensity right from the FirePit's powerpack or from the palm of your hand with the free BioLite Energy App for Android and iOS. Fire is also the reason our organization began and it’s at the core of our mission to bring safe, reliable energy everywhere. Half the planet still cooks over smoky open indoor fires everyday, leading to over 4 million deaths annually. BioLite addresses this head on with the BioLite HomeStove, a wood-burning cookstove that uses similar technology found inside the FirePit to create a safer cooking fire for households across India and sub-Saharan Africa. Every purchase of the FirePit helps BioLite reach more families with clean energy and cooking around the world.
Who worked on the project?
Alec Drummond - Engineering & Design Tim Connelly - Engineering & Design Ryan Gist - Combustion Mindy Abbruzzi - Industrial Design Dan Matthews - Electronics Steve Grind - Manufacturing
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUA44iW0mak&t=105s
Fiskars Summit™ Knives
Company Fiskars
Introduction Date December 1, 2017
Project Website http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/kitchen-utensils/Kitchen-Knives/summit-knives-4-piece-set
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Kitchen knives haven’t been re-designed for hundreds of years – until now. Fiskars has created a new series of knives, Summit™ Knives, to automatically guide the user to grip the knife the way chefs do, for more efficient, controlled cutting. How are these knives better than traditional models? • They’re more intuitive. They guide the user to hold the tool in the most efficient way: with the thumb and index finger on top of the blade. • They’re more efficient. This new grip positions the user for better control. Each blade is also optimized to the ideal length needed for the cutting task. • They’re more comfortable. The length of the handle is optimized to the ideal length, maximizing comfort. There’s Softgrip® texturizing throughout the knife to add cushion to the grip. • They’re more durable. Each knife is made with premium Japanese-grade stainless steel to provide long-lasting sharpness. They’re also dishwasher safe, and include a blade guard to protect the sharp edge from damage while being washed and stored. Fiskars’ new Summit™ Knives have a comfortable, durable, and intuitive design that increases cut quality and accuracy, leading to faster, more efficient food prep.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
We wanted to revolutionize knives by creating a design that removes guesswork and automatically guides the user’s hand into the most effective cutting position from the start. So, we researched. We found a common chef technique was to grip the knife with the thumb and index finger pinched on the blade. This position increases cut quality and accuracy, as it gives the user more control over the blade. However, this grip is not intuitive; we altered the handles on our knives so it is, by extending and offsetting each handle to incorporate this grip area. As a result, the user has more control, which leads to more accurate cuts and faster, more efficient food prep. This offset handle design is particularly useful on the 5” Chef and 6.5” Utility Knives. Traditionally, the handles on these size knives are so close to the cutting board, that the user needs to tilt the handle up to keep their knuckles from touching the board. The design of our 5” and 6.5” knives guides the user’s wrist and arm into an elevated position, so they don’t have to sacrifice comfort and control when using a smaller knife. In addition to the new pinch grip, we also optimized each knife to be the ideal length, with a blade length and shape that was specifically chosen for the product consumers cook most. To top it off, each Summit™ knife features premium Japanese-grade stainless steel for long-lasting sharpness and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Fiskars new Summit™ Knives are comfortable, durable and innovative. Their design guides consumers to hold the tool the most effective way, so they can make the perfect cut each time. Fiskars’ Summit™ Knives come in the following varieties: o 8” Chef Knife o 6.5” Utility Knife o 6.5” Serrated Utility Knife o 5” Chef Knife o 3.5” Paring Knife About Fiskars Since its establishment in 1649, Fiskars Group has grown to be a leading functional and living products company with a strong brand portfolio, including Fiskars, Iittala, Gerber, Wedgewood and Waterford. Fiskars Group has employees in over 30 countries and is headquartered in Finland. With over 1 billion scissors sold, Fiskars has grown to be the World’s #1 Scissors Brand. Fiskars promotes achievement and self-expression by focusing on easy to use, innovative tools to make gardening, cooking and crafting more enjoyable. Fiskars Americas is headquartered in Wisconsin. Please visit www.fiskars.com.
Who worked on the project?
Fiskars
View the project video:
FREITAG ZIPPELIN The First Inflatable Travel Bag
Company FREITAG lab. ag
Introduction Date September 12, 2017
Project Website http://www.freitag.ch/zippelin
Why is this project worthy of an award?
FREITAG invents the first one-of-a-kind intercontinental bag that’s spacious when you need it, and compact when you don’t: ZIPPELIN. For more than 20 years now, FREITAG has been using old truck tarpaulins to make robust, multifunctional bags that all look completely different from each other. Now the Zurich-based bag makers have developed a big, rugged, one-off travel bag that is recognizable anywhere at a distance and never mistaken for someone else’s at baggage reclaim. The solution isn't based on some bulky frame-like container or semi-finished shell, but actually comes from FREITAG's favorite means of transport. Hidden away inside the ZIPPELIN is a common-or-garden bicycle inner tube you can inflate with a standard pump and, thanks to the zip, replace quickly and simply. It makes the ZIPPELIN a light, tough long-haul one-off travel bag on skateboard ball-bearing rollers and at the same time solves the storage problem facing luggage owners without an attic or cellar to call their own. Because when your vacation's over and you let out the air, the 85-liter bag shows its true greatness. Rolled up, the ZIPPELIN takes up no more space in your closet than the two liters of booze you bought at duty-free. For all its experience in the inner and intercity bag sectors, FREITAG is still a bit of a greenhorn in the intercontinental business and decided to launch its new travel-flag-air-ship exclusively through a 30-day crowdfunding campaign on kickstarter.com. Another reason why they decided to launch ZIPPELIN through crowdfunding is the large amount of tarp material required to make the new travel bag - about five times as much as an average FREITAG bag. So they wanted to make sure the demand is sufficient before they strip down too many tarps for bags no one wants to buy. Thanks to the number of bakers on Kickstarter, for once FREITAG's production crew had a precise idea of demand before sacrificing any truck tarps and cutting out the first bag from limited raw materials. The funding target of 100,000 euros was reached within a few hours. After the successful completion of the campaign, the Swiss bag label decided to include ZIPPELIN in the FREITAG travel bag range for the second half of 2018. The funding target of 100’000 euros was reached within a few hours. After the successful completion of the campaign, the Swiss bag label decided to include ZIPPELIN in the FREITAG travel bag range for the second half of 2018.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
FREITAG ZIPPELIN – ABOUT INNER TUBES, INNER VALUES & OUTSTANDING FEATURES Inflatable, made from used truck tarpaulins, and with a capacity of 85 liters: when rolled up, the one-off travel bag from Zurich-based bag manufacturer FREITAG needs no more space than the two-liter bottle of booze from duty-free. ROBUST and RECYCLED Made of robust, water-repellent truck tarps that spent their first lives traveling the roads of Europe on heavy goods vehicles UNMISTAKABLE Cut by hand in Zurich: every bag a one-off LIGHT Stability without shells or struts thanks to a standard 28” bicycle inner tube that inflates with a regular pump and, thanks to a zip, can be simply replace ENORMOUSLY SMALL In between vacations, it rolls up to save space for easy storage
Who worked on the project?
Core team: Product Design and Overall Project Management: Nicola Enrico Stäubli Prototyping: Stefan Billeter Creative Direction: Markus und Daniel Freitag ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other involved project members: Script Campaign Movie and Text: David Keller Photo Direction and Graphic Design: Bianca Fleischmann Online Communication: Katharina von Wyl Media Relations: Elisabeth Isenegger Project Lead Communication: Tanita Bohny
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/235483799
Google Home
Company Google LLC
Introduction Date October 4, 2017
Project Website https://store.google.com/us/product/google_home
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Google Home is a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own Google, always ready to help. Just start with, "Ok Google". Google Home is designed to blend in, more like a small piece of furniture. Unlike similar assistant products on the market, Google home has no visible buttons or controls on the front of the device. The user interface is controlled with capacitive touch allowing for an uninterrupted silhouette. The use of fabric softens technology and speaks to acoustic performance. With bases available in 4 colors, you can make Google Home fit with any space and decor.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Google Home’s design elements help bring the strangeness of a voice interface closer to the familiarity of an everyday object. A simple voice request triggers Google Home to play music, podcasts or radio from services like Google Play Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora and TuneIn. The LED color palette is primarily white. Google colors are used for moments when the user is talking to the Google Assistant. This contrast helps users learn how to interact with this new UI by using a natural human habit – looking at someone while in conversation with them – and providing a reassuring signal – the lights show when device has heard the user. To encourage the use of voice, secondary UI such as the cap touch and LEDs vanish when the device is not in use. Using color in this way not only provides a strong branding moment, but it also helps reinforce the fact that the device isn’t recording if the colored lights aren’t showing.
Who worked on the project?
Google Hardware Design Team
View the project video:
Google Home Max
Company Google LLC
Introduction Date October 4, 2017
Project Website https://store.google.com/us/product/google_home_max
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Designed with music lovers in mind, Google Home Max gives you hands-free help from the Google Assistant. Ask it questions, tell it to do things and even control smart home devices. With far-field voice control, Max can hear you across the room, even while your music is playing. Unlike speakers in the category, Max is designed to fit into the home, much like a piece of furniture. All the technology is hidden away under a custom designed and acoustically transparent fabric enclosure. The fabric is soft to the touch yet durable featuring a melange yarn that helps emphasize the products highlights and curvature. With a carefully crafted shape and sensor for orientation, you can place Google Home Max vertically or horizontally. Wirelessly pair two for room-filling stereo. A silicone dual-orientation base magnetically attaches to Max’s base in both orientations to protect the product from surface debris and eliminate the need for unsightly fixed dimples on all sides.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Google Home Max also features “Smart Sound”, which optimizes to its surroundings, to whatever you’re listening to, and more. Room equalization adjusts the sound based on the surroundings. Giving you full, balanced audio no matter where you place it. Media equalization fine-tunes based on what you’re listening to. Automatic software updates mean that speaker sound is always at its best.
Who worked on the project?
Google Hardware Design Team
View the project video: https://youtu.be/2_pE3f4lJio
Google Home Mini
Company Google LLC
Introduction Date October 4, 2017
Project Website https://store.google.com/us/product/google_home_mini
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Mini brings the Assistant to every room. Get answers from Google, ask it about your day or listen to your favorite podcast. Mini is compact and discreet. It fits in anywhere, so whenever you need help, it’s by your side The most immediately noticeable attribute of Mini is the striking simplicity of the design. It's sleek and smooth, with no corners or edges. And it's small enough to easily place anywhere in your home. It makes Google Home more accessible to more people in more rooms. The entire top enclosure is covered in fabric. The fabric is not just about the aesthetics, it’s core to the product experience. We created our pique knit material from scratch, right down to the yarn. It needed to be durable and soft, but also transparent enough to let through both light and sound. This perfect balance allows for all of Mini’s technology to be tucked away underneath the clean, simple enclosure.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
We thought a lot about how to get great sound with such a small product too. We embraced Mini’s circular shape to project 360-degree sound, so it’s really crisp no matter where you stand in the room. The integrated of heatsink and acoustic waveguide reduces device volume and maximizes audio performance. Rather than add complexity to the form by adding physical music controls, we used capacitive touch sensors under the fabric to adjust the volume.
Who worked on the project?
Google Hardware Design Team
View the project video: https://youtu.be/zrz1oGXxvuk
Google Pixel 2 XL
Company Google LLC
Introduction Date October 4, 2017
Project Website https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_2
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Pixel 2 XL is the 2017 flagship smartphone from Google. As the centerpiece of a connected ecosystem, Pixel 2XL brings the best of Google from software, hardware and AI to the user, in the most advanced yet iconic product we have build to date. It’s unique design combines a high degree of technological complexity (including the highest ever rated smartphone camera, and a flexible OLED display that maximizes the screen-to-body ratio) with the best user experience features such as front-facing stereo speakers, ergonomically placed buttons and Fingerprint Sensor (FPS) and the quick access Active Edge squeeze feature to activate the Google Assistant. The form, carefully sculpted using 3D-formed glass on front and back panels, emphasizes the focus on approachability. The colors, materials and finishes (CMF) convey the values of the brand making it a very unique and iconic design that stands out in the market.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The design of the rear housing with a split of metal body and a glass window, creates a uniquely iconic design, immediately recognizable and distinct from anything else in the market. The design of the split rear enclosure at the same time provides robust antenna performance by housing antennae behind the glass. From a user experience perspective iconic feature also guides the user semantically, differentiating the bottom portion as the zone to hold and touch the device, with the top portion as the zone for the imaging sensors. Google Pixel 2 XL strived to mirror the simplicity of the Google homepage – it is, distinctive and functional. We wrapped the components in a soft form hiding all of the antenna lines. The soft form is accentuated by the 3D front cover glass. When you grab a phone for the 1st time, you will immediately feel the smoothness of the carefully shaped front display glass. When you swipe content on the screen, your thumb glides off the display softly without ever hitting the edge of the device.
Who worked on the project?
Google Hardware Design Team
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpLVsR8cSFo&t=35s
Heatworks Model 3
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The MODEL 3 Water Heater by Heatworks is a cloud-connected tankless electric water heater and mobile application that provides instant, endless hot water at your desired temperature with unmatched purity, precision and performance. With the MODEL 3, we reimagined the relationship between the consumer and their water heater - no longer is it that loud, over-sized metal storage tank that takes up space in their garage. With its sleek, compact design and smart digital features, the MODEL 3 offers consumers a completely different way to interact with this household appliance while saving precious resources: energy and water. In a traditional electric heating element, only two possible states are possible: on and off. When the element turns on, there is lag time as it begins to heat up. Similarly, when its turned off, it takes time for the element to cool down. This type of system is inefficient and unreliable. In contrast, Ohmic Array Technology turns on and off instantly. There is no time lag since the water itself heats independent of the electrodes. More importantly, there are many more states than simply on and off. Each pair of electrodes can be controlled independently allowing the system to not only control heating activity, but also heating intensity. This allows for precise temperature control: the amount of heat generated in the water can be controlled very finely, even if the incoming water is already hot. In addition, the MODEL 3 can be set from 30-100 amps, unlike a water heater that uses a heating element whose power is fixed. This allows the MODEL 3 to be used in a variety of applications and wiring arrangements. In short, the MODEL 3 creates excitement in an overlooked category and brings water heating behaviors into the forefront to inspire better energy and water consumption habits.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Ease-of-use was a strong focus throughout development of the MODEL 3. In order to simplify assembly, we eventually selected a three-part structure: there’s a wall-bracket with flexible mounting screw pattern, the water heater itself, and then a skirt that slides on to safely cover the electrical connections. The skirt also covers some of the more technical settings, like maximum amperage, that only need to be adjusted at set up. This way the user at home has the simplest possible interface on the device, with a more full-featured interface available on the mobile app. The groundbreaking WiFi-enabled mobile app allows you to monitor things like the amount of hot water and energy you use each day in your home. It also lets you select and maintain your favorite temperature within one degree Fahrenheit for a shower or even if you need to limit showers to certain times during the day. Furthermore, for the last 100 years, electric water heaters have been designed with one fundamental flaw: they all use metal heating elements to heat the water. To heat a tank full of water, the small heating element must get very hot (up to 800° F), which causes rust and limescale to form on the surface of the element. Over time, “hot spots” develop, and the elements fail. Though tankless electric water heaters instantly heat water as it flows through the device, they use this same archaic technology as tank-type units. The way we heat water in the MODEL 3 Water Heater is completely different. Our patented Ohmic Array Technology uses graphite electrodes in place of traditional metal heating elements. Through advanced electronic controls, the naturally occurring minerals in water are excited, directly and efficiently heating the water. Nothing in our units gets hotter than the water itself, resulting in zero scaling and corrosion over time, even if you have hard water or soft water. **And, since we use water as the heating element, the hot water that comes from our units is purer than water from any other water heaters available in the industry today. **
Who worked on the project?
James Song- Creative Director (project lead) Inbal Etgar- Creative Director Ethan Imboden- VP, Head of Venture Design Ryan Wickre- Senior Mechanical Engineer Ara Acle- Industrial Designer II Eli Myers- Senior Visual Designer Jon Grossman- Industrial Designer II Michael Robertson (former frog)- Strategy Director, Venture Design Mackenzie Millar (former frog)- Senior Innovation Strategist
View the project video:
HiLo by Seth Murray and Bret Recor + Box Clever
Company Knoll Inc.
Introduction Date March 1, 2018
Project Website https://www.knoll.com/story/design-plan/hilo
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Small, simple, and something new – HiLo is a perch that will change the way you work. With its honest, personable design, and revolutionary spirit, HiLo keeps you balanced between active and relaxed, fun and functional, sitting and standing. The idea behind HiLo was to find a way to accommodate the elusive position between sitting and standing—a posture that is increasingly common in today’s office as people shift back and forth between focused independent work, group meetings and socializing. And, for the increasing number of health-conscious people working at height adjustable desks, there was a need for a form of seating that adapted accordingly. HiLo in its final form is more like an action-movie prop than the standard, sedentary piece of office furniture. The main design challenge faced was creating a “seat” that users could trust while keeping them engaged. Finding the balance between flexible and too flexible was a major priority. Seth Murray and Bret Recor + Box Clever, co-designers of HiLo, felt that people had to be able to move freely while still feeling supported and feel that HiLo was contributing to their active engagement. This notion was further reinforced by the amount of time spent in user testing to find the right balance of support and flexibility that would appeal to most users rather than just the extremely active user. Additionally, the designers wanted to create something that was more than just a seat, but a true companion. Commenting on the status of workplace wellbeing, Bret Recor, co-designer, said, “There has been an ongoing battle between whether it’s better to stand or sit, HiLo wins this battle.” HiLo address two defining shifts in today’s work culture: a focus on well-being, and the rise of untethered, flexible workstyles. HiLo goes beyond supporting the modern workplace and expands the possibilities. Experiment with a multitude of uses between sitting and standing, personal and shared – and find new ways to work. With an increase in client’s concerns about maximizing workspace without compromising productivity and fun, HiLo’s small footprint makes a big impact. HiLo is easy to carry around and use anywhere it’s needed. When you are done perching, collapse HiLo to its lowest setting and slide it under your desk for quick storage.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
HiLo is made from two triangles—one is the seat and the other is the base—connected by a rigid metal stem. By rounding the corners of the triangles, the design conveys both the familiarity and reliability of a primary geometric shape and the friendliness of soft edges. Months were spent conducting extensive user testing and then refining details to create a truly intuitive design. With a weighted base for stability, a curved lip on the seat to identify it as the back, and a gentle lean – HiLo clearly invites the user to take a seat. Made of foam, the seat has a rubber casing while the base has a spring steel sub-structure that is over-molded with an elastomer to provide flexibility. Rather than use a bulky gas cylinder for the stem, the designers developed a corkscrew mechanism that operates like a clutch to adjust height. A simple piece of aluminum and plastic, and gentle tilt communicate how HiLo functions. Inspiration came from a variety of sources, ranging from footwear—how layers of foam, rubber, and leather can be bonded together to provide both support and flexibility—to basketballs—how changes in texture can be exploited to create a non-slip surface. HiLo lets you take a load off while keeping your weight balanced between the base and your feet. An active way to sit, this neutral position keeps the blood pumping and energy flowing. Just in case someone is new to perching, a sticker on the foot illustrates exactly how to use HiLo. As a compact office companion, HiLo can pivot from individual focused work to a group setting by fitting in amongst other seats and enabling spontaneous collaboration. Whether around a screen or in an open area, users can take HiLo on the go. HiLo inspires a more open, engaged workplace. Offering a spot to perch for individual work or a place for sudden collaboration, HiLo leads to first rate creativity and quality work. HiLo’s approachable form makes it the ideal companion about the office. Discussing the end result, Seth Murray, co-designer, noted, “We conceived of HiLo to personify companionship. It’s right there, it’s ready, it’s reactive and engages with the user.”
Who worked on the project?
Co-designers of HiLo, Seth Murray and Bret Recor + Box Clever
View the project video:
Home WiFi System
Why is this project worthy of an award?
A smart home requires smart WiFi in order to work. The eero Home WiFi System (eero and eero Beacon wall adapter) creates a wireless mesh network that provides uniform Wifi to synchronously handle web surfing, multiple video and audio streams along with IoT connected devices throughout the home. eero’s vision is that you can do everything at once and easily share your network with guests through a simple smartphone app. The eero devices work best when out in the open. The design objective was to produce a system both ambient and exceptional. Perfectly spherical surfaces represent perfect WiFi coverage in your connected home. The Beacon also incorporates the additional functionality of a night light to earn its place on any wall of your home. As the original consumer wireless mesh networking system, eero’s elegant and compact designs set it apart from the competition. The Industrial Design was meant to be ambient yet exceptional at the same time. It was really important that users be comfortable placing the eero devices out in the open in their homes; otherwise, it might not work as well. In order to meet this objective, it was felt that the design had to be extraordinarily simple and approachable. Very basic shapes were used and discipline was required in order to not overbake it. The top or front surfaces of the devices are perfectly spherical geometries that are unapologetically bound by rectilinear outlines with rounded corners. The perfect spherical shape represents the perfect WiFi coverage that emanates from the device. The eero logo is hot foil stamped onto the top case parts, giving the mark just a touch of emphasis. A single UI LED on each device shines through the spherical surface in a deadfront effect. The side walls flow into large corner radii that contrast the crisp top edges and soften the transitions to the adjacent surface. The eero WiFi system was actually the first of its kind. Several followers came in once the product category was established but eero was the establisher.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
In addition to bringing great WiFi, the eero Beacon ( the wall adapter model) has an integrated downward projecting night light that can be controlled through the eero app. A useful extra for navigating dark rooms and hallways at night. The eero devices were painstakingly crafted for superlative function and aesthetic harmony within the home. The out of box and set-up experience is a model of simplicity. The quick start guide simply instructs you to download the eero app which guides you through a very easy set up process- connecting the eero to power and to the carrier router and then plugging the Beacons into wall outlets. The app will tell you if the placement is good or needs adjustment. When a guest visits and wants to use the WiFi, eero really shines. You simply open the eero app and choose share, enter their email or phone number and the eero app sends them the name of the network and the password. No more looking on the bottom of routers or in drawers for post-it notes for the network password. What is really delightful is being able to have multiple video streams running at once without having to wait for a connection or buffering. It just works.
Who worked on the project?
Fred Bould - Design Director Jeremy Wolf - Project Manager, Industrial Designer Bernardo Bajana - Industrial Designer Tristan Cannan - Industrial Designer
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=O8Oq9crvXik
Hot Wheels Mindracers
Company Osmo
Introduction Date September 28, 2017
Project Website http://www.playosmo.com/en/mindracers
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Mindracers is the first Hot Wheels product ever to say for boys and girls on the box. Breaking with decades of tradition, Osmo infused its gender-neutral approach to open up the iconic American toy to a new audience. It’s also the first Hot Wheels game to fuse its iconic steel cars with digital technology in a seamless fun and educational experience for kids.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Mindracers combines physical play with digital worlds in a highly inventive way, where the hands-on fun of LEGO meets the augmented reality phenomenon of Pokemon Go. First, kids place their real Hot Wheels cars at the start line on a short inclined ramp, a classic white and Hot Wheels orange track with built-in storage for power-up pieces, instantly the screen lights up. Recognizing the exact cars placed on the launchpad, it shows their digital avatars in a face-off. On a count of three, kids tap a button on the ramp to release the cars and send them hurtling below the screen, transferring the action into the digital world (iPad screen) where the race happens. Then, traversing through various races, kids strategically deploy physical power-up tokens to navigate the track and get them ahead of their opponents. In all, Mindracers combines the kinesthetic appeal and strategy of card games, the adrenaline of racing games and the tactile, transcending vibrancy and visuals of Hot Wheels cars.
Who worked on the project?
Pramod Sharma - Co-founder, CEO Jerome Scholler - Co-founder, CTO
View the project video:
IKEA TRÅDFRI Smart Lighting Solution
Company IKEA of Sweden
Introduction Date April 1, 2017
Project Website https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/lighting/smart_lighting/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Through IKEA TRÅDFRI, we are democratizing technology for the many people. Today, setting atmosphere with lights at home is a luxury for a few people. Just making a light dimmable can be a daunting task of finding an electrician or investing heavily in expensive and exclusive technology. The IKEA TRÅDFRI Smart Lighting solution is aimed at the many people by combining easy to use and very affordable solutions. It offers pre-paired starter kits with a simple wireless dimmer and a connected lightbulb which lets users convert any ordinary lamp to a dimmable, convenient light source. The user can then easily expand their system to a fully-integrated smart lighting experience through a gateway and an app. They can even control their lights with voice using Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant. IKEA is uniquely entering the smart home through a human angle rather than a technology angle, with the goal of improving life at home for the many people. We have the ambition to provide functional, inclusive, easy-to-use, and joyful solutions that add value to people’s everyday lives. To continue to be the leader in life at home, we are utilizing our curiosity and exploring solutions to everyday frustrations using new and available technology. We are making everyday life easier; saving time, space, money and frustrations for all users.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The entry point to the system is a wireless dimmer that is as simple as it gets. It is just a puck with no moving parts which is essentially a traditional dimmer but entirely portable. It works using motion sensors (accelerometer and gyro) and comes pre-paired to a bulb. This intuitive interface gives comfort to the user with a familiar, yet magical experience. TRÅDFRI plays well with other systems, too. Thanks to a common standard, it can co-exist with other systems like Philips Hue, Samsung Smart Things, and more - so users do not get locked in to one system. It offers a variety of lighting sources for all kinds of sockets and more importantly integrated lighting for cabinets, kitchens and bookcases. The solution caters to a wide spectrum of users. It can be as basic as you are comfortable with or as advanced as you desire.
Who worked on the project?
IKEA of Sweden
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuxzA-h71H4
JAQ Hybrid
Why is this project worthy of an award?
JAQ Hybrid is the first and smallest portable fuel cell charger in the world. Ensuring the ability to communicate when the power is out is the newest form of critical emergency preparation. In an era of the unexpected, the JAQ Hybrid is a new solution for charging any electronic device that’s completely independent of AC power or sunlight: using only water and safe reaction components, single-use PowerCards instantly provide clean, green electricity. The two-part system is easy to use and always ready, providing connectivity assurance for the most unpredictable moments. We were tasked with creating a portable charger that worked for everyday re-charging as well as in emergencies and off-grid applications. Aruliden’s versatile design solution also houses a battery backup, and isn’t solely reliant on PowerCards. Fitting a battery backup and a fuel cell interchangeably into the same small form factor was a significant design challenge, but our elegant resolution makes the device versatile enough to be carried day-to-day, with the added benefit of ensuring users always having it handy in case of the unexpected. The JAQ Hybrid offers security against everyday emergencies and on-demand insurance in case of real disaster.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The JAQ Hybrid is the first consumer fuel cell of its kind and has the potential to revolutionize how we access electrical energy in the future. Clean solutions for power are something everyone can get behind, and for most users, this product represents an introduction to fuel cell technology. It was designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it more accessible every day and easy to use under tough emergency circumstances or off-grid.
Who worked on the project?
Johan Liden CCO, Brett Tom Director of Industrial Design, Stephen Christopher Director of Industrial Design, Eric Call Industrial Designer, Danvu Nguyen Industrial Designer, Kyle Laidlaw Junior Industrial Designer.
View the project video:
Modular chocolates to pair & share
Company Universal Favourite
Introduction Date December 1, 2017
Project Website https://www.complements.com.au/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Complements are an unexpected pairing of chocolate & design. These one-of-a- kind artisan chocolates form unique combinations of flavour and colour. They are handmade, using Belgian couverture, Australian-grown nuts, fruits from the New Zealand alps, and the humble Oreo. While the design is sophisticated and elegant, the simple staircase shape intuitively expresses the concept of complementarity. Every aspect of the product and experience has been thoughtfully and lovingly crafted, with high quality ingredients and carefully considered packaging to elevate the chocolates as pieces of art. The modular design is a new way to conceptualise chocolate, bringing about the interchange of unexpected flavours and colours with interactivity and play. A box of Complements includes 12 individually flavoured chocolates: black sesame; blackberry; cookies & cream; lavender; lychee & coconut; mango; matcha; pistachio; raspberry; salted caramel; single origin dark; and strawberry. The striking visual style is universally accessible and has captured the imagination of both design and chocolate lovers around the world. Complements were initially created as a gift for only our design studio clients, but they received unexpected exposure & an incredible response, making it across the world with over 100 press features (including Design Milk, WIRED UK, Sight Unseen and Gestalten), a Biennale exhibition, & multiple design awards. A private gift to just 90 selected recipients, lead to over 28,000 unique website visitors in the first two months. As a result of the unexpected success, we decided to turn this into a product available for the world to buy. Since their commercial launch, Complements have continued to get noticed, with more press, international wholesale enquiries & they have already been sold in over 20 countries.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Initially, we wanted to create something delighting that reflects the complementary, rewarding relationships we have with our clients. Having already acquired some cult status, these gift projects allow us to get stuck into something we can have fun with, show off our creativity and promote the studio to current clients and a wider audience. And with the decision to commercialise the idea, we needed to up our game on all levels - refine the concept and product, and improve the production quality, taste, branding, packaging and logistics. Complements are now available to the world. We have spent nearly a year perfecting them, popping in new flavours, a fresh look, and a swish box redesign that is gift-ready. A limited run of 500 boxes have been produced for now, and are available at complements.com.au. For us, it is the whole experience, and the brand and packaging are integral to that. We felt that the packaging should highlight the calibre of ingredients used in the chocolates, as well as their unique shape, especially once they are paired together in cubes. The shape of the box is skinny and long; we felt it was more in line with packaging meant for high-end jewellery, which we thought was an interesting departure for chocolate. We really wanted the unboxing experience itself to be unique and special. The exterior of the box was deliberately kept dark, with minimal use of texture to contrast the eruption of colour on the inside — the paired spectrum of chocolates sit within a fully-patterned exposed neck. The graphic textures reflected our decision to synthetically represent each flavour through colour and texture, and the logotype was manipulated in such a way that elegantly characterises the staircase shape. The chocolates are a manipulation of form and senses, so the accompanying design wanted to speak to that.
Who worked on the project?
Product, design & art direction: Universal Favourite Chocolate Production: Bakedown Cakery Photography: Christopher Morris Styling: Jessica Johnson
View the project video:
Molekule Home One
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Molekule is the world’s first molecular air purifier, and the only air purifier scientifically proven to destroy the full spectrum of indoor air pollutants. Molekule’s patented Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) nanotechnology eliminates pollutants up to 1000x smaller than those trapped by traditional HEPA filters. This includes allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses, and even microscopic pollutants -- volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- which are known carcinogens that concentrate in indoor air. These claims have been tested and verified by third-party laboratories like the University of Minnesota Particle Calibration Laboratory and University of South Florida Center for Biological Defense. Molekule also conducted a 49-person clinical trial with allergy sufferers over four weeks to find that after just one week of using Molekule, allergy sufferers experienced a dramatic, sustained reduction in their symptoms over the entire testing period. These results were presented at the ACAAI Annual Conference 2017. Developed by renowned renewable energy expert, Dr. Yogi Goswami, to help his son Dilip (CEO) find relief from debilitating asthma and allergies, the evolution of Molekule unintentionally incorporated all aspects of design thinking. The Goswamis realized nothing on the market could help Dilip: medication masked his symptoms but didn’t address the root of the problem; HEPA filters, a technology developed in the 1940s, trapped larger particles in the air but not pollutants smaller than 0.3 microns (viruses are 0.001 to 0.1 microns). Because HEPA doesn’t destroy pollutants, the filter can even act as breeding ground for trapped bacteria and mold -- especially when the filter goes unreplaced. The Goswamis decided to take matters into their own hands. Adapting a technology that he had developed to clean groundwater contaminants at the Tyndall Air Force base, Dr. Goswami spent over 20 years iterating prototype after prototype, with Dilip as his test subject. When Dilip became noticeably better as a result of PECO, and his sister Jaya (Molekule’s COO) found relief from her chronic migraines, the family knew it was time to share this technology with the world. Today, Molekule has created a fundamentally new air purifier, disrupting an industry that is set to cross $29B by 2021. The device is sleek and stunning, designed to complement any room in the home, and the machined aluminum exterior ensures that it doesn’t off-gas and contribute to indoor air pollution. Molekule also innovated a filter subscription service, where filters are sent automatically to a customer’s door when it’s time for a replacement. The response has been overwhelmingly positive: since launching last year, it has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2017, and the company recently kicked off its first international retail availability in Canada. Global industrialization, compounded by climate change, is worsening air pollution and exacerbating a slew of health problems--and according to the EPA, indoor air pollution can be 5X worse than outdoors. With the Trump administration rolling back environmental regulations, we need to protect ourselves if the government refuses to protect us. With Molekule, consumers can fight back and breathe the air they were meant to breathe.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Molekule is on a mission to eliminate indoor air pollution, in every home, for everyone. After spending decades conducting scientific research to solve a problem affecting millions worldwide, Molekule now brings scientific innovation from the lab to the home. In an industry that has seen little change since WWII, Molekule is pioneering a fundamentally new type of technology. While HEPA remains the current industry standard, these filters can only capture larger pollutants. Using patented nanotechnology called Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO), Molekule is the only air purifier that destroys the full spectrum of indoor air pollutants, eliminating them at a molecular level. Light shines onto a filter membrane coated with proprietary nanoparticles, which in turn triggers a catalytic reaction on the surface of the filter that allows Molekule to break down pollutants of any size. Even microscopic pollutants like allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses, and airborne chemicals are entirely eliminated from the air -- something no other solution on the market can claim. Not only is Molekule working to dethrone incumbents in the space, it has re-invented the clean air experience. Designed by a family for families, the Molekule is sleek and stunning, designed to fit into any modern home. In fact, it’s so beautiful that Molekule was chosen by SFMoMa to retail in its Design Store. In addition to aesthetic considerations, the machine's aluminum exterior prevents the Molekule unit from off-gassing -- that is, releasing VOCs from common household products, including carpets, paint, cleaning products (and even plastic air purifiers!). Plus, Molekule has developed a unique filter subscription service so that consumers never have to worry about reordering or running out of filters. Conventional air purifiers make it difficult to understand when to replace filters; additionally, filters can be hard to find and are often more expensive than expected. It’s no wonder less than 20% of users actually replace their filters! Molekule’s innovative subscription model means that filters are automatically delivered to a consumer’s doorstep when it’s time for a replacement, ensuring on-time filter replacement and preventing a purifier that’s simply a waste of energy. For many of Molekule’s buyers, the results have been life-changing: Katrina Klauer, whose son suffered from debilitating asthma and allergy symptoms, tested Molekule at home and saw a complete shift in her son’s health, stating that Molekule “gave her son his childhood back.”
Who worked on the project?
Dr. Yogi Goswami - Co-Founder & Chief Scientist Dilip Goswami - Co-Founder & CEO Jaya Rao - Co-Founder & COO Peter Riering-Czekalla - CMO
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGnTn6CL00s
MoMA Dip Scoop
Company Aruliden
Introduction Date March 2, 2018
Project Website https://store.moma.org/search-results?q=aruliden&lang=default
Why is this project worthy of an award?
In collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art Design Store, Aruliden designed a series of products, including the Dip Scoop. Each product does more than simply communicate its function through form: these are sculptural objects that work. The Dip Scoop is a visual joke, an ice cream cone transmogrified directly into a functioning tool. Its size, weight and materials are all perfectly suited to the job of serving up an ice cream.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
To begin, Aruliden set out to define what makes a MoMA product a MoMA product. We found that a sense of wit or whimsy paired with a strong sense of purpose defined the best of what the Museum shop offered. "Aruliden understood our brand ethos from the very beginning," said Gabrielle Zola, Manager of Business Development & Wholesale, Retail at The Museum of Modern Art. "Their clever designs all serve a fundamental purpose while remaining innovative, witty, and highly functional." With these lenses, we created products that are beautiful, fun to use, easily understand and universally desirable. Our designs for MoMA deliver unique, playful experiences for all the senses.
Who worked on the project?
Johan Liden CCO, Felix De Voss Design Director, Nick Burrows Associate Director Industrial Design, Eric Call Industrial Designer
View the project video:
Nest Hello
Company Nest
Introduction Date March 15, 2018
Project Website https://nest.com/doorbell/nest-hello/overview/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
At Nest, we make thoughtful products that protect the home. And in the past year, we’ve redefined the security space with new intelligent cameras and an alarm system. But in our never-ending efforts to build products that fulfill the different security needs of consumers, we next decided to focus on an area that facilitates a key interaction between your home and everything outside of it: the front door. Differentiating ourselves within an already established category wasn’t easy, but in March 2018 we launched Nest Hello, a game-changing video doorbell with a high-quality HD camera that gives users a clear image of what’s happening outside their door. It also sends intelligent alerts that serve up the most important, relevant information, and easy-to-use fast interaction features. Nest Hello is intended to replace your wired doorbell. It uses the existing wires and chime to give the user an enhanced doorbell experience and additional security. Nest Hello monitors your front door 24/7 and alerts you when people are there, even if they don’t ring the bell. With a subscription to Nest Aware, it can spot unfamiliar faces – then send you an alert. Nest Hello allows you to interact with visitors from anywhere and provides pre-recorded Quick Responses for when you can’t get to the door. Most importantly, our wired design allows for constant streaming and ensures you’re capturing everything that happens. A premium imaging sensor, glass lens, and plastic housing all work together to record crisp HD video. The housing is high-quality plastic with a glass lens, and the wall plate and 15° wedge are made of aluminum. Nest includes wire extenders to facilitate installation of the video doorbell and the chime connector to allow the camera to continuously draw power. Nest Hello uses the same app as our other Nest products – the main differentiator is the type of video shown. The tall format is designed to show visitors head to toe, and packages on the ground.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Most people that end up on your doorstep are family and friends, so we intended to create a security product that felt like a friendly extension of your home. But we also learned that the front door is the first place potential burglars check to see if anyone is home, and ground zero for package thieves. To make the most effective product, we identified underserved user experiences in the video doorbell market such as low-quality video and audio, inaccurate motion detection, and false alerts. From there, we designed an intelligent HD security camera that replaces your existing wired doorbell and combines the trusted security of a Nest Cam with the familiar convenience of a doorbell. By being tough on intruders and easy on you, Nest Hello delivers comprehensive security while remaining delightful to live with and use every day.
Who worked on the project?
Nest Design Group
View the project video:
Nike React
Company NIKE, Inc.
Introduction Date June 1, 2017
Project Website https://news.nike.com/news/nike-react-foam-cushioning
Why is this project worthy of an award?
• A new, Nike-only, proprietary foam technology • More than 400 hundred combinations of chemistry and processing to develop the final Nike React Foam • 17,000 miles of runner testing (that’s 649 marathons) and 2,000 hours of basketball testing. • 13% greater energy return than its predecessor (Nike Lunar Foam) It started when Runners asked us for one shoe that could do it all: offer more cushion from the impact of each stride, give them the energy return needed to stay fresh late in a run, feel light underfoot and also be able to withstand wear and tear of impact and elements run after run. Nike innovators, chemists, engineers and designers came together to deliver a solution in the form of a new foam, called Nike React. Materials are soft because they absorb energy. On the flipside, hard materials give the most energy return. That’s typically why foam can provide cushioning or energy return. And why it can be lightweight or durable. But usually it can’t be all of those things. Nike’s in-house chemists and mechanical engineers came together to find a composition would yield the perfect outcome. It was a process that demonstrated Nike’s in-house manufacturing ingenuity. After more than 400 hundred combinations of chemistry and processing, and using scientific methods to dial in on materials with certain amenable attributes, they landed the unique composition of Nike React foam. Nike’s latest cushioning innovation is a significant breakthrough in footwear foam and debuted in its first shoe (a basketball silhouette) in June 2017. Basketball is a sport that requires players to shift directions and change speeds in seamless motion and to lift off at the blink of an eye. React foam met those needs by providing a sensation that is as soft and springy as it is squishy and stable — a balance not previously seen in any other Nike basketball shoe. To get this new foam into a basketball shoe Nike’s design team underwent 2,000 hours of testing on the feet of basketball players, where React proved to be the most durable foam tested to-date and to deliver greater energy return than any other Nike basketball shoe tested. Next, Nike React Foam debuted in the Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoe, where engineers uncaged the React foam technology to showcase its full potential on the road and create a shoe that is 5% lighter and 11% softer than its predecessor the Lunar Epic.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
When tested in the Nike Sports Research Lab against other running foams, the data proved that Nike React foam reins superior in energy return. The foam alone delivers 13 percent greater energy return than Nike’s latest generation of Nike Lunarlon foam. Wondering what that feels like? Well, if you were to squeeze Nike React foam, you’d get that great cushioning sensation; and then, as you let go, you’d see the foam quickly spring back to its original shape, which is where the energy return comes into play. That translates so well to a run because as it reacts swiftly to each step, bouncing back to its original state to ensure a consistent underfoot feel stride after stride, mile after mile. On top of all of this, Nike React technology is Nike’s longest-lasting foam, giving runners the energy to do more and go farther. Nike React is more durable than any other foam tested in Nike running, meaning it will keep up with the needs of even the most dedicated distance runners. When it came time to get the foam into a shoe, designers turned to athlete data — how they move, in what direction and with what force — gleaned from the lab. This data was visualized through pressure maps that showed exactly where athletes need support and enabled full optimization of cushioning and traction. In this way, designers were able to make rapid, data-informed decisions on how to shape midsoles and outsoles to maximize the benefits of Nike React foam. They then took this a step further by feeding that data into a proprietary algorithm, and that algorithm generated a unique surface geometry that further amplified the running performance benefits of Nike React technology.
Who worked on the project?
Ernest Kim - Advanced Director Running Footwear Hossein Baghdadi - Director of NXT Footwear Brett Holts, VP - Nike Running Footwear
View the project video:
Nolii
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The products for nolii are driven by a strong set of design values to deliver the most amount of user benefit: • Driven by user insight The project is driven by insightful market and user observations, our designers investigated behaviour and the market, finding that most people faced the same challenges; portable batteries being too large or too easy to lose, cables becoming entangled and broken, and phone cases lacking adaptability. The project delivers a versatile system of products that work alone or together to enable users to stay connected effortlessly – from charging your laptop on-the-go, and transferring files quickly and efficiently, to minimising clutter with intelligent, multi-functional products. • Solving overlooked problems A lot of design effort is rightly spent on the tech tools we rely on – our laptop and phone for example – but the bits that connect them and power them often feel like an after thought. The project for nolii started with those often-overlooked accessories and issues to elevate the experience of our essential tech. From chaotic cords and broken cables to limited charging solutions, our lives are too often interrupted by everyday tech challenges. We believe technology should improve your lifestyle, not complicate it. See next section to see how each product tackles a problem and provides a solution. • Design for everyone We believe that design driven, problem solving products should be for everyone, therefore the price point for all the nolii products is purposefully accessible. This was made possible by focusing on a simple construction and an economy of parts to create products that are designed to be democratic. • Responsibility The project for nolii prioritises responsibility. We sourced ethical factories to produce products from recycled materials that could be easily recycled. We introduced a take back system for all battery based products and all the products are guaranteed for life - driven by high quality materials (e.g - our cables are constructed from Kevlar). Each product also combines functionalities – batteries with plugs, flexibility with cases; all to reduce the amount of disparate products people own and quickly dispose of. • Disruptive The tech market is dominated by big brands that have a monopoly on the market place. We believe its time for the little guy with insightful products, to use design as a tool to differentiate through intelligent functionality that is in tune with our busy lifestyles – rather than just our style. • Well rounded For nolii we were able to create the strategy, branding, packaging, product – from idea to production management, website and communication. We believe this holistic approach is the most compelling method to help a business make a difference through the power of design. • Giving back The project for nolii is about more than just solving problems and helping a business grow. Using a proportion of the revenue from the first collection we are now developing products for East African communities to enable them to use off grid power to promote independence through insightful, intelligent tech.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Each product in the inaugural nolii collection has a number of features that solve problems and elevates your everyday tech experiences. Couple Challenges Phone cases often offer added functionality – however they are generally not adaptable to different situations. Solution Couple is a versatile case system that enables users to change functionality as needed. The case features an integrated clip onto which various accessories can be attached – battery, wallet, sports band, bike dock. Bundle Challenges Many cables easily break and are difficult to manage neatly, cluttering surfaces. Cables often slip off desks and bedside tables, making it difficult to locate the connector. Solution Bundle is a robust cable that can be easily coiled up. It has an inbuilt rubber loop that allows users to neatly bundle the cable and secure it by passing the connector through the loop for storage on-the-go. When in use on a bedside table, a dock onto which the loop can be placed keeps the cable from slipping off the surface, making the connector easy to locate. Keep Challenges Smartphone batteries run out of power and can be unpredictable. It’s easy to forget a portable charger. Keys and bags can be easily misplaced around the home or office. Solution Keep is the ultimate accessory for tech emergencies with three essential functions packed into one product. The battery pack provides a burst of power when you need it most, taking a smartphone up to 50%. Like a keyring, the square can be attached to keys or a bag, and integrated Bluetooth tracking ensures the keys or bag can always be found. Set Challenges It’s necessary to carry several charging devices – mains charger and battery charger – when travelling or working remotely. Solution Set is an all-in-one power pack for people on the move. The compact object reduces the number of tech accessories needed, as it combines a mains plug with a battery. Using the mains plug you can charge from a fixed location, such as home, office or café. Using the battery pack, you can charge while on the move. When the mains plug is connected to the battery and used to charge a device, it will charge both – meaning users don’t have to remember to charge a battery accessory separately. Set is available with UK, EU and US connections. Stack Challenges It’s necessary to carry several charging devices – mains charger and battery charger – when travelling or working remotely. Battery pack chargers often don’t have the ability to charge a laptop. When you need to charge your laptop on the go or in meetings you have to locate a mains wall socket and are forced to trail cable between your device and the socket Solution Stack is the ultimate charging solution for all your devices – smartphone, tablet, and laptop. The power bank – comprising a large battery and a smaller battery – can be used to charge from mains power, or used for charging devices on the go. Together, the Stack batteries can charge a laptop and tablet, or the smaller battery can be separated for smartphones.
Who worked on the project?
-Benjamin Hubert, Creative Director and Founder of LAYER - Emi Runnquist, Lead Strategist
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/233694934
Norton Core, Secure WiFi System with Mesh Networking
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Norton Core is a home WiFi system that provides safe and secure internet at lightning fast speeds across the entire home. For many years WiFi routers were black boxes with strange antennas, so ugly in fact that most people hid them on the floor or in a closet. We designed Norton Core to be sculptural and visually appealing to encourage people to place it on a table, bookshelf or credenza, giving the Core router better signal visibility every room in the home. Also Core has a status illumination ring on the bottom that gives users instant peace of mind that their internet is running and their home is protected. Norton is enabled with mesh networking which means that unlike your typical WiFi router (usually found only in the living room) the Core system uses multiple WiFi router points that you simply plug in throughout the home. The Cores all connect with one another ensuring safe, fast wall-to-wall coverage. The Norton Core system is really solving one enormous and scary security problem, but it's simultaneously giving you the added benefit of fast and reliable internet throughout the entire home. With so many new smart-home devices such as Nest thermostats, internet controlled security cameras, and app-enabled door locks all running over our home WiFi systems, our homes are increasingly at risk of hackers and identity thieves using these unsecured portals as easy access points into our lives. Core is built by Symantec, the world's #1 provider of software security, to leverage their "deep-packet" security inspection technology to ensure that your entire internet and all of your devices are safe and secure.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The design of Core was inspired by the great mid-century architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller, who in 1954 was commissioned by the US Navy to develop a building that could withstand 200mph winds and the harsh conditions of the arctic. It was the height of the Cold War and the US was consumed with the thread of incoming missiles from Russia, so we built a vast array of radars in the Arctic Circle to detect airborn threats. But no structures could protect our radars from the harsh winter elements, until Bucky Fuller realized his Geodesic Dome design. We were inspired by the triangulated geometry of the geodesic dome because it's enduring and strong, a reflection of the protective personality of the Norton brand. Additionally, the spherical shape is the perfect shell for our 360 degree array of antennas that fires strong, fast Wi-Fi signals to all corners of the home. So the design is really a study in form-follows-function. And it's beautiful!
Who worked on the project?
Scot Herbst, Will Hunter, Ameer Karim, Ranjit Sidhu, Chris Gaul, Patrick Charles, Mark Haaland, Dannette Diaz
View the project video:
Oculus Go
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Oculus Go is the easiest way for people to experience VR. Designed for comfort, approachability and ease-of-use, Oculus Go is the first standalone Virtual Reality product that does not require an external device (PC or compatible mobile phone) to power the experience while in VR. The all-in-one headset is the most portable and shareable VR device on the market today and it allows people to experience the magic of VR and share meaningful experiences with the people they care about regardless of physical distance. The understated exterior of Oculus Go hides a series of innovative features that enhance fit and comfort, allowing people to experience VR content comfortably for longer periods of time. Borrowing design cues from Oculus Rift and Touch, the team was able to focus efforts on creating new features and meaningful improvements for the wearer. Cosmetic parts double as functional elements to reduce part count and overall product weight. A new system to channel on-board audio closer to the ears eliminates unwanted cable clutter and improves the ability to quickly get in and out of VR, making it easier to share experiences among friends. And a new orientation tracked controller, simplified in both form and function, borrows core handle geometry, interface angles, and trigger ergonomics from Oculus Touch for effortless gaming and navigation of your VR environment. Proven human factors and ergonomic learnings from Oculus Rift and Touch were leveraged to optimize the headset fit and comfort. The facial interface was refined to accommodate a wider range of face shapes and sizes, and combined with the included glasses spacer, enables people to comfortably wear eyeglasses while in VR. At the heart of the device, Oculus Go utilizes a new display panel and custom Fresnel lenses (second generation Rift lenses) that provide high-quality optics and stunning overall visual clarity of the VR experience.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
When we designed Oculus Go, we had one main goal in mind: reduce the barriers it takes to experience VR, by making an approachable, comfortable and premium headset at an affordable price. This goal manifested in a headset and ambidextrous controller that is comfortable, intuitive to use, and attainable starting at $199USD. We were deliberate about the choices we made in a few key areas focused on comfort and ease of use. To make a truly comfortable device, we know we needed to factor in a variety of head and face shapes. To do this, we leveraged internally-collected 3D head scan data to design our most comfortable facial interface yet. Partnering with garment and technical sports apparel and equipment suppliers, Oculus Go utilizes a new injection molded foam process, allowing the facial interface to be more precise and consistent in mass production versus traditional compression molding techniques. The soft head straps are both comfortable and collapsible, allowing Oculus Go to be easily stored in a bag or a backpack for portability. With a familiar, but simplified size adjustment method of the flagship Rift headset, Oculus Go is easily resized by adjusting the strap length at the sides of the headset. Oculus Go also has an optional top strap that can be worn or removed to accommodate various hairstyles. We looked at intentional design choices that were also functional including the anodized front face plate that acts as both a heat spreader and a cosmetic housing component. While ultimately a functional decision, it removed the need to cover an unsightly heat sync with additional plastic parts or exterior venting details. Another intentionally functional design choice was the integrated audio solution that enables high-quality sound. The audio is piped from speakers located inside the headset housing, through the strap arms, and delivered through audio ports near the ears. This specific design choice removes the need for headphones, making Oculus Go an elegant design that's much easier to share with friends. We've also included a 3.5mm audio jack to allow nearly any headphone (the low profile fabric straps enable the use of in-ear and over-ear headphones) to be plugged in for people who want a more private or tuned audio experience. We thought carefully about how to extend the comfort of the device and developed an optional accessory for those who wear prescription glasses. Oculus partnered with FramesDirect to enable customers to order custom prescription lens inserts for Oculus Go. The Rx lens accessories can be attached in front of the Oculus Go lenses, eliminating the need for glasses while in VR for an even more comfortable experience. And we didn't stop the comfort considerations with the headset. The lightweight orientation tracked controller was designed to be held comfortably in either hand. Due to the unique design and angle of the handle (borrowed from Oculus Touch) the Oculus Go controller enables simultaneous actuation of the index finger trigger and top plate interface to enable immersive game-play and intuitive navigation.
Who worked on the project?
Oculus Design Team
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/245813242
OMATA One
Why is this project worthy of an award?
It takes a singular vision and courage to build something that’s never been built before. OMATA launched into the highly conservative cycling enthusiasts market with a premium sports instrument and engaging brand, that seemingly defies convention or logic. They stand for something, with a strong and articulate POV on cycling, technology and design. in a short time, OMATA have built a community of like minded individuals, and are making a little big dent in the world of design, technology and cycling. It’s a true David v Goliath story. OMATA was created to not simply measure your ride, but to make your ride measurably better. A precision sports instrument purpose-built to enhance the experience of riding. By tracking performance information with greater simplicity and less distraction. And by providing a deeper connection to the brilliant machine that’s propelled by your heart, legs, lungs, and desire. Less distraction. Data isn’t bad. But distraction and complexity is. And deciphering a small hard-to-read digital screen on the bars while descending at 35 mph? That’s of questionable merit, too. OMATA One departs from more-is-more convention and provides information smarter, faster and more intuitively. Data Done Better. OMATA distinguishes between data that can optimize your performance while in motion, and data that’s useful afterwards. A quick glance at its hands shows how you’re doing, right now. ANT+™ compatibility with power, heart-rate and cadence sensors — and integration with activity tracking services like Strava — lets you analyze your performance, later. Analog. Like You. Even in our digital era, analog instrumentation remains the most efficient interface between human and machine and is relied upon to deliver essential information faster and more intuitively. Ask a jet pilot or Formula 1 driver or neuroscientist: our brains simply process physical positions faster than they interpret numbers. More connection. OMATA One’s oath to simplicity and analog interface combine to provide its most unique and powerful quality: a deepened connection to your bike and to your ride that’s as visceral and direct as the connection of your foot to your pedal to your crank to your chain to your wheel. Unlike a digital screen’s ability to detach us from the present moment, OMATA One actually amplifies it. You move. It moves. OMATA One’s core movement translates GPS and sensor data into the mechanical motion of its hands. Pedal harder, the speedometer needle climbs, and the kinetic link between your exertion and your bike’s propulsion grows. It’s a sensation that’s hard to explain, but easy to feel. Our test riders cited it as their most revelatory moment riding with OMATA. A product of rigorous design. Built for the rigors of riding. OMATA One is designed in Los Angeles, California with a ruthless attention to detail, material, color and proportion. It’s comprised of modern digital and precision mechanical technologies, including a custom movement developed in collaboration with Seiko. And each final unit is meticulously hand-crafted in Oulu, Finland to handle any environment your ride takes you.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Modern connected devices are increasingly demanding more of our attention, with ubiquitous connectivity, larger screens, notifications and disruptions. The founders/designers of OMATA believe that the future of connected products is about finding the balance between the benefits of connected devices but without compromising the purpose. They’re goal was to build a truly modern sports instrument, with a strong point of view on the world, that is truly unique in delivering the emotional of analog with all the benefits of connectivity. Every detail of the product has been crafted to the same level of detail that any discerning cyclist would expect. Designed from the inside out. Working in close collaboration with SEIKO Precision instruments, the OMATA Team designed a custom movement - with four steeper motors at it’s core - that is designed to translate digital motion data into analog motion of the hands. The OMATA One captures all ride data, but shows the ‘core four’ most important data during the ride: Speed, Distance, Ascent and Time. (How fast? How far? How high? How long?). The development of this movement is critical to the future generations of OMATA products and is modern HW platform. Any piece of motion or ride data could be assigned to each stepper motor and subsequent hand. With the already built in addition of BTLE and ANT+, OMATA can in the future connect to any external sensor eg. Heart Rate, Cadence, Power etc. Modern Mechanical The simple modal bezel interface and user experience is a straight forward Off, Ride and Connect; combined with the motion of the hands, and tertiary face graphics, results in an modern mechanical user experience. Custom OMATA Numerals Even in our digital era, analog instrumentation remains the most efficient interface between human and machine and is relied upon to deliver essential information faster and more intuitively. Our products are very precise and designed for enhanced legibility, so we felt it was appropriate to invest in creating a bespoke numeral set that met with all of these requirements. OMATA word mark. As a product, the bicycle is a very pure expression of geometry; a refined assembly of straight lines and circles designed to work in harmony with the mechanics of the human body. The OMATA word mark was conceived not only as a reflection of the inherent geometry in the OMATA One, but also of the bicycle. A balanced composition of lines, curves and circles that give both a flow and a structure. There’s an honesty and a simplicity that is beautifully inevitable. The finishing touch is the way the letter ‘A’ is adjusted to reflect the handlebar mount in which the OMATA One sits—a subtle flourish that makes the mark unique and identifiable. Launched on Kickstarter May 2016. Shipping commercial products April 2018.
Who worked on the project?
Rhys Newman - Co-Founder, CEO and Designer Julian Bleecker - Co-Founder, CTO and Designer Michael Halbherr - Co-Founder and Chairman Andrew Gartrell - Industrial Design Stephen White - Head of Brand Design Randy Willoughby - Graphic and Brand Design Brooke Irish - Graphic Design Haltian Oy - R&D
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_niAhmTFIIo&t=29s
Pace's 2018 Dockless Bike Share Platform
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Half of all trips taken in the U.S. are three miles or less, a perfect distance for cycling. Even so, bikes account for merely one percent of all travel. That’s poised to change. Bike ridership is on the rise, cities are redesigning roadways with shared mobility in mind and, spurred by rapid innovation, bike sharing is moving from a niche market to the masses. But the rise of bike sharing in the U.S. has not been without hiccups. While the emerging “dockless” model solves some of first-gen bike sharing’s limitations, free-floating dockless bikes have created new challenges concerning equity, safety and access. The majority of new dockless bike sharing services do not require riders to lock up their bike at the end of a ride, causing a range of new problems such as bike litter, blocked rights-of-way, and theft and abuse. These issues are receiving nationwide attention and forcing cities and colleges to begin to develop new regulations around dockless bike sharing. In 2017, with a decade of experience under its belt, Zagster introduced Pace, its new nationwide dockless bike sharing service for smart cities and colleges. Pace delivers on the key value proposition of dockless bike sharing -- point to point travel -- while also enabling riders to quickly and easily lock up their bikes after a trip. In February 2018, Pace introduced its 2018 Platform featuring a new smart bike, smart parking rack, and upgraded mobile app. This new platform was designed to meet rising demand from cities that want dockless bike sharing, but want to encourage a lock-to model to mitigate the theft, abuse and chaos associated with other dockless bike sharing providers. --- Pace Smart Bike: The new Pace Smart Bike is the first ever smart bike with a cable lock designed into the bike frame. This seamless design allows riders to make point to point trips and lock up their bikes to fixed objects -- either a Pace parking rack or any public bike rack -- with ease, preventing clutter and preserving right of way. --- Pace Smart Parking: The new Pace Smart Parking rack features a first-of-its-kind design that accommodates both Pace shared bikes and personal bikes. This smart, attractive, small footprint parking rack allows cities and colleges to promote both dockless bike sharing and personal cycling with a common, unified bike parking system. --- Pace App: The upgraded Pace app features an easy-to-use map that lets riders -- both Pace riders and personal bike riders -- locate the closest bike rack to lock up. The map shows the location of both Pace parking racks and public bike racks, making it easy to find the closest rack to the rider at any point during a trip. Ultimately, the 2018 Pace platform -- the smart bike, smart parking, and mobile app -- was designed to support sustainable bike transportation to benefit all cyclists, not just Pace riders, and will make a long-lasting, positive impact on urban mobility.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Unlike most other dockless bike sharing services, Pace features smart bikes and smart parking that ensures shared bikes always lock to fixed objects — not just to themselves — to mitigate theft and abuse and keep bikes parked in safe, legal places. This innovation in bike sharing will safeguard against and ultimately prevent the chaos and clutter that free-floating shared bikes are causing in cities across the U.S. In addition, the new Pace parking rack and Pace app makes it easy for riders - both Pace riders and personal bike riders - to easily find and use bike parking across a city or college campus. This allows cities to promote an overall increase in the use of bikes - both shared and personal - with a common infrastructure to relieve car traffic, reduce carbon emissions, and promote more equitable transportation options.
Who worked on the project?
Timothy Ericson, Zagster Cofounder & CEO Bob Mallon, Zagster VP of Product
View the project video:
Pacific Chair by Barber & Osgerby for Vitra
Company Vitra, Inc.
Introduction Date June 1, 2017
Project Website https://www.vitra.com/en-us/product/pacific-chair
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Built on the guiding principle of ‘full performance, quiet design,’ the Pacific Chair is a next-generation task chair that adapts and responds to the weight of each user. The design is characterized by a strongly defined backrest, which extends so far down that no mechanical components are visible from behind. The Pacific Chair’s sleek appearance and consistent design language makes it an ideal addition to any contemporary workplace or home office interior, earning the nickname ‘the architect’s chair’.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The intuitive office chair offers all the functions necessary for ergonomic seating, while demonstrating expressive clarity and exceptional precision. Although not readily visible, the Pacific Chair offers all the sophisticated functions necessary for ergonomic seating. The height-adjustable back and armrests form part of the same vertically aligned profile. This is a decisive feature of the overall design concept and allows users to sit sideways. The synchronised mechanism automatically responds to the weight of the respective user, offering an immediate sense of personalised comfort. Further fine adjustments can be carried out quickly and easily thanks to the concealed but intuitively positioned operating elements.
Who worked on the project?
Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby designed the Pacific Chair for Vitra
View the project video:
Papier Machine
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Papier Machine is a collection of DIY thematic books gathering 6 interactive electronic paper toys ready to be cut, folded and assembled to reveal the mysteries hiding into our day-to-day devices. Printed with silver ink, it tells the stories of electronics with no words but colours and shapes. The first volume focusses on the sound. Papier Machine seduces and surprises. It presents one possible way to go back to the origins of electronics with simple materials (mostly paper). It singularly marries classical printing and printed electronics extending the possibilities that paper offers. --- innovation More than this, it mixes worlds usually evolving in parallel: paper, electronics, arts and play. --- multidisciplinarity We know the world will be invaded by screens. It is already. But paper is not dead. Printed with conductive ink, its possibilities are infinite. To tell the truth, we encountered difficulties in determining the right category for Papier Machine. Not only screen-based apps or games can bring the tools to apprehend what will come next. Papier Machine is one example of alternative games that can help children AND adults get the keys to face it. Too often, we think innovation replacing what already exists with things that does not exist. There are still so many things to imagine with what remains. Papier Machine is a manifesto in favor of evolution. Papier Machine is a manifesto in favor of the origins. Papier Machine is about seeing and going further going back to the origins. Winning this award would represent the perfect boost to shout out about it...
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
We remain convinced that everyone can marvel with Paper Machine. The project was designed to talk to everyone: in its form, in its colors, in its multidisciplinarity. There is no knowledge needed to experience it. It is designed for everyone curious! Anyone can interact with paper! Beyond that, it is intrinsically interactive and intergenerational. By playing with Papier Machine, everyone can learn from each other. Design has a part to play in providing the keys to apprehend the world around us, technologies among others. As we move towards a world that is increasingly appealing to the infinitely small, design allows us to present it from another angle or in another context, to dissect it to make it accessible through a universal language made of shapes, colours, materials. From our perspective, good design includes everyone. It must be understandable by everyone. Then it can call for real reflexions, not questions. Always aiming to give the impression of simplicity was tough. To make simple what can be complicated implies an iteration work. But we think we have come to a design that not only simplifies but brings more reflexions and stimulates the need to desire more. To adults, it should remind some old games you played when you were little ones. To children, it will stimulate your curiosity and help you apprehend the world without having to touch a screen. To teachers, this should be what you'd use to have your students like electronics! We are convinced that one can learn through play. Play allows an inhibited relationship to the subject. We all want to play, we can all come to learn.
Who worked on the project?
Papier machine was designed by Studio Pinaffo+Pluvinage, represented by designers Raphael Pluvinage and Marion Pinaffo, joined by Agnes Agullo for development matters.
View the project video: https://youtu.be/k81twwrPIyc
PearsonLloyd Eco Seat
Company PearsonLloyd
Introduction Date April 10, 2018
Project Website
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Our Economy Class seat for long haul travel was designed with the primary ambition to improve the passenger space and experience during flight. To achieve this, the ergonomic potential, comfort and value had to be optimised within the framework of the class by reimagining how the seat is laid out as well as the use of materials. To combat the sense of claustrophobia often experienced in close pitch economy seats we sought to increase passenger space. To maximise personal space for the passenger, the seat design introduced a central spine and neck to support the head rest, separating it from the back and creating increased sight lines through the cabin. This visual separation lowers the bulk of the seat to shoulder height. The head rest sits forwards of the central spine creating more real-estate for the aft passenger at this level. This also helps egress into the aisle as there is less bulk when standing. The central spine houses all functional parts for the passenger, visually separating them from the upholstered part of the seat in front. This clear demarcation of space also means that passenger’s knees can now sit on either side of the spine, following the ergonomic curve of the back and thus maximising space. The seat layout has been optimised to allow for a greater recline in the upright position, as well as to enable the passenger to recline further, whilst relaxing, without impeding the aft passenger’s sense of space. With the aim to maximise the seat’s real estate, we have also redesigned the tray table as a bi fold tray which extends laterally to take up minimum space. In addition, we introduced upper and lower stowage areas to reduce unnecessary passenger movement during the flight. Overall, the seat design is characterised by slim forms and a sense of efficiency, which is subsequently softened by flowing perimeter lines and padded contoured features on the front face.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Through extended research on aircraft seating and trialling ergonomic sit rigs we were able to arrive at an optimised layout placing the passenger in a well supported but relaxed position. The seat thickness itself is defined by current materials of composite shell and seat foams, which offer better support than tensile textile structures that require protection from the aft passenger knees. Accordingly, the design features a carbon fibre internal structure which is covered on the rear with recycled plastic.. The choice of materials aims to introduce elements of domesticity to the cabin, creating a familiar and relaxing environment for the passengers and maximising the comfort elements. The seat covers are composed of a recycled wool mix and held away from the foam with a ‘spacer-knit’, aiding air flow next to the passenger’s skin. Lastly, in an attempt to introduce elements of sustainability in such an environmentally costly sector as aviation, we proposed using recycled aircraft aluminium for all aluminium parts of the design. The seat concept was unveiled at the Aircraft Interior Expo 2018 in Hamburg as an immersive virtual reality experience in partnership with digital agency Neutral Digital. During the show we had many visitors, including airline manufacturers, airlines and seat suppliers all of whom were impressed by the level of refinement of the design and the quality of the overall cabin impression rendered through the virtual world. The Virtual environment allowed users to experience the additional real-estate that we produced with the design generating sight lines throughout the cabin that are not available with contemporary seat propositions. Further feedback we have received from the industry since the showcase has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the design’s maximisation of space and how the aesthetics and seat architecture deliver quite a different perception of real estate.
Who worked on the project?
PearsonLloyd
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/271258288
Relay - Screen free communications for kids
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The project is Relay (www.relaygo.com) – a first-of-its-kind screen free smart "walkie talkie” for family communications. Because it’s powered by both WiFi and 4G LTE cellular, Relay works just about anywhere you could use a cellphone – in the other room, down the street, even across the country. A companion app for iOS, Android and MS allows Mom and Dad to use their smartphones to communicate and control the features of Relay. * * * So much has been written about the ill effects of kids and too much screen time. Powerful companies have been taken to task. Major players in technology took a stand against the ways some technology is designed to maximize screen time and consume our attention. Even Tim Cook revealed he doesn’t let his nephew touch social media. Some even joined grassroots movements like the Center for Humane Technology or Wait Until 8th. Meanwhile, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have changed their recommendations on screen time for kids as new research emerges, and many parents aren’t sure what to do. While others have attempted to meet the market needs with phones aimed at kids or GPS trackers, nobody was getting all the parts right. Worse, only a handful of players were even trying. Enter the team at Republic Wireless – “Enough” – they said. “Let’s make a solution.” At heart we are innovators and tinkerers who geek out on new challenges. We already had a powerful platform (years in the making, which produced Republic Wireless) and we were ready to do more. The result is Relay (www.RelayGo.com) launching on May 14, 2018 (and sold by multiple big box and e-commerce retailers by the end of the year.) At just about 2.5 inches square, Relay loses the bulkiness and range limitations of walkie talkies (despite what you might believe after watching Stranger Things). With no screen, parents don’t have to worry about young children’s access to inappropriate content. At the same time, kids who’ve tested Relay love the games, and ability to do things like talk to friends who also have Relays and stream music. (A companion app for IoS, Android and MS devices ensure parents smartphones can communicate with Relay). What makes Relay worthy of an award? Relay’s push to talk functionality embodies the kind of family communication that we champion. It enables and encourages kids to explore more, play more, to be creative and unplug from the screens in their lives. Unlike GPS trackers, Relay includes a multitude of fun features and games to motivate a child to always carry it with them. Building Relay was a three-year labor of love. It required “sanding down” multiple friction points: simple to use (even without a screen), extremely safe and private (unlike smartphones), broad geographic coverage & range (cell and WiFi), durable (drop and water resistant), all at a highly affordable cost. We like to say Relays allows your kids to “Go Far. Stay Close.” We built it for our own families, and now we’re excited to share it with yours.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
“It has three buttons: one for talking, one for volume, and one for changing the channel. You just press the button and talk, and it works.” Relay was designed with the philosophy that simple beats complex every time. Relay’s number one job is to keep families connected in a fun and simple way. We distilled Relay down to essential elements, designing communication-first from the outer hardware to the tech inside. Communication should be fast, easy, and natural. We made Relay’s interface as close to real-time as possible by integrating voice streaming and advanced audio compression into Relay’s software. Voice streaming lets your message start transmitting as soon as you start talking, eliminating that delay. Audio compression is what makes your message travel to its destination as fast as possible. We also increased our speed by embracing the push-to-talk communication style rather than sacrificing time to voice commands and other interfaces. When staying connected, you shouldn’t have to wait. Relay is compact—it has three buttons, no screen, and you don’t need a thick manual to use it. We designed the hardware to turn complicated technology into a small and polished package that’s useful without becoming a distraction. An LED light ring shows battery level, talk status, and more. You don’t even have to look at your Relay to push the talk button. It’s designed to enable communication for kids while they’re playing, exploring, and learning about the world around them without dominating their attention. We made deliberate, active design decisions to cultivate communication that supports real-world activity without eclipsing it. Even Relay’s Echo feature, a fun voice-changer, is so much more fun when it’s part of a game, a story, an active adventure. Relay’s first job is communications, but it isn’t a phone. By providing a line of communication without a screen, it enables kids to go farther without sabotaging the desire to engage in unplugged play in the first place. We built Relay to be family friendly, and that means being both fun for kids and useful to the parents. A big part of giving parents peace of mind is the ability to know and track where their kids are. That’s why we built GPS functionality into every Relay and made it visible in the Relay app. But design isn’t just about the features—it’s also about the things Relay doesn’t do. We believe in users’ rights to control their experience. All features are optional and turned off by default. We don’t record or store your family’s voices. We believe in your right to privacy and would never ask you to choose between your family’s privacy and staying connected. Right now, Relay is a lean and specialized communication device, focusing in on providing the best, fastest communication possible. But that’s just its first function. We designed Relay with room to grow. Where it grows is up to our customers. We believe the best products are shaped by the customers who use them most—that’s the way we built Republic Wireless.
Who worked on the project?
Chris Chuang, Chief Executive Officer, Republic Wireless Jim Mulcahy – President and General Manager – Republic Wireless Mike Volz – Vice President, Future Products Team Jon Schniepp – Senior Vice President Marketing and Product Many employees of Republic Wireless
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/245421071
Samsung 2018 QLED TV featuring Ambient Mode
Company Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Introduction Date March 7, 2018
Project Website https://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/tvs/qled-tvs/s/_/n-10+11+hv1uh+zq2jh/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Pushing the boundaries to bring the most engaging viewing experience, Samsung’s 2018 flagship QLED TV series amazes whether it is on or off. Crafted with ingenious design, intuitive navigation and smart technology, Samsung QLED TVs feature advanced picture technology tuned for optimal performance in real-life conditions, so users can be fully immersed in the content they love. The 2018 QLED TVs feature new innovations that enrich the lives of consumers by reimagining how TVs integrate into the living room, how consumers enjoy their content, and how they interact with their devices. Most prominently, Ambient Mode, a new feature that elegantly melds form and function, hides QLED TVs from view so that when the TV is not in use, it blends into the background. For wall-mounted TVs, Ambient Mode can mimic the pattern on the wall behind the TV to create a cutting-edge visual effect that emulates a transparent screen on the wall. Ambient Mode also provides useful information throughout the day – even when consumers aren’t actively watching movies and TV. It can play music as well as display news headlines, traffic reports, and weather updates. Partnerships with The New York Times and The Weather Channel are the first of several that will provide consumers with content that genuinely extends the functionality of their screen when not in use. Likened to an “invisibility cloak” and described as “chameleonic” (Fast Co’s Mark Wilson), Ambient Mode is Samsung’s latest step in mitigating the visual offense of a black screen dominating the living room. Developed with consumer feedback and research in mind, Ambient Mode is a tasteful and useful way to maximize the time (~19 hours a day on average, according to internal research) and functionality when the TV is turned off. In addition, 2018 QLED TV models feature enhanced color and contrast, HDR10+ compatibility, Smart TV enhancements with Bixby Voice and SmartThings, One Remote Control and the One Invisible Connection. The 2018 QLED line spans screen sizes ranging from 49” to 88.”
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Samsung’s design philosophy is to keep distractions minimal so consumers see only the content they love. With the new Ambient Mode, one can enhance the living room with decorative content, useful information and/ or personal photos. Samsung has also ingeniously concealed the common things that distract from the viewing experience by minimizing wire clutter and the gap between the wall and mounted TV. With Samsung’s specially designed No Gap Wall Mount, QLED TVs can fit snug to the wall and blend naturally into any room design, leaving nothing to distract from the on-screen content. In addition, the new One Invisible Connection cable provides a translucent, single, clutter-free connection link between the TV and Cable Box, Satellite Box and Ultra HD Blu-ray source devices. It is the TV industry’s first singular cable that transmits both data and power. It is the next evolution in Samsung’s quest to further streamline TV design. Optional Gravity and Studio Stands are both designed to make a QLED TV look great wherever placed. The full-metal body of the stands blend in seamlessly with any surrounding, adding visual appeal to the living space with a contemporary design. And with Boundless 360° Design, QLED TVs are virtually bezel-free and feature a stunningly clean back, evoking minimalism from all angles.
Who worked on the project?
Jeff Castaneda
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/258994266/026c0f52d6 (Ambient Mode B-Roll Starts at 1:28) ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkLYmLkSMIk (2018 Global Launch Video)
Skycatch High-Precision Package
Company NewDealDesign
Introduction Date October 20, 2017
Project Website https://www.skycatch.com/precision-package/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Combining Skycatch Explore¹ Drone and the Edge¹ base-station/field processing unit, Skycatch High-Precision Package offers cutting-edge technology for construction site 3D-mapping and optimization. Used by some of the largest construction, mining, and energy companies, the enterprise-focused technology package autonomously captures, processes, and analyzes 3D drone data. Explore¹ Drone delivers precision imaging, longer flight times within an industrial enclosure that is simultaneously aesthetically pleasing, robust & rugged. Edge¹ is the market-first combination GNSS (GPS) base station and field-processing unit providing easy setup on-site via self-positioning. A simple to use processing app delivers high-accuracy concurrent data for efficient large construction site-management. Skycatch's High-Precision Package delivers centimeter-level accuracy and high-resolution imagery for daily updates on construction progress. Other drones require the use of Ground Control Points (GCPs) requiring 5 operating steps and then 3 hours processing time. The combination of the Explore¹ drone with our Edge¹ base station and processor eliminates the use of GCPs all-together thus reducing the process to 2 steps and 1 hour of processing time. Explore¹ Drone It offers site-coordinate localization and dual cameras with a special nadir-facing 3D image sensor called Sync¹ ¬–– 20MP high speed shutter mapping and gimbaled inspection camera with vibration isolation mounts. The drone's 3D mapping processes photos 2x faster (2 photos/second) than standard commercial drones on the market. Standard drones deliver accuracy within 500cm while Explore¹ Drone captures 5cm accuracy (100x better!). The Rugged-looking design, combined with a caring handle, allows easy set-up and mission handling by a gloved worker. Edge¹ The Skycatch Edge¹ is a self-contained Edge-computer destined for outdoor use in harsh environments. It has a powerful Nvidia TX2 GPU to process images captured by the Explore¹ and serves as an GPS base station for centimeter-resolution 3D mapping. Edge¹ is equivalent to a powerful desktop PC with GPS processing and cellular communication, situated outdoors in the elements – and its compact too! With operating temperatures ranging from 0°C to 40°C on the outside and high-power processing inside, cooling this computer became a main design challenge. The design is unique in its heat-dissipating form, aluminum body and overall passive-cooling approach. It also minimizes dust ingress and allows direct mounting on tripod.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Large construction job sites are extremely difficult to manage efficiently. Such multi-million-dollar investments could be hampered by misuse or misdirect resources, misinformed decision-making and miscalculated materials. Excavated soil requires moving by giant trucks while building materials are moved to place as equipment and personnel perform complicated tasks. Postponing tasks in hours or days costs a fortune while minor daily inefficiencies become massive budget overruns on projects lasting months or years. Situational-awareness and software-based decision-making is becoming paramount in navigating the intricacies of site-management. While using drones is a recognized novelty, it does not provide data analysis or assist in management. Combining drone data with accurate positioning and computer-assisted visual analysis is the innovation brought by Skycatch. Our challenge was to do it right – provide the right integration for the end-users at the site, combine ruggedness with delicate electronics, and weather-proof the package to withstand the elements. Additionally, Edge¹'s high computing power comes with many high-temperature internal components. Combined with sun radiation, cooling this Edge-computing device was paramount to the overall system's success. Skycatch is a young innovator delivering cutting-edge solutions to an age-old industry. The system capabilities must be matched with reliability and cost-effectiveness to gain ground in an industry driven by giant construction corporations. Our design helped Skycatch forge industry partnerships with the likes of Komatsu and Nvidia. Revenue growth was another benefit as the combined package offers better financial benefits than each of the units separately. Skycatch is driving towards the automated job-site future. This combination of high-precision drone imagery with local high-powered processing is changing large infrastructure projects and making these more palatable and financially reliable. Over time the Automated Infrastructure Site will reduce the costs to society and will allow us to get out much-needed infrastructure projects on time and on budget.
Who worked on the project?
Gadi Amit, President & Principal Designer, NewDealDesign; Yoshikazu Hoshino, Master Designer, NewDealDesign; Stan Moiseyenko, Director, Product Development, NewDealDesign; Alex De Stasio, Designer, NewDealDesign; Scott Alberstein, Designer, NewDealDesign; Maya Kremian, Designer, NewDealDesign; Carlos Dominguez, Designer, NewDealDesign; Alean Daniel, Sr. Product Development Engineer, NewDealDesign; Andrew Browning, Product Development Engineer, NewDealDesign; Stephen Krotseng, Product Development Engineer, NewDealDesign; Christian Sanz, Founder/CEO, Skycatch, Inc.
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/270004699/273f9c3eb2
SOG Multi-tools
Company IDEO
Introduction Date January 1, 2017
Project Website https://www.sogknives.com/type/multi-tools/baton-q1.html
Why is this project worthy of an award?
SOG’s new family of multi-tools has taken the core functionality of a classic multi-tool and packaged it into a sleek, minimalist structure the size of a pen. At first glance, these tools give very few hints as to their true nature. When opened, they reveal a diverse range of everyday features, from bottle-openers and flashlights to scissors, pens, and pliers. Their signature, slim structure makes these tools travel-friendly companions, while their intuitive design makes them easy for anyone to use, regardless of experience or skill. The line is comprised of four tools: The Baton Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, each made to suit a different user. Dozens of prototypes were designed for each before landing on the exact set of features that would complement each other and be ready for a variety of uses. - First in the set, the Baton Q1 is designed with 4 basic tools to tackle everyday administrative tasks: a pen, bottle opener, flat screwdriver, and scissors. Packaged in a slim structure resembling a common ballpoint pen, it’s familiarity makes it the ideal multi-tool for everyday use. - The Baton Q2 features a different set of 4 tools to meet the needs of the prepared urban go-getter, with a small straight-edge blade, bottle opener, flat screwdriver, and 75 lumen LED flashlight. - The Baton Q3, based on the classic multi-tool, fulfills the basic essentials for wilderness and urban adventure. It features a robust 13 tools, including all those in the Q1 and Q2 Batons plus additional pliers, screwdrivers, chisel, wire-cutters, and more. - Fourth, the Baton Q4 is a modified, but amplified, version of the Q3. Its set of tools is also based on the classic multi-tool, but comes equipped with next-level necessities for wilderness and urban adventure featuring a ratcheting magnetic ¼” hex driver and set of bits presented in a soft, folding slimline case. These tools mark a true revolution in the multi-tool space. They build on the classic design of the 1980’s multi-tool while making it sleeker, smaller, and better suited to the modern user’s needs.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
More feature-rich than the every-man’s pocket knife, but less refined or functional than a variety of specialized tools used by professionals, traditional multi-tools are portable, versatile hand tools that combine multiple functions, such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, openers, and saw blades, in a single tool. While the designs of most cutting tools have evolved significantly over the years, multi-tools have remained largely stagnant. Recognizing this gap, SOG, an established leader in the specialty knife industry, collaborated with IDEO to identify new opportunities for innovation in the multi-tool space. The team specifically aimed to expand SOG’s offerings into a more general lifestyle category in order to appeal to new users. Four different user typologies were identified, and each of the four models was designed to meet user’s unique needs. Other offerings in the multi-tool category typically follow one of two familiar forms: either tools unfold from the side-by-side handles of a scissors or pliers-like tool, or tools unfold from a bulky single-handled tool such as a folding knife or hammer. Methodologies for unfolding and refolding tools are often some of the most distinctive features of these gadgets, and leading brands in the category patent these approaches, further limiting the space for innovation and challenging our design process. Made of black and gray anodized aluminum, the slim, pen-like designs of the Baton family are unique and distinctive. A clever pull-apart design allows for easy reconfiguration of the baton and access to tools and, unique among multi-tools, some features can be opened by the user with just one-hand. Finally, the single-column design of Baton provides greater stability and ease-of-use for tools such as screwdrivers and straight-edge blades, which can be difficult to use with precision on two-handled tools. From everyday administrative tasks to real-life wilderness emergencies, these multi-tools meet the modern user where they are, and anticipate a variety of situations before the user even knows to expect them. SOG’s new family of multi-tools launched in January 2017. SOG and IDEO are delighted to submit this collaboration to the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards in the Product category, and thank you for your kind consideration.
Who worked on the project?
Teams from SOG Specialty Knives and Tools + IDEO
View the project video: https://youtu.be/VC0_tv30Ajk
Square Register
Company Square, Inc.
Introduction Date October 30, 2017
Project Website https://squareup.com/hardware/register
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Square Register is a fully integrated point-of-sale system designed to work with any business. It was built in-house in late 2017 and is the first Square product that combines dedicated hardware, embedded software, and integrated payments technology—all working together seamlessly. Square Register was built based on years of insight from working with sellers about what they need on their countertop as their business grows. This is the first time we’re delivering a product that incorporates everything the Square is known for in one place: beautiful hardware, powerful software, and a robust managed payment experience. Square Register has an extra-large, bright seller display that helps merchants ring up transactions quickly and accurately. It also features a versatile customer display that can be docked to Square Register or positioned separately. The customer display shows customers what they’re buying, lets them pay with any form of payment (contactless, chip, and magstripe), and can prompt customers to sign up for digital receipts and loyalty programs. With its striking, minimal form factor, Square Register is a hit with sellers—elevating their countertops with the perfect combination of style and functionality. Square Register is designed to solve the multitude of real-life challenges faced by merchants at the point of sale, while maintaining a striking, elegant, and minimal form factor. The three most unique design elements of Square Register are: Striking appearance that doesn’t sacrifice usability; Flexibility to support a variety of countertop types; Aluminum alloy material.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Striking appearance: Square Register combines all essential features for both our sellers and their customers into a striking, minimalist design. When docked, the customer display is integrated into the arm of the seller display, reducing any interference with the elevated aesthetic that Square Register brings to the countertop. Flexibility: Merchants have many different types of countertops—one size doesn’t fit all. Salons, for example, frequently position the point of sale on a low desk with a higher ledge facing the customer at standing level, while many quick-serve restaurants have extra-wide countertops for trays and large orders. To accommodate these variations, we built a detachable customer display with an adjustable display angle. Merchants can choose the setup that works best for their point of sale: keep the customer display docked for smaller spaces, or detached for wider or tiered counters. This design provides an ergonomic interaction for the merchant and customer—no matter the counter setup. Aluminum alloy: The decision to build Square Register in aluminum alloy was a conscious one. We selected a CNC unibody aluminum alloy to achieve a thin, compact appearance and a beautiful finish without sacrificing sturdiness. Square Register sets a new standard for point-of-sale maintenance and reliability, including automatic Square-managed software updates; Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Offline Mode for seamless usage; a five-port USB hub so sellers can integrate with peripheral devices; a two-year warranty; and acceptance of all payment types: swipe, dip, or tap. Most importantly, Square Register gives any business a modern look without compromising valuable countertop real estate.
Who worked on the project?
Square Hardware Team
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1WwBziHdzs
Tasty One Top
Company BuzzFeed
Introduction Date July 27, 2017
Project Website https://tastyshop.com/collections/tasty-one-top
Why is this project worthy of an award?
BuzzFeed’s Tasty is the largest social food network in the world, reaching 500 million people every month with its signature top-down recipe videos that make cooking fun, accessible and shareable. BuzzFeed research shows that 60% of the Tasty audience not only watch a recipe but actually make it. With that insight, Tasty and BuzzFeed Commerce have created a product that makes bringing Tasty recipes to the kitchen even easier and more accessible. In July 2017, BuzzFeed introduced its first-ever smart appliance the Tasty One Top, a Bluetooth-enabled induction cooktop and the Tasty app. The Tasty One Top is a precision smart appliance that can be operated via the Tasty app and set to prepare Tasty recipes or perform a wide range of culinary tasks. In one compact surface, the One Top can be utilized for almost any form of cooking, including: pan cooking, pot cooking, slow cooking, sous vide, and more. Designed by BuzzFeed Commerce and brought to life with the help of GE Appliance’s First Build team, the One Top tracks the surface temperature of a pan or pot, as well as the internal temperature of your food, to assure perfect execution of every recipe. The One Top allows fans to go from scrolling through content, to becoming active chefs in the kitchen, cooking their favorite recipes with the tap of an app. The Tasty app allows users to watch the latest videos from Tasty, and explore recipes based on any ingredients they have available in their own kitchens. By connecting directly to the Tasty app the One Top allows users to tap their favorite recipe, with step by step instructions and take the guesswork out of cooking with perfect, repeatable results which empowers the Tasty audience to learn, cook, share and connect. The Tasty One Top was recognized by Time Magazine as on the of the Top 25 Inventions of 2017, won an Ad Age Creativity Product of the Year award, and was named one of Engadget's Best Smart Home and Kitchen Gadgets. The Tasty One Top, which retails for $149, sold out all inventory from the first production run and sales continue to grow.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The Design: The design features of the Tasty One Top reflect its innovative functions. The shape of the Tasty One Top came from a desire to create something iconic and impactful for the top-down cooking videos that Tasty has become known for. We wanted the smart appliance to be immediately identifiable and shareable as Tasty on social with a clean cut, rounded corner pentagonal shape in Tasty’s signature blue color. The Thermometer: The Tasty One Top has two thermometers which precisely monitor the cooking temperature. One thermometer is the probe, which is used when heating liquids and reading the interior temperature of food like meats and fish. The second thermometer is built into the glass cooktop surface and reads the temperature of your pot or pan. Users can set a goal temperature for either thermometer, or when cooking a Tasty recipe, the app progresses and adjusts temperature based on which thermometer is programmed for that given recipe step. This allows users to maintain temperatures within a 1-degree range, and makes sure meals are cooked to the exact temperature. The Burner: Unlike traditional stove burners, the Tasty One Top uses induction heating technology: the smart appliance itself does not get hot - only the cookware heats up. While there are many benefits to this, it most importantly makes the One Top more energy efficient and safe: No energy is wasted by heating up the area around the cookware and since it does not get hot, it is a safer appliance.
Who worked on the project?
Adam Paskow - Industrial design and Product development lead Ben Kaufman - Head of Commerce Viresh Chopra - Creative Director Graham Wood - App Engineer lead Amir Shaikh - Digital Product Manager Talia Halperin - Commerce strategy and project management Claire King - Culinary Lead Larry Portaro - GE Appliance Product development Dong Soo Shin - GE Appliance Engineering and Production
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=1Mp5NdCM_48
The Floyd Side Table
Company Floyd Home
Introduction Date February 15, 2018
Project Website https://floydhome.com/products/the-floyd-side-table?sideTableSize=small&color=Birch+%2F+White
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Buying furniture is a tedious and overwhelming process. Oftentimes, consumers don’t know where to start. From the long lead times, to the inconvenient delivery options, to the labor-intensive assembly, the furniture industry is ripe for disruption. There has never been more attention focused on the furniture industry as companies large and small try to upend the traditional furniture buying model. Yet none have done so successfully. Enter Floyd, the Detroit-based direct-to-consumer company, which is transforming the furniture industry — addressing all the pain points, from design to manufacturing, serviceability to delivery, assembly and disassembly. Kyle Hoff and Alex O’Dell founded Floyd in 2014 because they were tired of buying and throwing away furniture. By reimagining how people buy and shop for furniture, Floyd has created quality pieces for young, urban dwellers like themselves, who are likely to move more frequently that one can keep through all stages of life - a solution to the all-too-common practice of disposing furniture. Rather than offering several different styles, Floyd is provides a carefully-honed collection of home essentials — the best version of a single product. Each original design is created by an in-house team focused on exploring a new American modern aesthetic. Manufactured in the US, the Floyd Side Table is designed for how people live today and where they might live in the future. It is built from high quality materials such as real birch wood, an all-natural linoleum for the surface, and steel, powder-coated legs and can be assembled in under five minutes, without any tools. Customer feedback via social media inspired the concept and design of the Side Table. Floyd surveyed its customer base and hosted Instagram polls to deliver the best possible product to its customers. Followers voted on colorways, and Floyd asked users to engage in the design process by sending suggestions via direct message. By involving their customers in these important decisions, Floyd was able to give them the best version of the product they wanted the most. Because of the company’s size and tightly controlled supply chain, it was able to move quickly to introduce the Side Table in a way that larger retailers, like Amazon, cannot, due to cost, timeline, and scale. The entire process, from concept design to launch, took only ten weeks. Floyd is also focused on making furniture delivery a seamless process and enjoyable customer experience from start to finish, and offers same-day delivery in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles and will be launching same-day delivery in Detroit, Chicago, Portland and Seattle in the coming months. Floyd is designing furniture for how people are truly living while providing a frictionless furniture shopping experience for customers. They have upended how people think about shopping for and keeping furniture and represents the future of the industry.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
DETROIT, MI - Floyd, the online brand that designs and manufactures high-quality pieces at an attainable price point, will launch the Floyd Side Table on February 15th. Coming off the successful launch of the Floyd Table last fall, the Side Table is a round, three-legged version that will be available in two sizes and five color combinations with the option of an all-natural linoleum or real birch wood surface and steel, powder-coated legs. Created as a direct response to Floyd’s increasing customer demand for a smaller table, the Side Table complements existing Floyd pieces, like the Bed Frame and Table, while also fitting seamlessly into any environment. In creating the new piece, Floyd integrated its engaged customer base in the design process. Because of the company’s size and production process, it was able to move quickly to introduce a new product in a way that larger mass manufacturers in the industry cannot due to cost, timeliness, and scale. Floyd surveyed its base and hosted Instagram polls - garnering incredible response rates - to deliver the best possible product to its customers. Followers voted on colorways, and Floyd asked users to engage in the design process by sending suggestions via direct message. The entire process, from design to launch, took roughly only ten weeks. “As our brand continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering the best possible customer experience, from start to finish,” explained Kyle Hoff, Co-Founder of Floyd. “Involving our customers in these important decisions has been a learning experience, and we’re able to give them the best version of the products they want most.” “In fact, we got the idea for the birch table surface after an overwhelming number of customers asked for a companion to live alongside the Floyd Bed, also made of birch,” Hoff continued. “Being able to incorporate consumer feedback in a swift and thoughtful manner is the only way forward in an age of digital brands - and something no other furniture company is doing. We really listen to and respect this type of feedback as we develop new products.” As with all Floyd pieces, the Side Table can be easily assembled without the use of tools and is manufactured in the US. It also ships free of charge and flat-packed directly to customers’ doors. The Side Table will be available for purchase beginning February 15th on www.floyddetroit.com in sizes of 15” and 18” in diameter and 17.5” in height, retailing for $160 and $170, respectively. Color combinations include birch/white legs, birch/black legs, blush linoleum /white legs, grey linoleum /white legs and olive linoleum /white legs.
Who worked on the project?
Kyle Hoff - Co-Founder and CEO Alex O'Dell - COO and Co-Founder
View the project video: https://d273lztg0liwjm.cloudfront.net/products/the-floyd-side-table/the-floyd-side-table.mp4
