Successfully melding advanced technology with compelling industrial design is a significant challenge in itself. But in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace, it’s not enough. Designers must also strive to differentiate their new products from both their competitors and their own previous generation products to establish themselves as forward-looking market leaders. In addition, they must provide all of that in a user-friendly package that delights users instead of confounding them. It’s a tall order, and those who deliver it deserve recognition. Appliance Design’s 19th Annual Excellence in Design competition drew a wide variety of innovative designs. Some of them represented efforts to revitalize a long-standing product line with fresh ideas. Others were completely novel products that one might not have envisioned even a few years ago. The best-executed of those designs are honored here.

The global competition solicited entries from product manufacturers and design firms. Products had to fit within one of 14 categories and had to be on the market. Judging of the entries was based on four criteria — innovation, aesthetics, human factors, and technical merits — with each trait evaluated on a 10-point scale. The highest score within a category received a Gold EID Award, and the next highest, a Silver EID Award. The entry achieving the highest score across all the categories was named Best Overall, and is featured below. Jurors had the option of breaking tie scores, or awarding both tied entries. In categories with a limited number of entries, jurors could choose what level of recognition the high scoring entries deserved. Judging was performed by an independent panel of design experts: Chris Cavello, Rob Curedale, and Geoff Wardle, whose bios can be found on page 20.

Nineteenth Annual EID Best Overall
Best Overall & Major Home Appliances GOLD

Honda/Plug Power HES Home Energy Station Gen 3, from Plug Power and Honda R&D Americas, Torrance Calif., and its industrial design firm Brownlie Design, Skaneateles, N.Y.

Addressing growing concern over the release of harmful pollutants into the air as well as high energy costs, Honda and fuel-cell maker Plug Power developed a nonpolluting, high-efficiency producer of electric power for home use and of pure hydrogen for use in fuel cell applications. The design of the HES 3 includes a user interface fuel-dispensing tower, which houses a personal computer panel to monitor all system functions. This user-interface tower also contains a high-pressure hose and nozzle for convenient vehicle refueling. And the main enclosure of the HES 3 contains a power generation module, reformer and hydrogen storage.

“This product is significant in that it is becoming fashionable in the U.S. to buy environmental products. In the longer term what is good for the environment, is good for business,” says EID juror Rob Curedale. “I applaud Honda for its forethought and competent execution in creating an entirely new approach to energy distribution. Products that get out in front of a problem and change behavior for the better are rare,” says EID juror Chris Cavello. “It appears that the planners at Honda intend to take the lead in creating a market in this important arena rather than wait for it.”

The cooling airflow for the unit was achieved through aesthetically integrated openings that use formed, perforated metal that has been painted to match the body colors. The water-tight louver details have been nested inside the panel with internal channels to direct rain and condensation to the exterior of the unit. The UI tower has color breaks to give a tall, slender appearance and hide the depth created by the 19-in panel PC. Void of exterior fasteners, the HES 3 has a sky and water color scheme to emphasize its clean power theme.

Key project players from Brownlie Design: David Fergot, project director; Mike Konieczy, staff designer; Kurt Werner, staff designer; Len Nicolas, staff designer.

Nineteenth Annual EID GOLD Awards
Business Machines GOLD

The DI900/DI950 FastPac Inserter System from Pitney Bowes, Shelton, Conn.

The design of the DI900/DI950 inserter responds to a host of conflicting requirements. Chief among these are the functional architecture of paper handling equipment and the strategic design requirement of a flexible product platform, which can act as the foundation for future product line expansion. By stacking material inputs vertically, the DI900/DI950 cuts in half the floor space required, compared to previous equipment. The combination of vertical material loading and horizontal material processing is the basis for the system’s overall architecture development.

“It is inspiring to see this level of attention across so many disciplines,” says Cavello. “This was a great design team effort.”

Key project players from Pitney Bowes: Matthew Phillips, principal industrial designer; Robert Glaser, senior graphic designer; David H. Brooks Jr., senior industrial designer; Joan Doutney, principal human factors engineer; Julie DiVerniero, graphic designer; Santosh Nair, human factors engineer; David Beckstrom, industrial design fellow; Dawn Rountree; senior human factors engineer; Ania Mastriano, industrial designer; Pitney Bowes product design and usability department.

Commercial Appliances GOLD

Intellifit from Intellifit, Horsham, Pa., and its industrial design firm Bresslergroup, Philadelphia, Pa.

Intellifit scans fully clothed people to determine their exact clothing size, and allows manufacturers to improve their sizing schemes through real life data. Other scanning systems on the market require customers to change into cycling shorts and tight-fitting tops. This creates apprehension among users and logistical issues, including the need for a changing room and security for personal items.

Scanning with the Intellifit is fast — about 10 seconds — and the onboard computer prints out sizing information along with information about specific brands that are cut to fit the user best.

“This product has clearly been designed to allow customers to avoid feeling claustrophobic, and perhaps gives some clues for the designers of some MRI scanners,” says EID juror Geoff Wardle.

Key project players from Intellifit: President Edward Gribbin; Chief Executive Officer Albert Charpentier. From Bresslergroup: Project Leader Mathieu Turpault; Design Leader John Coleman; Engineer Dave Schiff.

Electronics GOLD

Sony Ericsson W800 Walkman Phone from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Durham, N.C.

The W800 was designed to include a MP3 music player to allow users to access their favorite tracks anywhere. Weighing only a few ounces, yet packed with functionality, the W800 is featured in a sleek candy bar format. Design features include an easy-to-understand UI and a 2-megapixel camera with auto-focus and video recording capability.

“Even though this is on the high-priced end of the market, this product packs in truly useful features with a reliable memory upgrade path that will grow with your music collection,” Cavello says.

To fit its functionality, the W800’s Disk2Phone software enables quick, convenient transfer of music CDs onto the phone via a PC. Keeping music up to date is as simple as drag and drop. The software makes it easy to browse, sort, find, transfer and delete music files. The phone also contains FM radio, speakerphone, e-mail, contact and calendar capabilities, Bluetooth, Memory Stick PRO Duo-512 MB and expandable to 2-G and 34-MB built-in internal memory.

Key project players from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications: Sony Ericsson Creative Design Center.

HVAC Equipment GOLD

Hunter Fan air filter/ionizer from Hunter Fan, Memphis, Tenn., and its industrial design firm Catalyst PDG, Indianapolis, Ind.

The new Hunter Fan air filter/ionizer uses an upright tower profile that brings air in through the front filter area and releases it out the top. While filtering the air, this route also helps overall room circulation.

This product uses an axial fan that lends itself to the upright layout of the mechanism, allowing for a more even use of filter space. It also accommodates various models including Quiet Flo, HEPAtech and Permalife. These product variations are accomplished with different internal components and user displays, but share the same body.

Key project players from Hunter Fan: Glennbruce Campbell, customers industrial design liaison; Shane Brooks, customers engineering liaison. From Catalyst PDG: Paul Zink and Andrew Mendenhall, Catalyst PDG design team; Jason Andrews and Todd Midkiff; engineering team; Dennis Turner, owner.

Leisure Appliances GOLD

Nielsen-Kellerman Cadence TI from Nielsen-Kellerman, Philadelphia, Pa., and its industrial design firm Bresslergroup, Philadelphia, Pa.

Appealing to athletes, coaches and spectators, the Nielsen-Kellerman design solution is a sports watch that can not only be worn on the wrist, but also attached to the end of an oar. Its tilt-switch technology is activated by the rotating movement of the wrist or oar. The watch form factor provides a unique and smart way of counting strokes.

“This is a bold product in an interesting niche category,” Cavello says.

An otherwise complicated interface device was simplified and made user-friendly through the simplification of the typeface and custom design of rowing icons. The Cadence offers a large, dedicated rate button directly on its face, allowing easy rate measurement with the press of a button.

Key project players from Nielsen-Kellerman: President Richard Kellerman; Product Manager Michael Naughton; Vice President of Engineering Paul Nielsen; Sales Director Alix Kocher. From Bresslergroup: Principal Peter Bressler; Project Leader Zoey Juhng; Designer Mathieu Turpault.

Medical Appliances GOLD

Tensys T-Line TL-150 Blood Pressure Monitoring System from Tensys Medical, San Diego, Calif., and its industrial design firm Stuart Karten Design, Marina Del Rey, Calif.

The goal was to develop a design that would allow the untrained user to set up the product with no instruction.

This design uses color and graphics to guide the user through set-up, which can now be completed in 1 min. to 3 min. Large buttons, tabs and labels walk the user through a five-step process.

“This product is the result of an impressive effort by the design team to identify initial user challenges and create a product that teaches the user its functions” says Cavello.

Conceptually, the product’s function and form represent a significant departure from traditional methods of monitoring blood pressure during surgery. The most common method (used in 9 of 10 surgeries) is the cuff-based system, which provides readings only every few minutes.

The beat-to-beat monitoring of the TL-150 provides rapid detection of hemodynamic changes and allows for timely intervention. The open-sided cuff design can be used on adults measuring between 90 pounds and 400 pounds and between 4-ft. 6-in. and 6-ft. 6-in. in height. Soft, biocompatible polyurethane foam and silicone encapsulating materials are used in the disposable sensor where it contacts the patient’s skin. Its unobtrusive form allows the patient to comfortably wear the sensor without discomfort.

Key Project Players from Stuart Karten: Stuart Karten, principal; Eric Olson, design director; Sumi Israchanpanich, designer; Steve Piorek, designer.

Peripherals & Accessories GOLD

DYMO LabelWriter Label Printers from Dymo, Stamford, Conn., and its design firm Bleck Design Group, Chelmsford, Mass.

A successful product line had become dated in appearance. This new design addresses previous design weaknesses, and creates a family of products for a range of users.

Ergonomic features are the basic innovation driver in this project. The label/printer slot was designed to be easy-to-view from a user’s seated position. Its smoked window was made as large as possible to view the label stock, and a dark tint blocks damaging UV light.

The DYMO cover opens to allow easy one-handed loading of label rolls. Its label spool uses a simple press to adjust width and installs only one way. To clear label jams, users only need pull the front cover back and an interior door can be hinged forward.

“This family of products was among the best executed of the products we looked at,” says Curedale. “The designers paid keen attention to detail and used good choice of color, finishes and forms. This product has good user features, contemporary styling and high perceived quality.

Wardle sums up the DYMO style: “Automotive design hits the desktop.”

Key project players from DYMO: Jim Craig, director of hardware development; Jeff Ausfeld, mechanical engineer; Peter Van Pottelberghe, project manager; Benjamin Vandorpe, business unit manager; Tim Robb, marketing manager; Tom De Fruytier, marketing manager; Patrick Reitz, firmware engineer; Rui Meng, firmware engineer; Arthur Kasperek, firmware engineer; David Block, vice president PC products; Rudy Garcia, quality assurance manager. From Bleck Design Group: Bleck Design Group team; Industrial Design; Mechanical Engineering.

Portable & Small Appliances GOLD

SignalOne KidSmart Vocal Smoke Detector from SignalOne Safety f/k/a KidSmart, Roswell, Ga., and its industrial design firm Bresslergroup, Philadelphia, Pa.

The SignalOne features a voice-recorded alarm that has been proven effective waking small children. The product’s interface makes it easy for parents to record a voice alarm.

Other features include an adjustable ceiling mount ring, which allows the speaker to be pointed directly at the child’s bed from anywhere in the room for maximization of decibel level. The soft forms of the device accentuate its primary feature — a directional speaker housing — while wrapping the technology in a kid-friendly package. The product’s colors are neutral enough to work in any room, and its soft forms and low profile meld effectively into the ceiling.

“The styling is contemporary and distinctive,” Curedale says. “The functional features of the SignalOne appear to be superior to many other products in this market category and show applied research that has allowed the manufacturer to functionally differentiate the product.”

Key project players from SignalOne Safety f/k/a KidSmart: President Matt Ferris; Chief Financial Officer Bruce Black; Underwriters Laboratory Consultant Tom Kondziolka. From Bresslergroup: Project Leader Mathieu Turpault; Design Leader Zoey Juhng; Engineering Leader John Coleman.

Portable Power Tools GOLD

Ridgid ProPack Wet/Dry Vacuum from Emerson Tool, St. Louis Mo.

The large pivoting handle of the ProPack has a cushioned grip for increased comfort, and the unit folds flat for easy storing, allowing users to stack and store the unit in a truck bed or at the job site. The flat surface can also be used as an additional work surface. The cubic shape of the vac features a 7-in. hose, 20.-in cord and three accessories, all of which are stored on the vac.

A locking feature for the hose on the inlet and blower port keeps the hose from detaching from the unit. The drum for the vac is rectangular in shape with a wide base and low profile to eliminate tipping and reduce the overall height. The Ridgid ProPack’s orange, oversized power switch is located in a recessed area to avoid accidental contact during transportation.

“This is about all most of us will ever need in the shop or work area,” Cavello says. “It is a fine design exercise in minimalism and appropriateness.”

Key Project Players from Emerson Tool: Kiyo Hoshino, director, industrial design; Jason Hill, senior project engineer; Travis Miller, project manager; Terry Stanek, director of new products; Mark Mager, vice president, finance; Mike Wozniak, director, purchasing; Zahid Rehman, manager, manufacturing engineering.

Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD

Heath Remote Gas Leak Detector from Heath Consultants, Houston, Texas, and its industrial design firm Helix Design, Manchester, N.H.

Typical gas leak detectors require the unit to be placed within the leak plume to detect the presence of methane. The innovative aspect of the RMLD unit is that it can be used from a distance with a technology known as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. This makes it possible to detect methane leaks along the sight line without always having to walk the full length of the service line.

For targeting, the system is designed to accommodate multiple hand positioning options, based on the user preference. The laser has a maximum distance of up to 100 feet and is selective to methane only — it will not false alarm on other hydrocarbons.

“This safe and innovative technology solves a vexing problem,” Cavello says.

Key Project Players form Heath Consultants: Jim Rutherford, director of research and development. From Physical Sciences (Supplier): Mickey Frish, manager technology; communication; Joy Stafford-Evans, senior project specialist. From Helix Design: Erik VanBergen, project lead; Roy Whitson, senior designer; Brian Damelio, senior design engineer.

MEET THE JUDGES

Chris Cavello is a Principal at Mixer Group, Austin, Texas. He has been a design professional since 1982 and holds numerous utility and design patents. Prior to co-founding Mixer Group, Cavello held the position of director at Design Edge and project manager at both Lunar Design and Dell. His work has been recognized for excellence by the IDSA and Business Week Magazine, and has been featured in WIRED magazine.

Cavello has a bachelor's of industrial design degree from Pratt Institute and a masters of science in engineering from the joint program in design at Stanford University. At Stanford, he initiated and led an advanced product concept program for Apple Computer and developed curriculum for an integrated project course that joins MBAs with engineering and design students. Chris also teaches and lectures at the University of Texas and the University of Houston.

Rob Curedale has worked as a product designer, design manager and product design educator for more than 25 years in London, Sydney, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Detroit for companies including Axis, frog, Hauser and Philips. Curedale has designed and managed the design of hundreds of products for companies including Philips, Nokia, NEC, Canon, Motorola, HP, Sun, Dell, Belkin, Harmon Kardon and Haworth. He has directed global teams of designers for industries including consumer electronics, computers, business equipment, scientific instruments, medical electronics and equipment; office, public and domestic furniture; military electronics and sporting goods.

Curedale was North American design manager at Haworth, the world’s second largest furniture manufacturer as well as professor of design and chair of product design at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, the largest college product design department in North America.

Curedale regularly delivers workshops and talks, and contributes to internationally marketed journals related to product design and manufacturing in the U.S. and China. The institutes he has given workshops and talks at include Yale Cranbrook Academy of Art, Pratt Institute, ArtCenter Europe, Switzerland, Escola Superior de Artes e Design Portugal, Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, School of Arts and Design Nanjing Arts Institute Nanjing, Southern Yangtze University, IDSA Conferences, Nanjing Arts Institute and Adobe San Jose. Curedale currently works as a Design Consultant in Detroit for electronics and furniture companies in Europe, North America and Asia.

Geoff Wardle has spent over 25 years as a professional designer and design educator. He has a bachelor’s degree in vehicle and mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in Automotive Design from London’s Royal College of Art. Wardle has held both corporate and consultancy positions with various major European and multi–national automotive companies in developed and developing economies across four continents.

Wardle started his career with what was then British Leyland. Companies that he has worked with since include Chrysler, SAAB, Ford of Australia, Tatra of the Czech Republic and TVS-Suzuki, the Indian motor-cycle manufacturer.

Over the last 12 years he has also been involved in full-time design education at Art Center College of Design’s late European Swiss campus where he was transportation design department chair and now is a faculty member and associate chair of transportation design at Art Center’s Pasadena Campus. He is also directing Art Center’s Advanced Mobility Research activities.

Nineteenth Annual EID SILVER Awards
Business Machines SILVER

Mailstation, by Pitney Bowes, Shelton, Conn.

The Mailstation postage meter complies with worldwide postal services’ increasingly stringent security requirements. Customer research conducted on the prior generation product led to a simplification of the Mailstation design with a prioritization of the most frequently used features.

Key project players from Pitney Bowes: Joseph Sugrue, senior industrial designer; Joan Doutney, principal human factors engineer; Beth Jennings, senior graphic designer; Susan Russo, senior graphic designer; Pitney Bowes product design and usability department.

Commercial Appliances SILVER

Buffet Induction Cooking System from CookTek, Chicago, Ill.

Induction heating technology replaces hot water baths and sterno flame. This system ensures precise holding temperatures in the safest manner possible. Separate, specific holding temperatures can be customized for each buffet station. CookTek’s SmarTag technology allows instant, two-way wireless communication between the chafing dish and induction surface to ensure the correct temperature

Key project players from CookTek: Robert Wolters, Jr., president; Warren Graber, director of engineering; Robert Visher, design engineer; Kevin Snyder, design engineer; Shawn Buchanan; design engineer.

Electronics SILVER

Sony Ericsson W600 Walkman Phone from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Durham, N.C.

The FM radio and advanced digital music player of the W600 supply users with everything they need to enjoy music on the move. The swivel-action form factor W600 has a 1.8-in. color screen for best possible video viewing and gaming experience with dedicated gaming buttons for fast and action-packed 3-D gaming on the go. The W600 also has an impressive 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording and digital camera menus.

Key project players from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications: Sony Ericsson Creative Design Center.

Floor Care SILVER

iRobot Scooba Floor Washing Robot from iRobot and its industrial design firm Manta Product Development, Burlington, Mass.

The robotic floor-washer was designed to minimize user effort. It gently scrubs the floor and picks up the dirty solution, leaving the floor clean and dry.

Key project players from iRobot: Chris Casey, program manager; Andy Ziegler, senior lead mechanical engineer; Duane Gilbert, senior mechanical engineer; Rob Roy, mechanical engineer; Rick Reveal, mechanical engineer; Nancy Dussault, director, global marketing; Josh Preneta, associate product manager; John Billington, senior product manager. For Manta Product Development: Andrew Jones, president; Rich Miller, vice president, engineering; Ben Powers, senior mechanical engineer; Peter Swai, industrial designer; Betsy Goodrich, vice president, design; Sam Sarcia, mechanical engineer; Jennifer Linnane, industrial designer; Ryan McManus, industrial designer; Dan Reilly, industrial designer, Kurt Maw, mechanical engineer; Margaret Saunders, mechanical engineer.

HVAC Equipment SILVER

Knight Boiler from Lochinvar, Lebanon, Tenn.

The KNIGHT heating boiler includes a digital operating control, a two-line 16-character LCD display, password security, a product service indicator, outdoor reset with sensor, system pump control, domestic hot water prioritization with pump control, boiler circulating pump with control, 0-DC to10-VDC input control, contacts on any failure and an internal cascading sequencer.

Key project players from Lochinvar: Ike Gatlin, boiler product manager.

Leisure Appliances SILVER

Life Fitness Treadmills from Life Fitness, Franklin Park, Ill., and its industrial design firm Cesaroni Design Associates, Glenview, Ill.

The Life Fitness T5.0, T5.5 and T7.0 Treadmills are designed with the home in mind. Its contemporary aesthetic design fits easily into the home, and features warm amber lighting on the monitor; an electronic child safety lockout; as well as removable and dishwasher-safe cup holders.

Key project players from Life Fitness: Tom Cray, industrial design coordinator; Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Julie Daly, biomechanical design. From Cesaroni Design: William Cesaroni, president; Shawn Barrett, director of design; Rob Glenn, industrial designer.

Leisure Appliances SILVER

RadioShack Vex Robotics Design System from RadioShack, Fort Worth, Texas, and its industrial design firm Ignition, Plano, Texas.

The Vex Robotics Design System allows anyone to create and construct their very own radio-controlled robot. The Vex starter kit is equipped with over 500 parts including variable speed motors, a programmable microcontroller, multiple gears, various wheel types and a configurable chassis, allowing students and teachers to explore a wide variety of configurations.

Key project players from RadioShack: Joel Carter, vice president of brand management; Sam Mahserjian, associate product marketing manager. From Ignition: Douglas Galletti, senior industrial designer; Patrick Clark, director mechanical engineering; Sam Ivey, senior mechanical designer; Lee VanLanen, senior mechanical designer; Donn Enroth, prototyping manager. From vendors: Lung Cheong (manufacturer), IFI (Innovation First Inc.), FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Carnegie Mellon University.

Major Home Appliances SILVER

Thermador Pro Harmony 36-in. Range from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Thermador’s patented Star Burner five-point design delivers fast, uniform cooking. A 20,000 BTU/HR Infrared Broiler provides for even browning and baking. Its Electronic Oven Control monitors oven temperature to ensure absolute heating accuracy, while minimizing temperature variation.

Key Project players from BSH Home Appliances: Graham Sadtler, industrial designer; David Dysinger, design engineering manager; Andy Savant: senior product manager.

Medical Appliances SILVER

Imaxeon Avidia Angiographic Contrast Injector from Imaxeon, Sydney, Australia, and its industrial design firm Konstrukt Design, Sydney, Australia.

The Imaxeon Avidia functionality is contained within the “head” of the unit. This allows the product to be easily re-configured to suit different applications. The Imaxeon Avidia also offers cordless operation, improving operator safety by eliminating a tripping hazard and allowing the device to be efficiently positioned.

Key project players from Konstrukt: Peter Cooper, president; Noah Zamansky, vice president of innovation; Alan Lee, design manager; Valerio Cometti, director, Konstrukt Milan.

Outdoor Appliances SILVER

Xceltronix i-touch Access Device from Xceltronix, Richardson, Texas, and its ind