Judging this year’s Excellence in Design entries was no easy task for this year’s jurors, and they wouldn’t have had it any other way.

This year’s EID competition attracted 127 entries, the vast majority of which represented truly outstanding and innovative design solutions to a range of challenges. The three-person panel of industrial design experts commented often on the high quality of this year’s entries, and spent two days evaluating the entries according to 1) aesthetics, 2) ergonomics/human factors, and 3) innovative features. Each judge granted each entry 1-5 points per criterion, so that an entry’s maximum score was 15 points per judge; 45 points overall. Top point scores within a category were declared Winners, with Runners-Up being those that scored second highest in a category. For categories that were especially strong in terms of the number of high-quality entries, judges had the option of declaring additional Runners-Up awards. This happened in two categories: Majors and Peripherals/Accessories.

Coverage of this year’s Winners begins on this page. For a look at this year’s Runners-up, see "Excellence in Design Runners-Up." And for a profile of this year’s judges, see “Meet the Judges."

Best Overall

Majors

Duet Fabric Care System by Whrirlpool.

Duet™ Fabric Care System by Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich.

Location! Location! Location! While that’s often the mantra of real-estate professionals, this theme is also central to the success of Whirlpool’s front-load Duet washer dryer—this year’s Best Overall and Winner in the Majors category.

From the convenient top-front location of the controls that allow for the units to be stacked, to the angled, oversized drum opening, human factors obviously played a critical role in the design and development of this entry. There’s even an optional pedestal that raises the units by 12 in. while doubling as storage areas, with customizable dividers for extra detergent or other supplies.

Further, the advanced Catalyst® washing technology is an energy- and clothes-saver. The system mixes detergent with a small amount of water and then sprays the foamy lather directly on clothes, thus eliminating the need for pretreatment. The tumbling action gently flexes and moves fabrics over three separate baffles that help loosen and remove soil and stains. A specially designed valve closes during washing to ensure that virtually all of the detergent and water mixture is used to clean clothes. And a water-level control senses the size of the load and only introduces the water needed to clean the load, with a normal cycle using 15.8 gal. vs. more than the 40 gal. used in conventional washers.

And then, of course, there’s the aesthetics.

“Central to the aesthetic design,” says Mark Baldwin, senior designer, “is the fact that his machine has a very large capacity, which is reinforced (in appearance) by the design and size of the door. Extensive color research was also conducted to arrive at two color choices for the front accent pieces. One of the colors—Tidal Blue—is geared towards the consumer who wants something that is more expensive, while the Dove Grey is for the person who wants a product that will blend with their existing surroundings.”

“This represents the most innovations I’ve ever seen in a washer/dryer system,” enthused second-year EID judge Jim Kaufman. “This is an excellent and well thought-out design that provides clean, well-integrated lines as well as easy accessibility for the user.”

Key project players: Whirlpool’s Global Consumer Design Center staff.

Computers/Electronics Communications

Winner-Computers/Electronics/Communications: de 100c by Hewlett Packard and its industrial design firm, Design Continuum.

de 100c by Hewlett Packard and its industrial design firm, Design Continuum, W. Newton, Mass.

A welcome innovation for music enthusiasts, the de 100c allows users to download music from the Internet and then play that music on their home-audio systems without having to use a PC. Instead, the user stores music on the unit’s on-board hard drive, and then organizes the music into playlists using an interface that is viewed on the user’s TV screen. The user then “burns” the playlists onto a CD using the on-board CD-R/W burner.

There were several challenges involved with this project having to do with industrial design, mechanical engineering, and user-interface design.

User-interface design consisted of work in three areas: control layout and screen design for the unit’s bezel; control layout for the remote control; and graphic design for the unit’s TV interface.

The front bezel is molded plastic with a flush-mounted lens over a blue vacuum-fluorescent display. The primary control buttons are surrounded by light pipes that emit a strong blue light, and which dim and brighten during use. A hinged door over the disc drive is sized so that it accepts most CD-RW drives, allowing for flexibility in choosing components. The main housing is a two-part clamshell of painted sheet metal. The remote control is molded plastic with a silicone keypad.

The bezel of the main unit contains a small LCD display with associated buttons that control the CD playback functions, only. The interface design took into account both the interactions with the device (and the differences in functionality between using the controls on the bezel and on the remote control) and the information shown on the LCD. Much attention was also paid to the layout and grouping of buttons on the remote control.

In fact, the entire design aesthetic works particularly well for this entry, commented judge Jay Cerola, who gave the design team high marks for managing to apply “a unique and handsome treatment to standard component modules.”

For example, the front of the main unit features a prominent lines that rise and fall, resulting in some interesting shapes, while the remote control itself is an interesting tapered shape that is designed to fit and feel solid in the hand.

Key project players from Hewlett Packard: Luke Waaler, industrial design manager; George Prokop, marketing product manager. From Design Continuum: Allan Cameron, principal industrial designer; James Wilson, senior industrial designer; Sebastian Petry and Alan Mudd, industrial designers; Aaron Oppenheimer, senior interaction designer; Jeff Venier, communications designer; Chris Michaud, senior associate.

Floor Care

Winner-Floor Care: Water-Filter Vacuum Cleaner 5500 by Kaercher and its industrial design firm, Teams Design.

Water-Filter Vacuum Cleaner 5500 by K?her, Winnendan, Germany, and its industrial design firm, Teams Design, with offices in Esslingen, Germany, and Chicago.

This wet/dry cleaner offers much in the way of user-driven benefits and a de-sign that is modern and non-intimidating.

Prominent features include a tri-fold filter system capable of 99.99 percent dust-retention, thus protecting the user against mites, pollen, spores and fungi. The unit also is designed for ease-of-movement. The weight of the cleaner was kept to a minimum, and the wheels were sized (large rear wheels and small front wheels) and positioned (sides for the rear wheels, underneath for the front wheels) to make “dragging” the cleaner behind the user that much easier.

As for the size, the unit is rather large, but its rounded and tall shape, coupled with a soft gray and bright yellow combination allows the unit to take on a friendly, try-me look.

Key project players: Alfred Kaercher GmbH and Teams Design staffs.

HVAC

Winner-HVAC: Black & Decker Heater Fan Line by Applica Consumer Products and its industrial design firm, Anderson Design.

Black & Decker Heater Fan Line by Applica Consumer Products, Shelton, Conn., and its industrial design firm, Anderson Design, Plainville, Conn.

This year’s HVAC winner, via its “sporty” design, successfully shatters the traditional heater paradigm.

In terms of features, the soft-grip handle, easy-access controls and Fireshield™ safety shut-off, help differentiate this six-product line from its competitors, while the design aesthetics are original and appealing.

Complex, separated forms and offset shapes help to break up the overall mass to reduce the apparent size of the heaters, while contoured angles give the design a more fluid appearance. The vents are large enough to allow for maximum air flow while accentuating the elliptical shape of the housing.

Key project players from Applica Consumer Products: Stuart Naft, industrial design manager. From Anderson Design: Dave Kaiser, principal; Joseph Toro, project manager; Glen Nielsen, 3-D designer.

Lawn/Garden & Outdoor Appliances

Ergonomic Hedge Trimmer AH40-24 by Robert Bosch GmbH and its industrial design firm, Teams Design.

Ergonomic Hedge Trimmer AH40-24 by Robert Bosch GmbH, Leinfelden, Germany, and its industrial design firm, Teams Design, with offices in Esslingen, Germany, and Chicago.

The design objective behind this entry was to communicate power and quality, while achieving ergonomic features and friendly appearance for at-home gardeners.

Designers included inner walling in the housing to dampen the noise level of the ultra-high torque, 500-watt electric motor. Safety features include fast blade-brake (.05 sec.), continuous two-handed operation, safety blade-bar, and an impact guard, all of which are designed to be unobtrusive. Designers also place an emphasis on researching and achieving the optimal balance in all positions and orientations of the 3.8kg. unit.

Commenting on the aesthetics of the product, Paul Hatch, president of Teams Design, observes, “Most hedge trimmers base their appearance on chain saws, so this product focused on creating a more unique image for the trimmer, one that is more suitable for the garden.”

Leisure Appliances

Xootr eX3 Electric Scooter by Nova Cruz Products and its industrial desing firm, Lunar Design, Palo Alto, Calif.

Xootr eX3 Electric Scooter by Nova Cruz Products and its industrial design firm, Lunar Design, Palo Alto, Calif.

Creating a personal transportation vehicle or both urban commuters and recreational enthusiasts posed some interesting design challenges. Among them: portability and storability.

The design of the eX3 accomplishes that and more. The “T-shaped” handle in the steering column can be rotated 90 degrees from a position perpendicular to the deck, to one that is parallel. In this mode, the steering column becomes a handle, allowing most people to comfortably carry the 19.8-lb. scooter, which is capable of speeds up to 17 mph and distances up 12 miles (with the extended range battery pack).

The aesthetics are functionally driven. The deck is just 1½-in. thick, and envelops the batteries, electronics, motor and rear wheel while providing the user with an unusually pleasant riding experience. Further, the raised pattern of circular elements on the deck provides a nonslip surface on which the rider may stand.

Key project players from Nova Cruz: Karl Ulrich, CEO; Nathan Ulrich, vice president of engineering. From Lunar Design: Jeffrey Salazar, director, industrial design.

Medical Appliances/Laboratory Equipment

Winner-Medical Appliances: SONOLINE Antares by Siemens Medical Solutions.

SONOLINE Antares by Siemens Medical Solutions, Ultrasound Group, Issaquah, Wash.

Ultrasound systems are unique in the medical environment, in that they are relatively benign products typically associated with a happy event–a pregnancy. By viewing this project in that light, the design team behind this project achieved a gentler look.

The housing for the system’s electronics is rounded and shaped in an attractive manner, the keyboard controls look modern and simple at the same time, the monitor’s curved housing softens its appearance and even the large casters are appealing. This project’s success had much to do with approaching its design in a nontraditional way.

“Past products have been designed using an inside-out approach, meaning the technology drove the system configuration and basic design. Not so with this project,” according to Dean Bidwell, one of many members of the design team. “We started with the user’s needs first. They wanted a smaller, more ergonomically oriented product that required packing the hardware components into a super compact design (24-in. wide; 39-in. deep; 52-in. seated height; 58-in. standing height).”

Judge Jay Cerola was especially impressed with the system’s “overall nonintimidating appearance. The large chassis is nicely integrated into the legs and casters and it’s obvious that the designers paid a much attention to the ergonomics of this design.”

Key project players: Siemens Medical Solutions, Ultrasound Group staff.

Portable Appliances/Personal Care

Winner-Portable Appliances/Personal Care: Black & Decker Arize Toaster by Applica Consumer Products.

Black & Decker Arize Toaster by Applica Consumer Products, Shelton, Conn.

The old adage, “Seeing is believing,” could be applied to this entry, which features the first transparent toaster housing that allows the user to watch the toasting process and make adjustments if necessary.

The use of glass sides is made possible by the dual-pass heating system, which features a motorized carriage that lowers then raises bread past fixed cal rods at a preset speed for toasting. The glass sides are designed to pivot out for easy cleaning and a power-cut-off prevents use while the sides are open. The glass sides also feature polyester handles that act as counter rests when fully opened.

Other features include a self-adjusting bread carriage system that accommodates different bread thicknesses, as well as bagels and toaster pastries, and an electronic bread-jam feature that senses carriage movement and cuts power in the event of an obstruction.

Judge Jay Cerola praised the Arize not only for its see-through panels but for its “combination of materials, colors, sculpted surfaces and control-display graphics.”

Portable Power Tools

Winner-Portable Power Tools: Advantage Rotary Saw by Dremel, and its industrial design firm, Group Four Design.

Advantage Rotary Saw by Dremel, Racine, Wis., and its industrial design firm, Group Four Design, Avon, Conn.

Typically known as a conservatively styled brand, Dremel teamed with Group Four Design to break new ground with this entry. The streamlined design of the Advantage looks approachable, powerful and fast.

Strong color choices help communicate power while differentiating it from the competition. And because the tool is used equally by men and women, the design is neither masculine or feminine. Instead the design features simple clean lines and sound ergonomic features—light weight, soft-grip material on the housing and removable handle to increase comfort, control and maneuverability.

The tool works at the widest available speed range—from 10,000 to 35,000 rpm, and has a full range of rotary saw bits and a flexible shaft attachment.

Key project players from Dremel: Walter Bernardi, project engineer; Michael Landt, project engineer; Steve Skotzke, marketing manager. From Group Four Design: Robert Bruno, director of product design; Chris Switalski, manager, CAD Modeling.

Test, Measurement, Inspection Equipment

Winner-Test, Measurement, Inspection Equipment: 322 Clamp Meter by Fluke Corp.

322 Clamp Meter by Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash.

Clamp meters allow for the measurement of current without having to disconnect wires by “clamping” around the outside insulation of the wire. The design challenge behind this entry was to develop the smallest and safest clamp meter possible.

The entire unit was designed to fit into small spaces during use, transportation and storage. The reduced size (8-in. x 2.75-in. x 1.375-in.) is the result of early end-user research, which emphasized the importance of access in constrained areas while maintaining the ability to measure around a certain size cable.

The locations of the display, controls and components were carefully considered in order to provide maximum space efficiency and usability. The trigger, knob and button were sized and located for maximum operator safety and ease of use while retaining space efficiency of internal components. The requirement for comfortable one-hand operation was a strong factor in determining the form, with the back of the unit being curved to improve the grip and hand-held comfort.

Judge Jim Kaufman complimented the user interface, observing that it meets “the challenges posed by its use and encountered by its users.” He added that the design makes “excellent use of form and color” and looks “high quality and rugged.”

Key project players from Fluke: Chris Lagerberg, senior industrial designer; Joseph Ferrante, senior industrial designer; Duncan Kearsley, mechanical engineer; Ed Eng, mechanical engineer; Shawn Holland, project manager; Bob Greenberg, product planner; Paul Ringsrud, electrical engineer; Evans Nguyen, manufacturing engineer; David Joiner, test engineer.

Peripherals/Accessories

Winner-Peripherals/Accessories: Model 161 Speakers by Bose Corp.

Model 161™ Speakers by Bose Corp., Framingham, Mass.

This entry is a multipurpose bookshelf speaker system.

Many design features contribute to the aesthetics and acoustics of this entry. The speakers use an extremely compact tuned port enclosure. Twin 2.5-in.-high excursion drivers are mounted to the front baffle in an angled array to create a wider sound field. The drivers in turn are covered by curved grill that simplifies the shape while communicating the sound radiation pattern. A section of the speaker baffle is exposed on the front of the housing and contains the tuned port opening. The back half of the enclosure is tapered back from the grill to minimize the visual size of the speaker. Further, the entire enclosure assembly is symmetrical: the same components are used for left and right-side enclosures.

Acoustically, the design maximizes the effectiveness of a pair of transducers, arranged to provide a much more spacious sound than the traditional single-driver design.

Judge Julie Trcka declared the design “upscale and elegant.”

Key project players: Bose Design Center.