Hide-and-Seek vs. Show-Me Designs

From an “invisible” dishwasher drawer system to a fashion-conscious vacuum cleaner and slow cooker, this year’s Excellence in Design winners and runners-up are solid examples of designs that succeeded at meeting clearly defined design objectives. A three-person panel of industrial-design experts chose the winning entries, an interesting mix that includes an outdoor kiosk, a multimedia projector, a plastic dehumidifier, an at-home therapy system for treating urinary continence, and last, but not least, a biological agent detector for the Department of Defense. The winning entries were selected from 99 entries, and evaluated according to these criteria: 1) aesthetics 2) ergonomics/ human factors 3) innovative features. Overall, this year’s panel was impressed with the uniqueness (features, technology, etc.), as well as overall styling of the winning entries. 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 Winners and/or Runners-Up. This happened in the Portable Appliances/Personal Care category, which has two Runners-Up this year. Judges also had the option of not choosing a Winner and/or Runner-Up in a specific category.

Best Overall and Major

DishDrawer (DD602) by Fisher & Paykel, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
This “pull-out” dishwasher comes in the form of two independent kitchen drawers, or as a single drawer. The drawers can be positioned on top or alongside each other, or they can be positioned on each side of the sink where they’re within easy reach when it’s time to load or unload dishes.

Perhaps the best thing about the concept is that it eliminates the need to unload the dishwasher at all, as clean dishes can be used from one drawer and then loaded into the other drawer when they’re dirty.

Technological innovations inside the dishdrawer system include a variable-delivery pump driven by an electronically commutated DC motor. The pump can change the water pressure enabling the spray action to be matched to the dishload type. Further, the wash pump is integrated into the spray arm, which forms the housing of the wash pump, with the impeller rotating in the spray arm itself. This innovation helped to reduce the height of the unit, while minimizing internal plumbing and reducing water consumption. A flat thick-film heating element also maximizes dish space while allowing for small volumes of water to be heated more efficiently.

More visible features include flexible, interchangeable racks that can be rearranged to accommodate the load; membrane switches for program selection on the top edge of the dishwasher’s inner door (power, start/pause and lock push-button switches are on the on the exterior of the unit); and a flow-through detergent and rinse-aid dispenser.

“After examining the use and function of controls, we established the concept of primary and secondary interfaces,” says Hans Scholz, engineering manager. The secondary controls concealed on the inside of the tub select the wash function, while the primary functions (Start/Pause, etc.) remain on the front. This simplifies the visual impact of the controls and allows a more streamlined method for the user to control the product. For example, if the most common wash cycle is a heavy wash, then this can be selected and remains the dominant function. This way the wash cycle does not need to be continually adjusted prior to pressing Start.

Another feature Scholz is pleased with is the flow-through detergent dispenser. “Our dispenser allows the detergent to be diluted before entering the tub, meaning no moving parts that protrude into the tub space and less powder burn on the dishes.”

And what prompted this year’s jurors to score this entry the highest?

“Its subtle elegance and simple controls,” says judge William Cesaroni.

“The quiet resolution of the interior and exterior forms and controls,” says judge Roger Funk.

And perhaps the highest compliment comes from judge Jill Shurtleff, who praises the dishdrawer concept and the system’s attention to detail. “It was love at first sight. I want one.”

Key project players: Fisher & Paykel Development Team.

Key suppliers: Bayer NZ Ltd. 190
Hettich International 191
LH Carbide 192
Sanko Industries 193
Wirsbo Bruks 194

Commercial

Outdoor Sidewalk Information Kiosk by JCDecaux USA, New York, N.Y., and its industrial design firm, Montalbano Development, Great Neck, N.Y.

When you’re designing a product that must “live” outside and look good 24 hours a day, the challenges are many. This sidewalk kiosk had to be designed to withstand precipitation, extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, vandalism and theft.

The kiosk’s aluminum housing, gasketed parting lines and water-tight credit card and printer shutters protect openings from all liquids. If liquid enters when shutters open during credit-card or phone operation, the liquid is captured via molded boots, serving as conduits to the sidewalk.

If ambient humidity builds in the kiosk, the replaceable desiccant canister will dehumidify the interior. Flood conditions can be as high as 6 ft. without affecting the internal electronics. A hose can even be aimed directly on the kiosk’s air intake or exhaust without water damage, due to custom-molded baffles, also serving as conduits to the sidewalk.

An air plenum, a spine shape with vents at its top and bottom and located in the back of the kiosk, protects the unit against extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. All forced fan air entering through the bottom is filtered, dehumidified and heated when needed. The air is then brought directly to the LCD and CPU (the only temperature-sensitive components) and exhausted out the top.

The touch screen, access doors, telephone, credit card/printer slots, key locks and even the surface finish (a high-yield polyester powder coating) are designed to withstand attacks by vandals, and since the kiosk is attached via 4-in. bolts embedded in the sidewalk and bolted on through its interior, theft is highly unlikely. Yet the kiosk’s appearance is as appealing to “technophiles” as it is nonthreatening to everyday users wanting access to a broad spectrum of city-related information, including mass-transit schedules, restaurant listings, theater schedules and city maps. Further, the housing is designed to accommodate the height differences of 90 percent of the population as well as wheel -chair users.

“The design challenges were many, due to the kiosk’s abundant capabilities, functions and unsheltered outdoor location,” says Gregory Montalbano, principal, Montalbano Development. “We needed to fit ‘20 lbs.’ of capability into a housing that has a physical appearance of 10 lbs.”

The kiosk has the smallest possible footprint in combination with the largest available LCD to ensure easy legibility.”

While the kiosk is a heavy-duty aluminum casting, its appearance is softened by its sleek “aerodynamic” appearance. The base is unobtrusive and the stand features an attractive bowed front. The kiosk’s appearance is further softened by the neutral powder coating.

“Minimization of mass and maximization of the LCD screen technology result in an elegant, yet sturdy looking design,” says judge Bill Cesaroni.

Key project players from Montalbano Development: Gregory Montalbano, principal; Christopher Montalbano, principal; Justin Aiello, senior designer; Ryan Shafer, senior designer.

From JCDecaux USA: Bernard Parisot, CEO; Emmanuel Zeferino, director of engineering; Charles Young, senior vice president, new technologies; Hassan Saïdi, electronic architectural planing.

Key suppliers:
Card Com Technology
Cisco
Lexitech
Microtouch
Mitsubishi Electric PC Division
NEC Technologies
Tripp Lite
Poly-Planar
Swecoin
Woodward Industries
For more information, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

Computers/Electronics

LP750 Projector by In Focus, Wilsonville, Ore., and its industrial design firm, Lunar Design, San Francisco.
The development effort for this product was geared toward creating a portable multimedia projector capable of competing with larger and often permanently installed projectors used in business environments. To project electronic presentations (data, audio and video) the user connects his computer (Mac or PC) to a small cable adapter, which plugs into the projector, which plugs into a power outlet, allowing for the unit to be turned on.

The design team was challenged with keeping the footprint (12 in.), and weight (9.7 lbs.) to a minimum. The design team also responded to customer research by integrating a permanent handle into the design of the projector. Logical placement of control/function buttons on top of the unit make it possible for the user to watch the screen while making necessary adjustments. And with all connectors positioned on one side, set up is also easier.

From the curved look of the shell to the multishaped control buttons, the unit is attractive, yet appears fully capable of withstanding the rigors of business use, prompting judge Jill Shurtleff to comment: “This projector visually sets itself apart from the competition. Its soft, organic form and sculptural lines give it a contemporary look, yet it looks robust and capable of traveling well.”

Key project players from Lunar Design: Max Yoshimoto, vice president; Roman Gebhard, industrial designer; John Edson, senior product designer; Mike Simmons, product designer; Joel Jacobs, product designer; Renata Yang, product designer; Robert Howard, vice president, engineering; Gerard Furbershaw, senior vice president; Zander Nosler, product designer-contractor; Bryan Grziwok, mechanical engineer-contractor; Larry Davis, mechanical engineer-contractor; Mark McNally, product designer-contractor. From In Focus: Marty Maiers, engineering lead; Phil Salvatori, industrial design manager; Bill Dresselhaus, product design manager.

Key suppliers: Contour Plastics
PTA Corp.
Puget Plastics
Schulze Manufacturing
For more information on Lunar Design, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

Floor Care

Duskin Sweeper by Duskin Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, and its industrial design firm, Fitch, Worthington, Ohio.
A vacuum cleaner that enhances a room’s decor? That was the design mission for this project. The result: a lightweight, all-plastic vacuum featuring a sleek handle design that evolves into a triangular shape with curved backside near the suction head. Simply put, it looks like a stylish hand vac with handle.

The unit’s compact size (5.5 in. x 6.6 in. x 39.8 in.) and weight (less than 3 lbs.) is appropriately sized for households in Japan, where the unit is produced and sold. Dirt is collected in a cup that is pulled out and emptied. In addition, the product is made from recyclable materials.

“I like everything about the aesthetics of this product,” says judge Bill Cesaroni. “It’s elegant and beautiful, and it appears to be well thought out.”

Key project players from Fitch: Frank Wilgus, senior vice president, industrial design; Inars Jurjans, associate vice president, industrial design and prototyping.

Key suppliers: Sanyo

For more information on Fitch, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

HVAC

DrizAir 2400 Professional Dehumidifier by Dri-Eaz Products, Burlington, Wash. This entry is a dramatic departure from the all-too familiar square sheetmetal boxes.

“The most obvious and innovative design decision we made was to create the entire housing from plastic, using sheetmetal only for the inner structure,” says Kevin Wolfe, industrial designer. “This helped us to create a lightweight, scratch- and dent-resistant shell that is less likely to damage walls and woodwork. Further, it’s less expensive to manufacture and it broke the ‘boxy’ mold.”

User-friendly features include a digital touchpad, separate hose and cord wraps, large 12-in. pneumatic wheels and dual handles. An evaporator/condenser coil removes up to 248 pints of water a day and an internal blower creates a static pressure large enough to inflate up to 25 ft. of ducting.

“The design inspires confidence,” says judge Jill Shurtleff. “It’s SUV (sports utility vehicle) tough, yet contemporary.”

Key project players from Dri-Eaz: Kevin Wolfe, industrial designer; Larry White, engineer; Matt Miller, engineer; Jeff Growden, engineering technician.

Key suppliers:
Cascade Plastics
Little Giant
Matsushita
Fasco Industries
Modine
Qual-Fab

Medical

Persist Treatment System for Restoring Urinary Control by DesChutes Medical, Bend, Ore., and its industrial design firm, Strategix ID, Bozeman, Mont.

This turnkey, behavioral therapy system for treatment of urinary continence posed many design challenges. “The main challenge was removing the stigma associated with incontinence through the creation of an approachable product that is intuitive in its use,” says Robert Mesaros, senior industrial designer, Strategix ID. “The colors and forms help create an identity that is friendly and inviting. We wanted a design that didn’t shout medical or incontinence, but something that was likened to a coach and appeared amiable. The flip-down lid helps users feel comfortable about leaving the unit out in the open. The sensors’ gracefully ‘radiused’ tips were also designed to make insertion as smoothly as possible and to convey comfort.”

The system includes a personal training device, a patient journal, an informational video, and direct clinical support via phone and the Internet. To make the product simple to understand, controls were kept at a minimum. An LCD-based program guides the user step-by-step through an exercise session. The display visually counts down prescribed contraction and rest times, communicating to the user where he is in his regimen. The contraction indicator was designed as a set of muscle-like bands, which converge inward, providing a visual clue of muscle movement to the user. Recognizing that the use of the inserted sensor represents a potential barrier to routine use and is not needed once correct muscle recruitment is learned, a solo mode is offered which “plays” an ideal exercise session on the screen, allowing the patient to follow along without using a balloon sensor.

“This is a very direct and interactive training device,” says judge Roger Funk. “It has well-conceived graphic feedback for the user, the probes are well designed, and the soft colors and softness of the design are appropriate for the device’s use.”

Key project players from Strategix ID: Robert Mesaros, industrial designer; Bill Clem, principal. From DesChutes Medical: Matt Hoskins, vice president of engineering; Mike Wax, CEO.

Key suppliers
General Silicones
McCoy Engineering
Nypro
SenSym
Stat Manufacturing
VL Electronics
For more information on Strategix ID, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

Portable Appliances/Personal Care

Sunbeam Slow Cooker by Sunbeam, Del Ray Beach, Fla., and its industrial design firm, Fitch, Worthington, Ohio.
Updated aesthetics and improved cleanability and ease-of-handling were the results of a collaborative effort between the industrial design firm and the OEM. A sleeker shape and updated treatment of the on/off switch and temperature control button combine to give the appliance a look that will grace the appearance of today’s countertops.

To resolve burning- and sticking-food problems associated with a long cooking process, Fitch designers teamed with Sunbeam engineers to develop a stirring paddle that features a centrally positioned, rotating mechanism with two projecting blades. One is smaller and slightly angled to grab food and push it inwards. A larger blade extends to the vessel’s outer walls, sweeping contents from the sides while its hollow center allows larger particles to pass through undamaged. Together, the dual blades of the paddle gently and thoroughly mix contents, and help to eliminate food build-up on bottom and sides of the cooking vessel.

Recognizing that many slow-cooker users use the appliance to cook for social events, the design also addresses ease-of-handling and transportability. The cooker is molded of lightweight thermoset polyester, reducing the overall weight by 60 percent over traditional ceramic units. Handle surfaces have a textured grip for easier handling. And the clear separation between the appliance handles and urn handles also aids the user in separating the components for cleanup.

“This product design,” says judge Jill Shurtleff, “took all the problems associated with slow cookers and improved them step by step, resulting in a contemporary solution to an old product form.”

Key project players from Fitch: Ron Vish, associate vice president, industrial design, Boston office; Bill Hartman, director, industrial design, Boston office; Mark Matthews, senior associate, industrial design. From Sunbeam: Randy Ward, mechanical engineer; Augusto Picozzo, director, industrial design; Cindy Hupert, marketing manager. For more information on Fitch, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

Test, Measurement & Inspection

Portal Shield Biological Agent Detector for the Department of Defense, Joint Program Office for Biological Defense. Industrial design firm: Carlson Technology, Livonia, Mich.Similar in concept to a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, this device gathers air samples and alerts installation if a biological agent has been detected. Originally intended for military installations, the technology is being made available at a range of installations in 120 cities throughout the U.S. This being due to events, such as the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombings, and the release of a deadly chemical on a Tokyo subway, which recently prompted Congress to pass the Domestic Preparedness Act. The unit draws in air through a laser-particle sizer, and if the particles are in the biological-agent range, the unit will mix the air with a saline solution, and inject it onto multiagent assay strips within a caddy. The strips are read by a laser, and if they develop positive, a warning is sent to the Command Center defining which agent has been detected, allowing for an appropriate response.

“The challenge was to design the equipment to be smaller, lighter weight, less costly and field serviceable, without impacting performance,” says Dennis Carlson, president, Carlson Technology. “Timing the assembly sequence seemed similar to the timing of a “pit stop” in an auto race. Once installed, slide-in component modules go through a built-in test that is displayed by LEDs on the front fascia, similar to a traffic signal. Initially the amber LED flashes as the test progresses, then switches to green if everything checks out. If the LED switches to red, either initially or during operation, there is a problem and the module should be returned for diagnosis.”

Safety was further addressed by insetting color-coded LEDs in the frame, which define the four corners of each module, allowing servicing in the dark without supplemental lights.

The unusual shape of the carbon-composite allows air to flow around the shell with lower turbulence. Foam between the inner and outer composite skins increase rigidity and acts as an insulator. And the shell’s silver finish reflects much of the direct solar load, reducing internal temperatures. The unit’s overall appearance led to the nickname, “Silver Bullet,” by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and prompted a CNN reporter to describe its look as that of a “space ship.”

“This is a unique solution to a complex problem,” says judge Roger Funk. “It combines complex mechanics and addresses human factors through many carefully thought-out features for improved serviceability and safety.”

Key project players from Carlson Technology: Dennis Carlson, design leader. From the Naval Surface Warfare Center: Charles Swan, engineering leader; Dr. Peter Wick, detector leader; P. Michael Hoffman, software leader and government contractor.

Key suppliers:
Ametek
Cambridge Technologies
Hypertronics
Kuchera
Met One
NRL Associates

For more information on Carlson Technology, please click on the "Free Product Info" link at the bottom of this page.

Runners-Up

Commercial
Product: Orbit Point of Sale Omni-Scanner
OEM: Metrologic Instruments
Industrial design firm: Bresslergroup—for more information, circle 235.
Key project players from Bresslergroup: Peter Byar, senior associate; Sung Ho Byun, staff designer; Zoey Juhng, senior designer; Peter Bressler, principal. From Metrologic: C. Harry Knowles, president; Mark Schmidt, marketing manager; Garrett Russell, product manager. Commercial
Product: GBC Shark Paper Shredder
OEM: Quartet/GBC
Industrial design firm: Herbst LaZar Bell (HLB) — for more information, circle 236.
Key project players from HLB: Greg Holderfield, director of industrial design.
From Quartet/GBC: Todd Henrickson, director.
Key supplier: Primax Electrical Fitness Equipment
Product: IQ4 Treadmill
OEM: Athlon
Industrial design firm: Strategix ID—for more information, circle 238.
Key project players from Strategix ID: Bill Clem, design manager; Marty Albini, senior mechanical engineer; Cory Williamson, senior industrial designer; Erik Green, mechanical engineer; Darius Eghbal, industrial designer. From Athlon: Ken Hopkins, vice president of sales and marketing.
Key suppliers: Cardio Sport
MOL
Pacific Scientific
Pivot International
Von Weise

HVAC
Product: Wood’s Dehumidifier
OEM: W.C. Wood Co.
Industrial design firm: Advanced Design Services—for more information, circle 244.Key project players from W.C. Wood: Moh Nasr, new product engineer; Dennis Vejvoda, product engineer; Greg Hall, industrial designer; Mike Armata, senior designer; Mike Huck, manufacturing engineering manager; Gary Tucker, supervisor; Ron King, commodity manager; Vivian Lisecki, senior buyer; Shawn Richardson, quality manager; Diamond Bhojani, industrial engineer; Domenic Dotto, Canadian sales manager; Barry Chubb, vice president of international marketing; John Colbert, vice president of U.S. marketing; Tom Hunt, service manager. From Advanced Design Services: Kevin McRae, president; Andrew Harvey, mechanical engineer.
Key suppliers: Delhi Die
Delhi Industries
Essex Precision Limited
Ireland Tool & Die
Mass EDI
Nova Tool & Mold
Polyform

Majors
Product: Jenn-Air Wall Ovens by Maytag Cooking Products
Key project players from Maytag Cooking Products: Neal Gibson, project engineer; Dale Wilkins, designer; Ted Becker, industrial designer; Gary Jackovin, industrial designer; Bill Schwartz, director, industrial design; Paul Kelly, wall oven platform team manager; Mike McKinney, designer; Bill Deter, director, product planning; Jeff Essenburg, product planning; Dave Brinker, model shop supervisor; Mike Bales, director of R&D, built-in product.
Key suppliers:
Aluminum Color
BMC
Days Specialty
Detroit Tool
Dow Corning
Gemtron
SDRC
Siebe
Suburban Plastics
TouchSensor
Technologies

Medical
Product: Intuitive System
OEM: Intuitive Surgical
Industrial design firm: Lunar Design—for more information, circle 262.
Key project players from Lunar Design: Max Yoshimoto, vice president; Jeffrey Salazar, senior industrial designer; Roman Gebhard, industrial designer; Andrew Zee, director, product design; John Nava, mechanical engineer; Dayne Wilcox, mechanical engineering contractor; Carter Multz, mechanical engineering contractor. From Intuitive Surgical: Steve Holmes, senior mechanical engineer; Andris Ramans, senior mechanical engineer; Bob Hager, director, mechanical engineering; Mario Santana, designer; Karen Davis, engineering intern; Daniel Hawkins, manager, marketing
Key suppliers:
AMP Circuits and Design
Danco Machining
Freetech Plastics
Production Pattern and Foundry
Rave Precision
Samax Machining

Portable Appliances /Personal Care
Product: Tropicool Personal Fan
OEM: Holmes Products
Industrial design firm: Insight Product Development—for more information, circle 269.
Key project players from Insight Product Development: Craig Scherer, partner; Ann Marie Conrado, design group manager. From Holmes: Greg White, senior vice president of marketing; Paul Powers, director of marketing.
Key suppliers:
Lee Yuen Electrical
Manufacturing
Raider Motor
Tower Manufacturing

Portable Appliances /Personal Care
Product: Black & Decker PartyMate Portable Drink Mixer
OEM: Household Products, Inc.
Industrial design firm: Anderson Design—for more information, circle 273.
Key project players from Anderson Design: David Kaiser, principal; Joseph Toro, project manager; Bernhard Heitz, designer; Glen Nielsen, 3-D designer; Eric Price, designer; Chris Hageman, designer; Joseph Paul, design engineer. From Household Products: Stuart Naft, project manager; Patrick Nolan, designer.
Key suppliers:
Advanced Elastomer
Systems
GE Plastics
IMT
Johnson Motor
NAMCO Small Parts
Division

Floor Care
Product: Kenmore Upright Vacuum Cleaner
OEM: Matsushita Home Appliance Corp. of America
Key project players from Matsushita: David Mehaffey, senior industrial designer; Jennifer Sams, industrial designer; Tim Sweeney and Will Creech, industrial design co-op; inhouse technology development group.
Key suppliers:
M.A. Hanna Color
Dow Plastics
Flexible Technologies
Matsushita Electric Motor Co. of America

Test, Measurement, Inspection Equipment
Product: T5 Electrical Tester
OEM: Fluke
Key project players from Fluke: Steve Fisher, senior industrial designer; Brian Akins, senior mechanical engineer.
Key suppliers:
Autoroll
Belden Wire & Cable
GE Plastics
ITW Plexus
Liquid Control Corp.
Varitronics