In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where innovation meets aesthetics, the Reddot Winner 2023 Product Design Award stands as a testament to the year’s most outstanding contributions. Recognized globally as one of the most prestigious accolades in the design industry, the Reddot Award celebrates exceptional quality and forward-thinking designs. This year’s winner has once again set a high standard, showcasing a blend of creativity, functionality, and sustainability.
Rugged Combo 4 Touch
The Rugged Combo 4 Touch combines a case and keyboard with a trackpad for the iPad, offering users, in particularly learners, four modes of use: typing, sketching, reading and viewing. The multi-touch trackpad responds to swipe, pinch and double-tap. Thanks to the military-grade protective cover and pry-proof keys, the Rugged Combo 4 Touch is especially durable, for example, in the schoolyard. It connects to the iPad via Smart Connector, so it does not need to be charged or paired separately. The jury was enthusiastic: “The multifunctional case is well thought out down to the last detail, as well as user-friendly and pleasant to the touch.”
ESR Sentry Stand Case
The ESR Sentry Stand Case is a multifunctional protective cover for the iPad Pro. It consists of a robust back shell and a vegan-leather front. Attached via magnets, the case protects the screen, with a stand that can be positioned at several angles. The six modes, which include normal landscape, raised landscape, portrait and writing mode, allow for a variety of uses, including fridge mounting. Two separate mounts allow for additional angles and working scenarios. “For the ESR Sentry Stand Case, practical utility was merged with a minimalist design to create a sensible everyday accessory,” concluded the jury.
MagKick Magnetic Case with Kickstand iPhone 14 series
The MagKick Magnetic Case with Kickstand for iPhones has a slim stand that is integrated almost invisibly into the back. The stand is freely adjustable up to 60 degrees, which keeps the smartphone stable in portrait or landscape format, for example, during video meetings. The phone case consists of a hard plastic back and a soft silicone inner shell. The MagKick Magnetic Case also includes an integrated magnetic ring that supports stable attachment and is compatible with MagSafe accessories and Qi-certified wireless chargers. “Here, innovation merges with user-friendliness to create an appealing product,” summarised the jury.
Read on
Pragmatic considerations about the everyday use of reading glasses led to the development of “read on”, an iPhone case with an integrated pair of glasses. The compact, multifunctional iPhone case with its reduced design offers space for a pair of reading glasses that is only 3 mm thick. In its protected compartment, the visual aid is not only easy to find and therefore always available: it also cannot be lost or scratched by other objects carried in the same case, such as keys. The jury highlighted both the extraordinarily practical aspects of the product and its refined design, which has created an innovative typology of glasses for men and women.
Evolution – Intralock Series
The Evolution phone case is attached mechanically and is compatible with MagSafe. It is secure, featuring a customised, simple closure technology that can be used with a range of accessories, such as a bike mount or content creation adaptor. Thanks to the MagSafe-compatible magnetic field, Evolution also offers access to various systems for mobile accessories. While sturdy materials and raised edges offer reliable protection, the mobile phone case is suitable for a variety of uses thanks to its grip ribs, robustness and water resistance.
Statement by the Jury
The sophisticated materials and good functionality make this mobile phone case an attractive safeguard with added value, especially during outdoor activities.
Polar Ignite 3
The modern Polar Ignite 3 fitness and wellness watch is characterised by its light weight of only 35 grams including the wristband, making it uncomplicated and comfortable to wear both during the day and at night. As a result, it is possible to track and analyse data – including heart rate, sleeping rhythm, calorie consumption and exertion during sporting activities – around the clock. The soft curves provide a seamless screen experience, while the bright AMOLED touchscreen is protected by durable Gorilla Glass. The jury was impressed by the high wearing comfort and the multitude and accuracy of the functions – attractively “packaged” in a slim, classically sporty smartwatch.
Bold case
Robust and available in many colours – from bright to subtle – Bold is a striped smartphone case that offers good protection for any mobile phone. The solid aluminium frame not only provides protection, but also emphasises the accessory’s stable nature visually. Thanks to its pleasantly soft silicone feel, it is easy to hold, while the smartphone is protected by linen felt on the inside. Sustainability has also been considered: the plastics used in Bold are from 100% recycled PC Plastic.
Statement by the Jury
The Bold smartphone case attracts attention with a versatile colour palette and delights with reliable protective functionality.
RING LIGHT CASE
The RING LIGHT CASE, with its integrated ring light, is automatically and wirelessly powered by the mobile phone. The pull-down switch means it can be used for either the front or the rear camera. Three different light effects – mixed, cool or warm – can be set up, with adjustable brightness. The ring pops up at the touch of a button, giving sufficient light for selfies and vlogs.
Statement by the Jury
The exceptionally lightweight RING LIGHT CASE is a smartphone case with a cold/warm LED that ensures professional lighting, while avoiding the need for environmentally harmful batteries.
Pixel 4a, 4a (5G) & 5 Cases
The irregular texture of this fabric case for the Google Pixel Phone effectively masks signs of everyday use. The case is durable and machine washable. Easily accessible ports and wireless charging with the case still on are just a couple of the features that make the design particularly user-friendly. The microfibre inner protects the mobile phone and raised edges prevent scratching of the display and camera.
Statement by the Jury
This practical smartphone case is made from over 70 per cent recycled materials, a sustainable concept which, together with the attractive appearance of the case, makes it an impressive product.
ThinkPad Z13/Z16
Sustainability of materials and processing were the guiding principles behind the development of the ThinkPad Z13/Z16 packaging. All four types of packaging are plastic-free and made of bamboo and sugarcane fibres, reinforced with corrugated cardboard cushioning. Paper bags as well as kraft paper envelopes protect the product and hold manuals. This sustainable approach is very well conveyed visually and combined with a simple imprint of the brand name.
Statement by the Jury
The construction and choice of materials for this plastic-free packaging of the ThinkPad Z range impressively combines protection, aesthetics and sustainability.
Nebular130
The Nebular130 is an electronic shelf label that, thanks to its slim shape, even fits through the hanging slots of packaging, making it suitable for hook shelving. It is equipped with a clear display that provides easy-to-read product information. The labels simplify in-store inspections, out-of-stock detection and online ordering, ensuring efficient processes in not only labelling, but also purchasing. According to the jury, the design communicates modernity and “is geared towards optimised functionality that creates a high utility value”.
LG XBOOM Go Series (XG9, XG7, XG5)
“The LG XBOOM GO series combines rich sound with lighting effects and expressive shapes. It is precisely geared towards the preferences of the target group for which it was designed, “commented the jury, praising the coherent product concept of this Bluetooth speaker series. All units are waterproof and dustproof, making them particularly suitable for outdoor parties. Their compact, trapezoidal body ensures a firm footing in any environment. Recycled materials are used in their production, and the recyclable pulp packaging has been kept to a minimum.
glo™ Hyper X2
In the development of the glo Hyper X2 Air tobacco heater, user studies were taken into consideration to better incorporate consumer preferences into the design evolution and functional innovation processes. The appearance is characterised by fashionable metallic colours, and the smaller, lighter format fits well in any hand. An LED display shows the battery charge level, the elapsed time and the activation of the boost feature, which uses increased heat to intensify the flavour. The heating channel with the redesigned cap that glides gently under the hand remains contaminant-free. The packaging uses no plastic. The jury commended the successful design of these innovations.
The Eclipse
The design of The Eclipse atomiser is based on a new concept of the tried-and-tested manual atomiser. Designed in the shape of a disc, it breaks with the standard vertical spray bottle. This is only possible because an electronically assisted spray function from a closed container replaces the pump-injection spray process. “The innovative functionality of the spray is reflected here in a design that is as elegant as it is practical,” the jury said in praise of The Eclipse. Made from recycled aluminium and biodegradable PLA material, the atomiser also fits into any pocket and blends in with other cosmetic products.
Qpow Pro Digital Display
With a capacity of 10,000 mAh, the Qpow Pro Digital Display powerbank with integrated cable is a mobile power supply that meets the charging requirements of various electronic devices. The compact, lightweight energy source fits comfortably in the user’s hand and can be carried in their pocket. The digital display shows the charge status so that the remaining power can be accurately tracked. The jury was convinced: “With its matt black surface and compact dimensions, the product can be an elegant and helpful companion.” The powerbank is compatible with a wide range of fast charging protocols.
The Reddot Winner 2023 Product Design Award has not only honored an extraordinary piece but also inspired the fashion industry to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. This accolade serves as a beacon for designers worldwide, reminding us that the fusion of beauty and purpose can lead to groundbreaking achievements. As we look forward to the future, the winning design of 2023 will undoubtedly influence trends and inspire new generations of creatives. It stands as a symbol of what the fashion industry can achieve when imagination meets craftsmanship, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of design.
