The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) recognized Toyota, Siemens, Kohler and Medtronic MiniMed as the 2010 Catalyst case study selections.
A jury of 18 design and business leaders picked these four cases because they either demonstrated design's power to generate revenue or positively addressed a social challenge.
Toyota Prius' design created a new car category by combining business opportunity, environmental impact and a social solution that changed attitudes about the potential of hybrids.
Siemens e.cam is a nuclear camera with an open gantry that allows easy access to both detectors for imaging of patients on gurneys and wheelchairs or in a standing position. This patient-centered design is an example of business leadership aligning good design with business strategy.
Kohler 9/11 Mobile Shower was created for the workers and volunteers at the World Trade Center located at Ground Zero. It was selected because it was a simple and appropriate shower solution as well as a great example of corporate citizenship.
The MiniMed Infusion pump, a device that helps diabetic patients manage insulin without daily injections, was selected for demonstrating the power to deliver healthier living and corporate financial performance by realizing the important connection between medical product design and a patient's daily needs.
"Each design story holds a real connection to facilitating positive change and help capture design's ability to deliver strategic value while inspiring the profession's future," said Catalyst innovator and Jury Chair Ravi Sawhney.
"Since its introduction 13 years ago, the Prius has become an agent of change and a catalyst for innovative ideas," said Bob Daly, senior vice president, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. "We are honored to be recognized by IDSA for Prius' positive contribution to the environment and society."
The case studies will be added to the growing library of design narratives in early 2011 when completed. Current completed Catalyst case studies are available for sale as PDFs and MP3s.