The jury of the Red Dot Design Award has met and 62 products received the "red dot: best of the best."
The 30 international experts examined, tested and evaluated each individual product of altogether 4,515 entries - live as always and on-site. They applied different criteria such as the level of innovation, functionality, self-explanatory quality and environmental compatibility.
Products from 19 different categories had to be assessed in the evaluation process lasting several days - from small objects such as paper clips or hearing aids to furniture, cars and building projects.
Besides the "red dot quality seal" for outstanding product design, the jury awarded "honourable mention," distinguishing remarkable detail solutions. In addition, highest quality is honoured with the special award "red dot: best of the best". This year, only 1.37 per cent of all entries received this prize. 71.23 per cent of all participants didn't win an award.
"The world goes through a time of political and economic change. Companies have realised that investing in design offers a considerable added value. In the end, the design of a product is the most important incentive for the purchase decision of a consumer," commented Professor Dr. Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of the red dot.
"The red dot is not only an excellent marketing tool which generates a high degree of attention. It also serves as indicator for the creative performance of designers. Thus, these creative heads gain recognition for their work and companies can find out which designers achieve above-average results."