Taiwan Design Sector Wins Big at Major Design Competitions Worldwide in 2008

It seems that all the talk and prodding by both official and business sectors in Taiwan to build more added-value into locally-made products-hence enhancing the overall competitiveness and appeal of made-in-Taiwan goods and image-by cultivating the island's design prowess is actually bearing fruit. Recently a leading German design promoter and doyen lauded Taiwan for being a world-class design base, while the efforts by the design community in Taiwan in recent years are capturing global attention, so much so that the group is expected to bring home a record number of prizes from product design competitions worldwide.

The initial results of a few international design competitions show Taiwan's designers making quantum leaps, whereby the design sector from the island is fast realizing its considerable potential by winning increasingly major awards at world-renowned design contests, a feat rarely achieved even two years ago.

Such commendable accomplishment is backed by solid numbers: the statistics compiled by the Taiwan Design Center (TDC), a national design-related body, show that 62 designs entered by Taiwan, among 3,203 worldwide, won the "red dot" product design award in 2008, including five "best of the best" (to be elaborated in another story in Design & Innovation in Taiwan, or DIT). Being cited with the German-originated "red dot" award, a globally-recognized honor for high quality in product and communication design since 2000, may be the greatest achievement in the design field, hence the Taiwan-based designers have reached a zenith to date by garnering such prizes in one of the three key design competitions worldwide.

Oscar of Design Field

The 2008 iF product design awards, or the "Design Oscars," 77 products entered by Taiwan-based designers, among a total 2,771 worldwide, won iF awards, including one gold award-the highest honor of the contest-given to the Tatung VOIP Cordless Phone, a work by Nova Design. Tatung is a veteran home appliances maker in Taiwan whose rice steamer is virtually an institution in terms of must-have household items.

The iF design contest diversified into packaging for the first time at the Interpack 2008, the trade show for packaging and processes held in Dusseldorf, with the new, specialized design contest citing innovative and ingenious solutions along each link of the packaging chain. Again Taiwan-based entries fared remarkably well by winning six prizes, including three entered by a design company named Proad Identity.

Many factors have helped to upgrade the caliber of industrial design in Taiwan, one of which may be that "necessity is the primary fuel of motivation." The industrial sector in Taiwan has been waking up to the harsh reality that concentrating on, investing in better design may be the most productive way to keep at bay rivals in the relentlessly competitive global environment. So Taiwan-based designers' feverish efforts are being backed by ever-more conscious businesses. Another catalyst is the "Taiwan Good Design" selection mechanism established by the TDC a few years ago, which weeds out the boys from men-enabling the Taiwan Good Design jurors to choose design entries showing promise to vie for bigger prizes in major international design competitions as iF, red dot, IDEA, and G-Mark.

Award-winners from Taiwan

The following outlines some of the award-winning products entered by Taiwan-based designers in the iF and red dot design competitions this year.

Prize: iF gold award

Product: Tatung VOIP Phone Cordless VOIP Phone

Manufacturer: Tatung Co.

Design: Nova Design Co., Ltd.

The Tatung VOIP Phone makes Skype chatting even easier. Emphasizing its cordless feature and smooth touch pad design, the VOIP Phone is easy to assemble and takes PC-based Skype chatting beyond physical limitation. Its basic geometric shape with a square cutout simplifies the form element, while the compact design allows easy handling; plus the rounded edges not only soften overall appeal but also enhance tactile feel. The retro style of its antenna adds to the design, while the glowing, touch-sensitive keypad is but another attention-getter.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: LS 201 LCD Monitor

Manufacturer/Design: AsusTek

The aesthetically slim and elegance of the LS 201 monitor is based on its lustrous black gloss that subtly attracts user's attention. Fine hairline aluminum details on the base add to charisma and quality feel. Featuring an LCD panel protected by a scratch-resistant tempered glass face coated for anti-reflection yet allows 96% transmission of LCD's output light, the monitor has a face panel with a mere 2% reflection. Plus its base-integrated LED lights create for the LS 201 a tech-savvy look while in operation.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: Brightcam V30 Portable Webcam

Manufacturer/Design: AsusTek

The Brightcam V30 is a web-cam equipped with a Video Graphics Array (VGA, 640 x 480 pixel) video processor and has the capability to take digital pictures with resolutions of up to 1.3 mega-pixels. Its plug-and-play design enables easy, hassle-free use without having to install device drivers or deal with setup-routines. Being ultra-portable, the Brightcam V30 features a foldable stand that double as a clip to mount on notebook computer screens, as well as serving as lens protector when stowed away. A removable USB cable design enables the webcam to work on both laptop and desktop computers.

Prize: iF Product Design/ red dot Product Design

Product: Sport Series S701 USB Flash Drive

Manufacturer/Design: A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd.

Inspired by the concept of simplicity, practicality, the design of the S701 makes for an eye-catching USB flash drive. Its soft coating with special diamond pattern provides users anti-skid function; while its die-cast metal frame gives S701 an elegant and precious look, features of which make this flash drive a classic statement of your digital lifestyle. Its most noteworthy feature may be the user friendly, sliding USB connector design that eliminates the problem of losing the cap, a very practical idea.

Prize: iF Product Design/red dot Product Design

Product: Nobility Series N702 USB Flash Drive

Manufacturer/Design: A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd.

The N702 is a mini flash drive that works as an 180-degree rotatable lipstick, enabling its simple usage via innovative, 180-degree rotation that maintains overall integrity in product concept. The metallic exterior offers mysterious appeal while its sheen is tech-chic, with the necklace adding to its convenience. This very practical flash drive is a lot more than a mere e-device.

Prize: iF Product Design/red dot Product Design

Product: BenQ V2400W LCD Monitor

Manufacturer/Design: BenQ Corp.

The V2400W is a 24-inch wide-screen liquid crystal display monitor designed with unique style for maximum visual enjoyment. Its distinctive design attracts the attention of the consumer and yet does not distract by being rigid, obtrusive with its size. Using contrast between frosted and shinny textures, the designer is able to expand the screen size and reduce the edge width, with the rounded back disguising the actual thickness of the monitor. The V2400W breaks from traditional rectangular monitor design to create stunning aesthetics while maintaining overall design harmony.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: BenQ Joybook 13.3" Notebook PC

Manufacturer/ Design: BenQ Corp.

This BenQ Joybook is a 13.3-inch wide-screen, multi-function, LED back-lit notebook PC (NB). Weighing only 1.6kg, this NB is an advanced laptop specifically designed for business professionals on-the-go. Emphasizing "thin" and "light", the design concept works the relationship between the changing property of light and the operation interface. Going back to the roots of computer tech, the designers tap the binary system of 0s and 1s to transform dream into reality. Based on such back-to-basic design concept, this NB PC features blue light coupled with the black and white colors of the exterior to become a futuristic, tech-trendy product.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: BenQ E72 Mobile Phone

Manufacturer/Design: BenQ Corp.

The design of E72 was inspired by the concept of a bookmark, featuring a quick index that untangles things complicated and difficult to organize. Thus the phone has a bright color strip as its major visual focus, and at the same time integrates all the key, quick access of frequently used functions. The slim and rounded profile gives E72 a friendly look and pocket-sized convenience. Its special matte finish on the main body creates another kind of high quality yet sophisticated feel; while its mirror-like IMD (in-mold decoration) surface of the main lens adds to its trendiness and uniqueness.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: Trimble/ Juno ST GIS PDA

Manufacturer/Design: Lite-On Technology Corp.

The Juno ST handheld GIS PDA is the first affordable compact and lightweight GIS PDA on the market. Creating this new product line called for balancing the right visual language between a professional tool and hi-tech gadget. The dark middle frame with the yellow cover makes the whole device look slim and sophisticated. This hi-tech platform maximizes ergonomic limitations within the compact PDA architecture by carefully considering button design and layout, which enables users easy operation in hostile environments as woods, outdoors or construction sites, assuring reliability and durability.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: EMS E-paper Music Score

Manufacturer/Design: Lite-On Technology Corp.

The EMS (E-paper Music Score) is a scroll made of e-paper, rolled up inside a tube. Attached to this tube is a semi-cylindrical foot controller, which is removed and placed on the floor. The foot controller communicates with the scroll through Bluetooth, which is also the means by which new music can be downloaded from a computer. The scroll is pulled out and designed to fit onto a standard music stand. Pages are turned virtually, by pressing the foot controller, so there is no need to stop playing, even for a second. E-paper being extremely energy efficient, the EMS can operate for a long time between charges.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: LED Tub

Manufacturer/Design: Lite-On Technology Corp.

Often the most popular way to check the temperature in a tubful of water is to test it with hand or foot, which can be unpleasant or even hazardous for children or elderly. The LED Tub overcomes such problem by integrating into the surface square LED pads and a thermal sensor to indicate the water temperature. Thermal-sensitive color LED pads show red for hot water and blue for cold water, with hues in between for tepid temperatures, green for example when the water is warm. The LEDs are programmable to warn of dangerously hot bath water.

Prize: iF Product Design/red dot Product Design

Product Name: DONG-DONG-CHIANG Bench

Manufacturer/Design: Dazzle Design Co., Ltd.

Multifunctional as a bench and a deck chair, the DONG-DONG-CHIANG Bench accommodates one person or can be shared with others. The four legs are reconfigured to six when folded to keep its balance and stability, with the 6-leg mode ingeniously looking like a prancing lion standing still. It consists of four pieces of solid wood glued together and cut into two, so the pieces fit together when folded. Its contours fit the human body, surface CNC polished, boards are tenon jointed, and axle made of steel. The bulk of the bench enables the unit to be turned into a deck chair easily while remaining solidly stable.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: PS-001 Paper Scale

Manufacturer/Design: Industrial Technology Research Institute / Duck Image Co., Ltd.

This may be the thinnest bathroom scale ever. The PS-001 ultra-thin, foldable scale combines an electronic pressure-sensing sheet and electronic display paper. Placing one's weight on the scale changes the voltage in the e-paper, with the weight sensed displayed on the electronic sheet. As soft as a bathroom mat and water-resistant, the PS-001 may be placed outside bathrooms as mat to tell one's weight anytime. The principle is somewhat simple, with an array-arranged pressure sensor imbedded in the foldable scale that read, indicate changes in voltage as weight.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: Laptop Stand

Manufacturer/Design: Eastern Global Corp.

Designed to minimize stress for laptop users, the Laptop Stand enables users to adjust for enhanced ergonomics-bringing notebook PC screens and keyboards to more comfortable levels that minimize strains on head and shoulder. When attached to a standard keyboard it can be used as a document holder. Its hollow design also overcomes potential overheating problems by leaving ventilation channels between desk and laptop; while its neoprene bag also doubles as a mouse pad.

Prize: iF Product Design

Product: GK390 Task Light

Manufacturer/Design: Gingko Lighting Co., Ltd.

Perhaps the end to shadows created by lighting, the GK390 Task Light is an innovative LED task light that projects indirect light onto a guide plate with 24 LEDs rated at 0.5W, enabling comfortable illuminating of all kinds of workstations. The patented plate ends the annoying problem of shadows that frustrates the development of LED lighting; while indirect illumination also realizes stress-reduced, gentle lighting perfect for reading, working, etc. Its modern lampshade is not only stylish but also assures effective cooling. Plus the unit is green to be socially-conscious, with all its components made of recyclable and reusable materials.

Prize: iF Product Design/red dot Product Design

Product: Tai-Chi Hex Key Wrench Set

Manufacturer/Design: Jaco International Corp.

Inspired by the natural movement of Tai Chi boxing and based on "pushing hands" and finger exercises, Jaco built into the Tai-Chi Hex Key Wrench Set a unique rotational feature allowing easy removal and a blocking mechanism in the holder to keep the wrenches in. Jaco's new double-layer holder comprises two complementary shelves that arrange the wrenches from small to large for effective layout, which enable users to quickly remove and replace wrenches for better efficiency. Moreover, markings on holders enable clear identification of size.

Prize: iF Product Design/ red dot Product Design

Product: Wavy Tactile Path Educational Toy

Manufacturer/Design: Kiddie's Paradise Inc.

Inspired by trails in a rice paddy, the Wavy Tactile Path Educational Toy is designed to, while reminding children of the beauty of nature, help youngsters improve coordination, balance and adaptability to different environments. Its design featuring protruding dots and lines not only resembles commonly found shapes in nature, but also trains by sensitizing the soles of feet to tactile stimulations.

Prize: iF Product Design/ red dot Product Design

Product: Tatung Rice Cooker TAC-10B

Manufacturer/Design: Tatung Co./ Nova Design Co.

Tatung has cornered some 95% market share of rice cookers in Taiwan for the past 80 years for its unique steaming technique. Its timeless, distinctive engineering design makes stewing and steaming perfect for Chinese cooking; where food heated by microwave is often dry but Tatung rice cooker keeps the moisture in. Not diverting from its original brand spirit of humbleness and practicality, this rice cooker is solid and durable as well as simply shaped, while its one-piece side handles reduce production complexity.

Prize: iF Packaging Design

Product: Fashionable Court Tea Series--EMPEROR LOVE

Manufacturer/Design: Proad Identity

The tall alpine setting that is home to Oolong tea speaks of the mellow teas from the summits of Taishan, also its brand name. The bamboo leaf signifying Pu'er narrates how the aroma and freshness is nourished over time in the air as bamboo leaves dance and breath rhythmically. The floral tea in a package is like women's rouge box, bringing strong nostalgic sense to people to immerse in the belle epoque while sipping the tasteful floral tea.

Prize: iF Packaging Design

Product: Phoenix Cake Packaging

Manufacturer/Design: Proad Identity

This pineapple cake gift box is exquisitely designed for carrying delicate pineapple pastries under the time-honored name of phoenix. Presented in artistic, traditional paper sculpture, this white phoenix spreads its wings on the red and black background to fully animate classic elegance. Continuing the traditional art of papercraft used to package an all-time favorite pastry, this creative work takes presenting a tasty treat to a new level of aesthetic appeal.