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- IAUD International Design Award
- 2016 winners
- IAUD Awards Citations 2016 CHAIRS INTRODUCTION & FULL CITATIONS-2
IAUD Awards Citations 2016 CHAIRS INTRODUCTION & FULL CITATIONS-2
2016.12.09 Updated
Announcement of IAUD Awards 2016 Winners
IAUD AWARDS (34)
- In the category of Communication design
- SoftBank Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Koemoji-talk
A smartphone application that facilitates communication between people with hearing impairments and those with normal hearing. Person to person and “group talk” functions support up to 8 people by converting voice to text.
The jury commended its adaptability and functionality, but regretted the lack of evidence of user-involvement.
- In the category of Communication design
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Raku Raku Rice Cooker Application : Smartphone Application for Mitsubishi Electric Rice Cooker with Voice Control
A smartphone application for Mitsubishi Electric Rice Cookers, which allows remote access to all functions. This delivers a high level of usability, in particular for vision-impaired people.
The Jury applauded the reduction in the price point of this multi-function rice cooker by creating an application to control it remotely, and in particular the incorporation of voice control.
- In the category of Communication design
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Creating Audio RakuRaku Quick Guide for home appliances
Mitsubishi has created an audio instruction manual to explain the basic operations, features, and maintenance of selected products. The CD is particularly helpful for vision-impaired users.
The jury saw this as an excellent and exemplary initiative, and looks forward to the eventual full coverage of Mitsubishi products by similar audio instruction manuals, also available by Internet.
- In the category of Communication design
- Listen Technologies receives an IAUD Award for:
ListenIR promotes UD: Is Sustainable and Universal, Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
An assistive listening system using digital infrared (IR) technology to provide quality audio across a wide range of situations: cochlear implant processors, tele-coil equipped hearing aids and headphones.
The jury praised ListenIR for solving some of the intractable problems of assistive listening and elevating the quality of sound for users, and also for its inclusivity, as one system works for all people with and without hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- In the category of Education design
- Universal Sound Design Inc. receives an IAUD Award for:
Use of in the field of education of the table-top conversation support system comuoon
A well-established program to facilitate language acquisition and speech abilities by donating this conversation support system to schools and educational establishments across Japan – in particular those catering for hearing impaired children.
The jury commended this initiative and the flexibility of the system in a school environment. Proof of concept and demonstration projects are most useful in the development of such supportive systems as they engage large numbers of users in verifying and validating effectiveness in real life situations.
- In the category of Product Design
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
Air-Conditioner / Panasonic CS-X226C Series
A high-efficiency air-conditioner unit that in winter can deliver warm air at feet level, and in summer offers gentle cooling. Equipped with a room temperature monitor, the unit operates automatically as and when required, while a self-cleaning function ensures safe operation and reduces maintenance.
The jury applauded the focus on full-body heating and cooling, and self-cleaning in a visually minimal form with good attention given to the design of controls.
- In the category of Product Design
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
Cordless stick-type vacuum cleaner “iT” Panasonic MC-BU500J Series
An ultra-slim multi-purpose cordless vacuum cleaner that adapts readily from cleaning expanses of floor to narrow spaces around furniture. Its “house dust discovery sensor” allows for visual confirmation of cleaning results.
The jury particularly welcomed the light weight and adaptability of this product, along with its simple, attractive, slim and easy to store design.
- In the category of Product Design
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
Robotic vacuum cleaner
A robotic, triangular-shaped vacuum cleaner for cleaning more effectively into the corners of rooms. Equipped with sensors to detect floor type and house dust down to 20 microns, this cleaner can also provide an audio report of cleaning results.
The jury thought this was an excellent example of design evolution in response to user feedback, and appreciated the attention to detail and the focus on high-quality cleaning with reduced user demands, offering ease of use for time-poor and capability-impaired people.
- In the category of Product Design
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
Blu-ray Disc Recorder / Panasonic DMR-BRX7020/4020 Series
A fully automatic voice-command recorder for TV programs that is easily operated by all family members via a remote. The voice-guided TV timetable and list of recorded programs gives ready access to and control of scheduled and recorded programs by simply speaking.
The jury places a high value on ease of use and the simplification of operating systems, in particular in home electronics and other multi-user situations.
- In the category of Product Design
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
4K Ultra HD Smart Television by UD / Panasonic TH-DX600/750/770/800/850/950 Series
Using a similar voice-control remote to its Blu-Ray disc recorder, Panasonic’s 4K Ultra HD Smart Television offers the same ease of use to all family members. Additional program navigation features deliver a high level of accessibility.
The jury places a high value on ease of use and the simplification of operating systems, in particular in home electronics and other multi-user situations and especially for vision impaired and older people.
- In the category of Product Design
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Refrigerator that support comfortable lifestyles for various customers. CX-Series
A three-door refrigerator designed for small households of all ages, with easy-open doors and available in two heights. This space-saving refrigerator is particularly suited to cramped kitchen and dining spaces.
The jury praised the ergonomic and user-friendly features – evidence of the benefits of user involvement in the design process – and anticipate this level of usability becoming the norm in the near future.
- In the category of Product Design
- Daikin Industries, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Air conditioning remote control which all users from installer to end user can use easy –
A remote-control unit for air-conditioners for business and commercial premises, which addresses the shortage of installers for this type of product by greatly reducing their workload. The design responds to a wide range of usability needs, from installers to end users, and enables selection of displays to match installation scenarios.
The jury commended this improved interface for air-conditioners in multi-use and large-scale situations, in particular for dramatically simplifying installation, controls and options to cater for the needs of installers and end users alike.
- In the category of Product Design
- Daikin Industries, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Humidification air purifier
A humidification air purifier that focuses on delivering clean air, closely aligning it with consumer lifestyle demands in terms of healthy living and convenience. Instead of adding technological functionality and features, the user-interface has been simplified, along with the design language.
The jury thought this as an excellent and much needed example of simplification, reversing the trend to multi-functionality and overly complex controls and interface. Greater attention to the full diversity of user needs would make it a truly UD product.
- In the category of Product Design
- Daikin Industries, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Remote AC control application for smartphones
A universal interface application for home air-conditioners that addresses growing unease with controlling domestic equipment from a distance without adequate visual confirmation. By focusing on clarity and simplicity, Daikin has developed a visual language that gives confidence in use and clear feedback of equipment status and room settings.
The jury applauded this remote-control application as a further example of Daikin applying UD thinking to the delivery of air conditioning, but believes the idea can and should be taken further to address the needs of vision-impaired users in a similar way.
- In the category of Product Design
- Okamura Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Footrest “ pierpo ”
An adjustable footrest for use with fixed-height desks. Controlled by a foot-operated lever the “pierpo” offers a four-level height and angle adjustment for a sitting posture to suit a wide range of individual users.
The jury appreciated the attention given tackling serious issues in a sedentary workforce, along with an excellent resolution of flexible options and its capacity to be stored unobtrusively.
- In the category of Product Design
- Okamura Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Meeting Chair “ pirouetto ”
In its swing leg version “pirouetto” encourages a new working style by gently supporting the body in a half-standing, while in its many other variations it offers precision support to a very wide range of seating and working requirements. The ring lever below the seat can be operated from any position enabling free adjustment of the height of the seat.
The jury applauded this elegant, user-friendly and highly adjustable series. An excellent demonstration of how high quality user research can address real needs and health issues among office workers.
- In the category of Product Design
- Okamura Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Lounge Seating “filALL”
User research, consultation and involvement in the development of this lobby / waiting room chair ensured comfortable use by all and moved the project’s goals well beyond resolving issues for specific groups of people. This was achieved by focusing on how people sit down, stand up and move around waiting rooms and public areas.
Although not particularly original in its concept, the jury described this as a well-resolved product demonstrating an excellent, user-centered approach.
- In the category of Innovation for everyday use & emergency situations
- Panasonic Corporation Appliances Company Design Center receives an IAUD Award for:
Manually rechargeable FM-AM 2 band receiver / Panasonic RF-TJ20 Series
A manually rechargeable radio that can be played and enjoyed on an everyday basis, but in an emergency can be used to recharge phones and other devices via a USB connector.
The jury praised this rechargeable radio as a simple but effective way to deliver power in emergency situations and also a timely reminder of our need to conserve energy and protect the environment.
- In the category of Innovation for everyday use & emergency situations
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
LED Any-Battery Lantern Mini (for AA, AAA size battery) BF-BM01P
A versatile, lightweight LED light that operates on a single AA or AAA battery, and can be used either as a flashlight or as a lantern. In an emergency, can be operated with a single battery taken from a nearby device such as a remote control unit.
The jury thought this small-scale version of a previous award-winning light was a good and useful extension of the range.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Network Camera KX-HJC500
An easy-to-install, security / home monitoring camera that can be controlled from smartphone. The addition of noise and heat sensing make it useful for families with young children of aging parents, while the DECT wireless communication system ensures stable use over an extended range.
The jury found the noise and heat sensing capabilities a useful feature, along with its ease of installation but thought greater attention could have been paid to UD aspects through focused user research.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Cleanup Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
ASHI-PITA Hard to slip even on wet floor –
A non-slip surface for bathroom floors and bathtub bottoms that significantly reduces the risk of falling and imbues the bathroom space with a sense of safety and security. Unlike similar products the fine texture of the surface increases grip while offering a gentler and more comfortable user-experience.
The jury applauded the clear evidence of user research and involvement, which has identified important issues such as security and ease of cleaning.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Range Hood
Older people find cleaning range hoods troublesome and tiring. This product significantly reduces cleaning with a maintenance-free fan and a dishwasher-friendly oil collection plate. Easy access for cleaning when necessary completes an age- and ability-friendly design.
The jury commended this high-quality product and extensive research with older users as an excellent example of age-friendly inclusive design, with user-consultation driving a continuous product improvement process.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Interphone for Mansion Windea series
User friendliness, particularly for children and older people, is the driving force behind this easy-to-use and easy-to-understand product. The monitor screen has a wide imaging area, while simple crime prevention settings and visitor recognition are very effective. Illuminated pictograms and large call buttons complete a user-friendly design.
The jury was pleased to see many good examples of product improvement through universal and inclusive design, this interphone being one of them. And in particular, commended the extensive user-survey driving an inclusive product improvement process.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
HOME DELIVERY BOX
A parcel delivery box for detached houses, allowing worry-free home deliveries whether the residents are at home or away. Easy to install and use, the Home Delivery Box is particularly useful for older people and also younger people who are away from home during delivery hours.
The jury thought this a convenient and simple answer to a persistent problem, with benefits for older and disabled users who struggle to get to the door quickly.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
LED CEILING LIGHT
An LED ceiling light that responds to circadian rhythms by gradually changing color to assist more natural waking, and also provides optimal light for studying, thereby enhancing feelings of wellbeing and attentiveness.
The jury found this a well-researched and innovative use of the potential of LED lights, but would like to see more thorough evidence of its efficacy in use, perhaps with controlled user studies in a range of situations.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Wireless TV Door Phone VL-SGD10L
A portable video intercom that operates on dry-cell batteries and enables simple installation at gateposts and other entrances where wiring was conventionally required. The wireless monitor base unit enables video confirmation of visitors and conversation from anywhere within the house
The jury commended this as a simple and neat concept with many ease-of-use features that is particularly convenient for people with restricted mobility as the intercom is pocket-sized and portable. A possible drawback is the need to keep it with you at all times, which could be addressed with a simple docking station.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Mitsubishi HEMS - Home Energy Management System
An easy-to-understand energy management system offering features that support comfort and safety in everyday living, for example: energy-use visualization charts and multiple appliance control by simply selecting scenes from a menu. It also has a feature that enables automatic operation of appliances according to disparate family needs.
The jury applauded this well thought out solution to home energy management as a significant step towards energy saving and sustainability awareness, and particularly appreciated the ability to visualize energy saving within the house as a whole.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Air Conditioner ZW / ZXV Series
An energy-efficient air conditioner that delivers comfort to all users. Automatic, sensor-controlled operation can distinguish between children and adults, while four flaps provide a healthy and comfortable air-conditioned environment for everyone from children to the elderly.
The jury praised this air-conditioner for its considerate user-centered, inclusive design approach. The combination of a simplified remote control with an innovative use of sensor technology has resulted in genuinely user-friendly product improvements.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Sekisui House, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Safe consideration gaining over door
A sliding door that retains all the advantages of this typology – a wide, clear opening and clean lines – while eliminating problems with opening and closing sliding doors to deliver a design that is easy and safe to use.
The jury praised this as excellent example of product improvement by Sekisui. There is nothing new about soft-close doors, but here the application is well considered and applied, as sliding doors are prone to finger trapping.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Sekisui House, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Handleless storing difference door
Repeated trials and evaluations honed the design of this storage unit door that brings uniformity to partition walls due to its invisible handles. An easy-access groove replaces a conventional handle to allow easy application of force to the door edge, making for safe and easy use in a clean contemporary design.
The jury commended a well-considered and executed improvement delivering usability with a modern aesthetic. An elegant and subtle solution to the challenge of making storage walls and units visually clean and handle-free, without compromising ease and safety of use.
- In the category of Housing Equipment
- Sekisui House, Ltd. receives an IAUD Award for:
Development of the original modular bath BCH-V bench-style
This modular bath unit accommodates the varied bathing styles of Japanese people. A movable bench enables people to wash their body while taking a shower sitting in a comfortable position. During cleaning or when the bench is not required, the seat can be flipped up to enable more spacious use of the washing area.
The jury praised this as another excellent example of product improvement by Sekisui.
The jury also highlighted for special commendation a thorough, user-centered research process that sits at the heart of the Sekisui approach to product development and improvement. By applying this approach across the range of their products and activities Sekisui has consistently ensured safety and comfort for all users.
- In the category of System Design
- Fujitsu Design Limited receives an IAUD Award for:
Iris Passport –
Iris authentication enables a high level of security while being simple to use. Based on a 1,000 plus user-survey, this design ensures that by simply looking at a smartphone screen anyone can have access to the level of security offered by iris recognition.
While the jury praised the efforts of Fujitisu to introduce this technology in a user-friendly way it felt that more attention should be given to understanding the fullest range of smartphone users and alternatives to iris recognition, especially for vision-impaired users.
- In the category of System Design
- Fujitsu Design Limited and Itochu Techno-Solutions Corporation receive an IAUD Award for:
Hands-up Service delivering Empowered Welfare for visually impaired people
A service to support visually impaired people and encourage them to participate more in society. The service is built around the concept of "empowerment welfare"—tapping into the abilities of visually impaired people to enhance autonomy by engaging those around them on the basis of mutual aid and cooperation.
The jury found this an interesting approach aligned with other global projects looking at the engagement of people in the immediate environment to assist visually impaired people. The emphasis on relying on people rather than technology was particularly refreshing, but this service proposal is still highly conceptual with no detailed presentation or assessment of feasibility.
- In the category of System Design
- Panasonic Corporation receives an IAUD Award for:
Lively Life Design Magazine
Japan is the world's leader in terms of an ageing population. Panasonic has responded with a web-based "lively ageing society" magazine suggesting how older people can be independent and lead bright, healthy, and meaningful lives.
The jury thought this an excellent idea, but found the implementation overly corporate – more an advertising and promotional gateway for Panasonic than a genuine "open innovation platform" in which lifestyle information and advice goes in both directions. An important first step but a long way to go…
