Focus Open 2017
Baden-Württemberg International Design Award


Competition as a means of advancement

For 26 years, Focus Open has been inviting companies and design agencies from all over the world to submit their most innovative product and concept solutions and enter the competition for outstanding and forward-thinking design. The Baden-Württemberg International Design Award is a permanent feature of the German and international competition scene. Held under the Focus Open label, it enjoys high standing amongst companies and design agencies alike.
Because of its non-commercial orientation, the contest fulfils its mandate to promote design and enables even the smallest companies to take part. For the prizewinners and those honoured with distinctions, the Focus Gold, Focus Silver and Focus Special Mention awards constitute an effective tool for strengthening their brand, both in terms of its external impact on the market and within the winning companies and agencies themselves.


Participants and awards

This year too, the Focus Open jury evaluated entries submitted in 18 different categories. The product innovations came from Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Liechtenstein, Poland, Spain and Switzerland. The jury selected a total of 69 prizewinners from amongst all the entries submitted. The premium award Focus Gold for outstanding design went to 13 products. 30 products were presented with the Focus Silver for above-average design achievements, whilst 26 products received the Focus Special Mention for innovative design achievements.


Categories

Participants could allocate their entries to the following categories:
 
  • Production, assembly, logistics
  • Medicine, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine
  • Bathrooms, sanitaryware, wellness
  • Kitchen, household
  • Tableware and kitchenware
  • Home interiors
  • Contract interiors
  • Ambience, lifestyle
  • Lighting
  • Media, audio, optical equipment
  • Leisure, outdoor
  • Sport
  • Children, family
  • Architecture
  • Public design
  • Transport, traffic
  • Design studies
  • Sustainability


A fair jury, a fair assessment

One special feature of the Focus Open competition is that no pre-selection of the entries is made prior to the judging. Every single product submitted is presented to the jury for assessment. In order to ensure a fair evaluation, the jurors agree not to submit any products whose development they were involved with. Almost without exception, the assessment of the entries was conducted on the basis of the original product. The judging comprised several rounds and gave rise to some lively discussions. The jury line-up and its combined experience from a wide range of different sectors and product categories helped ensure fair and competent assessments from a variety of very different perspectives.

The entries were evaluated by the following experts in the course of a two-day judging session:
 
  • Petra Bole, Struppler GmbH, DE
  • Barbara Busse, Future+You, DE
  • Stefan Degn, formquadrat GmbH, AT
  • Thomas Feichtner, Thomas Feichtner Studio, AT
  • Christina Finger, büro+staubach, DE
  • Jun. Prof. Dr. Jens Krzywinski, Technische Universität Dresden, DE

The jurors based their assessment on the following design criteria:
design quality, functionality, innovativeness, ergonomics, interface design, usability, ecology, sustainability, perceived value, look and feel, emotionality, brand fit, product typography, product graphics and/or typography.


A valuable distinction for the prizewinners

The non-commercial nature of the competition and the moderate participation fees give even very small and emerging companies the opportunity to enter their innovative products and compete at international level. The competition pursues the declared aim of highlighting tendencies in design, uncovering totally new solutions and, most importantly of all, promoting and assisting the annual prizewinners with the marketing of their innovations. The awards are particularly beneficial for brand communications: the Focus Gold, Focus Silver and Focus Special Mention labels are a mark of quality and a valuable tool for distinguishing products within the brand profile. In addition, a wide range of other measures help generate publicity and awareness: the festive award ceremony, the exhibition at the MIK (Museum, Information, Art) in Ludwigsburg, which lasts several weeks, as well as the extensive online presentation and premium exhibition catalogue that is distributed all over the world.
Being honoured with a design award sends a signal that the submitted work is held in high esteem by carefully selected experts. It is a signal that can have a positive impact within big companies too, and represents an important endorsement for all those involved with the development process. It can boost both motivation and identification with the company and its products and help reinforce confidence in the collaboration between designers and companies.

AWARD CEREMONY SCALA

Stuttgarter Strasse 2
71638 Ludwigsburg

13 October 2017
Admission: 6.30 p.m.
Start: 7 p.m.


EXHIBITION OPENING

MIK, Museum Information Kunst
Eberhardstraße 1
D-71634 Ludwigsburg


EXHIBITION DATES AND OPENING HOURS

14 October to 22 November 2017
daily 10.00 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 10.00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
except public holiday 31 October and 1 November


GUIDED TOURS

Sunday, 15 October, 4 p.m.
Sunday, 05 November, 4 p.m.
Thursday, 16 November, 6.30 p.m.

Admission to the exhibition and guided tours is free.

Production, assembly, logistics
 

Fiberforge 4.0
Tape laying system
 
Manufacturer
Dieffenbacher GmbH
D-75031 Eppingen

Design
Defortec GmbH
Stefan Grobe, Anja Egerland, Markus Cermak
D-72135 Dettenhausen

Distributor
Dieffenbacher GmbH
D-75031 Eppingen
According to its manufacturer, this is the fastest tape laying system in the world and can process up to 490 kilograms of continuous tape made of thermally bonded glass, carbon or natural fibres. The flat laminates are created fully automatically on its round, movable and rotating table and emerge from the integrated production process in the form of three-dimensional composite components.
The dynamic lines emphasise the central production zone, while the smooth, fuss-free surfaces stand for precision and cutting-edge technology. Large transparent areas allow the work zone to be monitored, and there are doors to ensure easy access. Visually, all the other components such as the quadruple reel holder, the vacuum unit and the control cabinet are designed to play a less prominent role.

Jury
A very well-designed piece of production machinery; besides being logically structured, it speaks an independent design language that is strictly geared towards functionality. As a result, the design focuses on where the fibre-reinforced tapes are processed while the other assemblies required deliberately take a backseat. A solution that can provide new ideas and inspiration for mechanical engineering.



Medicine, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine

Labsit
Lab chair

Manufacturer
Interstuhl GmbH & Co. KG
D-72469 Meßstetten-Tieringen

Design
Id Aid GmbH
D-70176 Stuttgart

Distributor
Interstuhl GmbH & Co. KG
D-72469 Meßstetten-Tieringen

As this lab chair and its various configurations go to show, there’s absolutely no reason why task chairs can’t be aesthetic. So as to meet the special hygienic requirements of the lab setting, the chair was designed with very few joints and seams, is easy to clean and disinfect and features upholstery with an antimicrobial effect. As a result, it is even suitable for use in Class 3 cleanroom environments. And because the front edge of the seat and backrest are flexible, the lightweight chair provides a high standard of comfort for long work days – even without complex hinge solutions. The bright colours and rounded forms add up to a pleasant overall look that invites users to take the weight off their feet.

Jury
The slightly domed upholstery ensures the chair feels pleasant to sit on, while the lines between the seat and back are highly attractive when seen from the side. Modular, meaningful add-ons are available in the form of armrests, nameplates or foot rings. All in all a very logical, compelling concept that meets the demanding requirements of the work environment while nevertheless providing a high standard of comfort.



Kitchen, household


Blizzard CX1
Vacuum cleaner

Manufacturer
Miele & Cie. KG
D-33332 Gütersloh

Design
Inhouse

Distributor
Miele & Cie. KG
D-33332 Gütersloh

The European vacuum cleaner market is more or less equally divided between appliances with and without a dust bag. Miele now also offers a product in the latter segment. However, rather than relying on a number of small cyclones for dust removal, it uses just one, which permits more sensitive adjustment and improves performance. The vacuum cleaner filters the air in no fewer than three stages that successively remove ever finer particles from the air; in the final step, allergens and ultrafine particles are captured by the HEPA filter. Fine dust from the second filtering stage is collected in a separate container that is simply rinsed under running water about twice a year - without the unpleasantness of escaping dust. The vacuum cleaner is designed to last for 20 years and is comparatively quiet when in use.

Jury
Its design makes the vacuum cleaner stand out from existing models and signals that it is based on a new technology. The independent, dynamic design language and premium surfaces have echoes of the automotive segment and underscore the appliance’s efficiency. The accessories are very well integrated and the details of the controls entirely consistent.

Tableware and kitchenware
 

O
Porcelain series
 
Manufacturer
Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH
D-07768 Kahla

Design
Inhouse
Barbara Schmidt

Distributor
Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH
D-07768 Kahla

The key design element of this collection is the crease, which creates a feeling of suspense by dividing items like the plates into two zones – the flat area is reserved for the food, the folded-up surface is intended for holding the tableware. This opens up new possibilities for presenting the food and makes for better handling. Fine ribbing on the undersides of the individual elements and the insides of the cup handles provides a better grip and delivers a surprising tactile experience.
Intended for both private and professional use, the collection is relatively small thanks to the multifunctional design of its components. The saucers are a good example: because they do not have an indentation for the cup, they can also be used as small plates. A patented, anti-slip coating on the undersides of the cups ensures a sufficiently steady footing.

Jury
A very intriguing concept that benefits from the deliberate disruption of familiar forms. But the kink is more than just a visual feature: it also changes everyday usage for the better by making the plates, platters and bowls much easier to grip. In addition, the different textures encountered in the areas used for holding the porcelain provide tactile stimulation. The subtle but innovative silicone rings on the undersides of the porcelain prove highly functional.
 


Home interiors
 

Healey Soft
Armchair

Manufacturer
Walter Knoll AG & Co. KG
D-71083 Herrenberg

Design
PearsonLloyd Design Ltd
UK-London N1 6ND

Distributor
Walter Knoll AG & Co. KG
D-71083 Herrenberg

Traditionally, lounge chairs can be readily identified by characteristics such as comfort and a snug, cosy feel. The Healey Soft is no exception: its design language immediately signals an extremely comfortable seat. Despite being lavishly upholstered with polyurethane foam, the armchair displays a slender silhouette and is neatly drawn in at meticulously positioned points on the seat and back - a detail that reinforces the dynamic lightness of its overall appearance. The four-star base is equally svelte; made of polished or coated aluminium, it transitions directly into the amply padded armrests. Optionally, the back of the shell can be covered with the same leathers and premium fabrics as the front of the chair.

Jury
An extremely elegant armchair that combines a very aesthetic look with excellent comfort and an independent design. The curved backrest is perfectly designed right down to the last detail, while both the seaming and drawn-in details exhibit a high degree of precision and quality. The same applies to the armrests, which are attached directly to the frame without any additional support.
 

Contract interiors
 

Pixel
Space-configuring and furnishing element
 
Manufacturer
Bene GmbH
A-3340 Waidhofen an der Ybbs

Design
Inhouse
Didi Lenz, Christian Horner

Distributor
Bene GmbH
D-60549 Frankfurt am Main

Although the cube-shaped box made of robust pine plywood might look unspectacular to start with, it serves as the basic element for creating an extremely flexible working environment. Specially developed to meet the extremely diverse requirements of teamwork and collaboration, the modular system is designed for the rapid assembly, dismantling and reconfiguration of individual settings with a distinct workshop flair. The versatile box can take on the role of a table base, a stool, a bench or even a rostrum. The integrated handle makes the elements easier to carry and can be used to link several boxes with one another. Cushions, covers, panels and boards for media displays or vertical work surfaces put the finishing touches to the system.

Jury
It doesn’t get much simpler than this: a piece of furniture that has been reduced to a refined box. The fascination of the additive modular system lies in its great variability: it permits a vast range of different scenarios and exudes a temporary, makeshift character that can encourage creativity. The sturdy, multifunctional boxes are made to last and can be connected without tools – the kind of minimalism that lays the foundations for great versatility.

Ambience, lifestyle


Uno 24 Plus
Wristwatch

Manufacturer
Botta-Design
D-61462 Königstein

Design
Inhouse
Klaus Botta

Distributor
Botta-Design
D-61462 Königstein

A watch with a 24-hour face and only one hand is easier, clearer and more intuitive to read than a 12-hour dial with two hands. That, at least, is Klaus Botta’s line of argument – and the reason he developed the first one-hand watch in 1986. The latest version adheres to the same principle but is bigger and its look more refined. The watch face is divided in two, with the lighter, daytime half positioned above the darker, night-time section. At noon, the hand points to the top of the dial, whereas the transition to the next day at midnight is positioned at the very bottom.
The PVD-coated stainless steel casing features a flush-fitting base and is topped with slightly domed sapphire glass; spherically curved surfaces are visible towards the side.

Jury
A thoroughly independent watch concept with an absolutely meticulous design: the slight doming of the glass, for example, is echoed in the pronounced downward curve on the side of the casing. This curvature gives the watch a light, almost floating appearance despite its considerable diameter. The look created by the slender hand over the very aesthetic face is both delicate and striking, and even the back of the casing has been seamlessly integrated into the design.


Lighting


Winglet CL
Wall light

Manufacturer
Nimbus Group GmbH
D-70469 Stuttgart

Design
Rupert Kopp Product Design
D-10997 Berlin

Distributor
Nimbus Group GmbH
D-70469 Stuttgart

The integrated rechargeable lithium ion battery liberates the luminaire from the otherwise obligatory power outlet and allows it to be positioned wherever required. It is mounted by means of a built-in magnet that attaches the light to a metal wall plate. After up to 150 hours of use, the battery is drained and ready for recharging – either via its micro-USB port or a separate rapid charger. The actual luminaire contains light-emitting diodes that use a microstructured light guide to emit diffuse light in the direction of both the wall and the room – the distinctive kink in the housing is specially designed to assist with this double-sided effect. The luminaire is activated and dimmed via a capacitive sensor and equipped with daylight and presence sensors that regulate the luminous intensity automatically. What’s more, the lights are able to communicate with one another wirelessly, enabling groups of several individual units to be switched on simultaneously.

Jury
An unusual luminaire, flat yet angled into a slanting wing. This interesting form is dictated by the function: it allows the glare-free light to be emitted on both sides – producing both direct and indirect effects. Since there is no need for a power cable, the rechargeable light provides an ideal and very quick solution for retrofitting existing buildings.


Architecture
 

FLC240
Floodlight

Manufacturer
WE-EF LEUCHTEN GmbH & Co. KG
D-29646 Bispingen

Design
Inhouse
Petra Denst

Distributor
WE-EF LEUCHTEN GmbH & Co. KG
D-29646 Bispingen

The requirements outdoor lighting has to meet can vary considerably – after all, commercial facades need to be illuminated differently than historical monuments, museums or sculptures. Be that as it may, glare-free and energy efficient lighting are always essential. We-Ef has designed its architectural floodlight with variable internal and external accessories, thus enabling it to adapt to the specific features of the building concerned. But the high-performance LEDs are the heart of the floodlight: they are equipped with an optical system that eliminates scattered light within the lens and ensures the light is distributed homogenously. The lines of the casing exude a rather technical-looking character: besides allowing the heat to dissipate, the cooling fins on the back also serve as a striking element of the design and underscore the product’s powerful performance.

Jury
Thanks to its variable optional equipment, the floodlight gives lighting designers a great deal of freedom for illuminating buildings. The proportions of the casing create a very well-balanced overall effect and the completely exposed cooling fins give the light an appropriately technical character as well as visualising the high light output.

 

Public design


Front Heimat
Exhibition concept

Client
Tiroler Landesmuseen-Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H.
A-6020 Innsbruck

Design
Büro Münzing
D-70178 Stuttgart

During the First World War, Tyrol was the scene of fierce military conflicts. The impact of these events on everyday life was the theme of a temporary exhibition in 2015 – exactly 100 years after the first fighting in the area. The show’s narrative approach shed light on the economic, social and cultural changes brought about by the war. In nine interlinking tableaux spread over two levels, everyday objects, letters, photos, artworks and pamphlets present the topic from the private perspective. Natural materials in their plain form allude to the deprivations suffered during the war years, while an overarching multimedia installation connects the different levels and reflects on the political context.

Jury
Besides giving centre stage to the exhibits, the very sparingly used resources that make up the exhibition architecture reflect the deprivations, shortages and struggles experienced in Tyrol during the First World War. Wooden frames in various stages of deconstruction serve as a connecting link between the spatial structures. This is a very special approach to accentuating the dignity and gravity of the complex topic. The same goes for the way the exhibition deals with the grief of losing loved ones, which manifests itself in the form of a wall depicting the fallen.


Transport, traffic
 

L1
Fast-erecting crane

Manufacturer
Liebherr-Werke Biberach GmbH
D-88400 Biberach

Design
Ipdd GmbH & Co. KG
D-70174 Stuttgart

Distributor
Liebherr-Werke Biberach GmbH
D-88400 Biberach

Thanks to its hydraulic setup mechanism, the crane can be installed even on cramped and awkward building sites, while its modular axle system makes it exceptionally manoeuvrable. Although compact when folded, the L1 permits working heights of up to 26.5 metres and a horizontal range of up to 27 metres.
The design picks up on the manufacturer’s identifying features in such a way that the product is clearly recognisable as a Liebherr crane. In addition, the crane combines static elements like the slewing platform with dynamic lines in the base area and a filigree mast concept. Instead of being attached additively, the switchgear cabinets have been incorporated as integral elements; their large doors, which open upwards, permit optimal maintenance access and provide protection from the weather.

Jury
The design of the base is particularly striking. The steel structure seems to transition seamlessly into the stacked ballast, and even the switchgear cabinets have been executed as an integral part of the slewing platform. Reducing the design to just a few elements results in a neat and tidy overall picture – concepts such as these still tend to be few and far between in the construction industry. The colour signature on the mast and jib makes very nuanced use of the manufacturer’s corporate colour.


Design studies
 

I.D.
Concept vehicle

Manufacturer
Volkswagen AG
D-38440 Wolfsburg

Design
Inhouse

Distributor
Volkswagen AG
D-38440 Wolfsburg

The I.D. show car presented in 2016 is the first example of what the family of electric vehicles VW has announced for 2020 might look like. The study exemplifies how the design highlights the innovative character of the compact city car while simultaneously incorporating familiar features. The battery integrated into the floor of the vehicle can be scaled to suit individual customers and provides sufficient power for up to 600 kilometres. The vehicle is based on a modular platform system that is to be used for other models in the I.D. family.
Thanks to the absence of B-pillars and the sliding rear doors, the interior is configured as a big, open space. All the necessary information is shown to the driver on a head-up display in the windscreen, and in the fully automated driving mode planned for 2025 the steering wheel is retracted into the dashboard.

Jury
The concept demonstrates just how much the world of cars will change as a result of the electric powertrain. Traditional elements like the radiator grille are combined with a totally new light signature and a new interpretation of the interior. The details are not just very well designed but also very close to reality for a concept vehicle, making the car a good fit with the pragmatic VW brand.


Sustainability, ecology
 

Cupit
Porcelain beaker

Manufacturer
Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH
D-07768 Kahla

Design
Inhouse
Lisa Keller

Distributor
Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH
D-07768 Kahla

The “to go” coffee cup has become synonymous with a modern, urban lifestyle – however, the side effects are considerable. In Germany alone, around three billion of these disposable cups end up on the rubbish heap every year. Bringing your own cup to the coffee shop therefore represents an active contribution to reducing the rubbish mountain – and enhances enjoyment of the beverage into the bargain. Besides being designed for unlimited use, the porcelain beaker is made of a material that is highly suitable for hot drinks. What’s more, the silicone strips around its circumference make for easy carrying when the cup has been freshly filled. The base – likewise made of silicone – ensures a steady footing and protects the surface the container is placed on. Thanks to a depression in the lid, the beakers are easy to stack, while the ergonomic drinking rim prevents drips and is adapted to the shape of the lips. Available in three sizes, the cup can of course be used without a lid as well.

Jury
An originally shaped and unobtrusively designed cup; besides being aesthetic, it also provides a good alternative to the throwaway mentality that is increasingly turning into an ecological problem. Thanks to the silicone rings, the ergonomically shaped and thin-walled cup is easy to hold even when filled with a hot beverage. The silicone lid makes for pleasant, drip-free drinking.

 
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