Focus Open invites companies and design agencies from all over the world to submit their most innovative product and concept solutions and enter its 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 among 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, not just in terms of its external impact on the market but internally as well, within the winning companies and the collaborations between design agencies and their clients.

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, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Slovakia. The jury selected a total of 59 prizewinners from among all the entries submitted. The premium Focus Gold accolade for outstanding design was awarded to 18 products. Fifteen entries received the Focus Silver for above-average design achievements, while the Focus Special Mention distinction was presented to 26 products for their innovativeness.

Participants could allocate their entries to the following categories:

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:
Christoph Behling, Christoph Behling Design, United Kingdom
Anita Leitmeyr, Tribecraft AG, Switzerland
Prof. Ulrike Rahe, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Caspar Schmitz, dreikant GbR, Germany
Thomas Starczewski, designship, Germany
Prof. Birgit Weller, Hochschule für Technik u. Wirtschaft (HTW) Berlin, Germany 

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

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.

Tarvos 60
Snatch Block

Medicine, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine

Prophyflex 4
Dental air polisher

Tableware and kitchenware

Nordic Kitchen
Thermal cafetière 

Home interiors

MehrFach
Shelving system

Home interiors

W2020
Chair series

Contract interiors

USM Haller E
Furniture system

Contract interiors

Xbrick
Multifunctional module

Ambience, lifestyle

Junior
Eyewear frame

Lighting

Salt & Pepper
Table lamp

Lighting

Palito
Pendant light

Manufacturer
d&b Audiotechnik GmbH
D-71522 Backnang
www.db-audio.com   

Design
Inhouse
Mathias Christner, Frank Bothe,
Michael Eckstein, Fritz W. Wurster

The loudspeakers are part of the SL Series, an audio system for professional users that is just as suitable for mobile indoor and outdoor applications as it is for permanent installation. The system delivers precise directivity behaviour over the entire operating range and lowers the sound level to the side and back in order to reduce acoustic emissions outside the audience zone.
The two loudspeaker models, which have different horizontal dispersion patterns, are used in large-format line arrays. The ergonomic handles and a new rigging procedure simplify handling and speed up the setup process. The SL-SUB subwoofer is designed for flying rather than ground stacks.

Jury
The design of the addable loudspeakers is characterised by a high degree of functionality, extreme reduction and meticulously conceived details. The convenient handles, neat and tidy back views and smooth, sedate fronts with the subtly integrated brand icon deserve special mention.
 

Manufacturer
Imec
NL-5656 AE Eindhoven
www.imec.nl

Design
GBO Innovation Makers
NL-5706 ST Helmond
www.gbo.eu

This headset uses the principle of the electroencephalogram (EEG) to capture emotional and cognitive processes that take place in the frontal areas of the brain in real time. Instead of being individually attached to the scalp, the necessary electrodes are integrated into the headset, which greatly simplifies usage. The device has been reduced to the absolute minimum and designed for comfort, and is ultimately intended to make EEG technology accessible to non-medical fields of application. The wearer of the wireless headset can listen to sounds or music through the integrated headphones. The device is the result of a ten-year development phase and currently still at the prototype stage.

Jury
A truly trailblazing product with an exemplary design that makes a valuable contribution towards promoting acceptance of EEG technology. Unlike medical EEG sensors, the headset doesn’t have a disconcerting effect on the wearer. The haptic differentiation between the hard materials on the outer side and the softness of the surface that comes into contact with the head is an interesting hallmark of the design.
 

Manufacturer
Alber GmbH
D-72461 Albstadt
www.alber.de

Design
Design Gen
D-81373 München
www.design-gen.de 

It’s not just cyclists who are benefitting from the progress in electric powertrain technology – people with physical limitations stand to gain as well. The integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the electric motor built into the robust drive wheel, disc brakes and the little LED headlight are consistent with state-of-the-art e-bike technology and add up to a compact powertrain that can be combined with almost any wheelchair. An adapter fixed to the chassis of the wheelchair means the add-on drive can be attached or detached depending on requirements, allowing a vehicle with a top speed of 20 kilometres an hour to be turned back into a manoeuvrable manual wheelchair in next to no time. An app connects the E-Pilot with the smartphone, which then doubles as a route planner. The directions are displayed on an interface attached to the handlebars, as are the range and battery status.

Jury
A magnificent thing. Unaided and with minimal effort, the user can transform his wheelchair into a nimble electric vehicle that even works on gravel. The design conveys mobility and activity; the integration of the battery and other components is impressive, as are the functional details. A product that permits new freedoms and doesn’t stigmatise the user. 
 

Manufacturer
Supernova Design GmbH & Co. KG
D-79194 Gundelfingen
www.supernova-lights.com 

Design
Inhouse
Marcus Wallmeyer 

There’s something very appealing about off-road biking at night – provided there’s enough light to ensure the rider’s safety. This compact headlight has been specially designed for power-assisted mountain bikes. Its 10 high-performance LEDs can be switched from a homogeneous low beam with an output of 450 lumens to a high beam with 1,250 lumens, which is ideal for off-road conditions and even illuminates obstacles higher up. Both modes have been approved as road-legal under German vehicle licensing regulations. The aluminium housing keeps the LEDs within the optimal temperature range and thus ensures their longevity. The entire headlight weighs just 125 grams and is equipped for different operating voltages. The matching rear light is visible from a distance of up to 900 metres.

Jury
With this compact headlight, even night-time expeditions on challenging trails are feasible. The pushbutton switch can be integrated into the brake levers, is intuitive to use and is backlit in blue when the high beam is activated.
 

Manufacturer
Naef Spiele AG
CH-4800 Zofingen
www.naefspiele.ch 

Design
Heiko Hillig
CH-4314 Zeiningen 

Babies are curious little people and love to explore anything they can get their hands on – preferably by putting it in their mouth! That’s why the European safety standards for grasping toys are extremely strict – which unfortunately means they limit designers’ creative scope as well. This product nevertheless manages to achieve a successful synthesis of sensuous materials, intriguing forms and safe handling for its tiny users. The spherical handle and immovably attached outer shape of the toy are made of untreated maple. The inner ball is made of polished maple and securely fixed to the white polyester cord with two stoppers; it rattles gently when the baby shakes the toy.

Jury
This small but sophisticated grasping toy features very appealing materials with attractive haptic qualities which, together with the shapes, colours and acoustics, are guaranteed to stimulate the senses. As a result, the ring’s appeal isn’t limited to babies; parents will also appreciate the toy’s well-conceived and safe design. 
 

Client
Bundesrepublik Deutschland,
Staatliches Hochbauamt Ulm
D-89073 Ulm

Design
Vautz Mang Architekten BDA
D-70180 Stuttgart
www.vautzmang.de

Because of its aggressive corrosive properties, road salt is a particularly challenging material to store. As a result, as few metal elements as possible were used in the construction of this dedicated depot. Instead, anything that comes into contact with the salt is made of wood — including the structural frame and roof as well as the actual storage area. Exterior lesenes made of reinforced concrete absorb the horizontal loads of the mighty sloping walls on the inside. Every element of the building is void-free and open so that corrosion damage can be diagnosed quickly. So that the salt can be delivered by trucks with large-capacity tippers, the hall has vertical clearance of nine metres and can be filled to a maximum height of seven metres. Good ventilation prevents condensation inside the building, which is naturally lit thanks to the generous use of corrugated plastic elements.

Jury
Although the salt depot is a purely functional building, both the overall effect and the individual details of the design are surprisingly aesthetic. The materials, capacity and well-lit interior all speak in favour of a building that has not only been made to last but enhances the public space as well.
 

Manufacturer
BrakeForceOne GmbH
D-72074 Tübingen
www.brakeforceone.de

Design
Robert Bosch GmbH, UX-Abteilung
Simone Bosatelli, Adriaan van Eyndhoven 
and
Inhouse

The famous last mile between the car park, station or bus stop and the traveller’s final destination is mostly covered on foot — largely due to a lack of alternatives. This electric scooter could well provide support for micromobility in urban areas. Made of fibre-reinforced plastics, it is based on much the same principle as a pedelec: acceleration sensors register the kicking movements of the user, who receives assistance from an electric motor. The big hubless wheels make the ride more comfortable, hydraulic disc brakes ensure rapid deceleration, and last but not least the scooter folds up for easy transport. The clean, understated design benefits from a crystal-clear interface and the fact that all the wiring is invisible inside the frame.

Jury
The scooter provides a captivating solution for the many short-distance journeys that are necessary on a normal day. The exemplary integration of the individual components is one of the most impressive aspects of this meticulous design. Attractive solutions have also been found for the transitions, the hubless wheels and the controls, including the folding option. 

Manufacturer
SOL Motors GmbH
D-70178 Stuttgart
www.sol-motors.com

Design
Manuel Meßmer
D-70199 Stuttgart
www.manuelmessmer.com 

Electric powertrains are permitting new forms of urban mobility and vehicle concepts that are totally unfettered by traditional systems that rely on combustion engines. The Pocket Rocket is a prime example: it exhibits few similarities with conventional motorcycles and takes an autonomousdesign approach with an eye-catching top tube as its defining element. The tube — like the rest of the frame — is made of aluminium and also accommodates the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the control electronics and the lighting system. Weighing in at just 50 kilograms, the two-wheeler with a hub motor in its back wheel has been reduced to the essential functions. Besides being extremely agile, the motorcycle can reach speeds of 45 to 85 kilometres per hour depending on classification and motor capacity. Designed as both a one- and two-seater, it has a range of 60 to 80 kilometres, which is more than sufficient for getting around town. Smartphone-based authentication means sharing and rental concepts are also feasible.

Jury
While the design is certainly polarising at emotional level, it uses the freedoms and possibilities inherentin the electric powertrain as the basis for an utterly different concept. Because its reduced geometry and complexity set it totally apart from familiar models, the motorcycle can be seen as promoting a completely new interpretation of mobility that involves a great deal of fun.