I can give you hundreds of definitions of what is a good design, right from Dieter Rams to Jonny Ive. The bottom line I think is just this, a good design is what appeals to the individual at that particular moment and if it solves a purpose for him/her, then even better!
Red Dot Product Design is one jury that looks at all the angles and aspects of a design. For 2011 they have summed up their Best of Best designs and here is a small recap of my pick – 21 Good Designs in all!
21) Slide iPad Stand by Tools Design
Just Mobile Slide™ is the take-anywhere, do-anything iPad stand that is crafted from a single piece of high-grade aluminum. It features a high-friction rubber cylinder stowed in its tubular support.
20) Arc Touch Mouse by Microsoft
The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse goes from flat to curved with one simple movement, so working on the go is easier than ever. At less than 15 millimeters thick at its widest point, it delivers ultimate portability.
19) Table B by Konstantin Grcic
Inspired by the classic BD pieces like Hypóstila shelf unit, The Table B is ideal for both indoors and outdoors. It is crafted from extruded aluminum, drawn up to length of 500 cm and can be done in various finishes and with three models of legs.
18 ) +ARTESIO Kitchen by Hadi Teherani AG & Poggenpohl
Germany’s premium kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl has developed together with Hamburg architect Hadi Teherani the new +ARTESIO® kitchen concept that brings together furniture design, wall, floor and ceiling in an architectural melting pot. This fusion now provides the core for the new +ARTESIO® kitchen concept. The pioneering programme is a gesture into the room. It unites the hitherto customary divide between furniture design and room architecture. It’s no longer a case of fitting kitchen furniture into an existing space in the best way possible but of re-defining this space completely through the “kitchen” concept.
17) Y1 Illy Caffé Spa by MM Design
Y1 is an innovative espresso coffee machine designed by Illy. A perfect fit for any home, the design language of this aluminum and glass is impeccable. The machine’s emphasis is on gesture and the user-friendliness. The combination of the machine with the closed capsule system “Metodo Iperespresso Illy” stands for excellent quality and represents a new type of coffee consumption.
16) OXO Tot Sprout by Smart Design
The tastefully done up OXO Tot Sprout is comfortable chair for your child that has extended usage. It grows with your child from 6 months to 5 years old! The seat adjusts in height and depth and the footrest is height-adjustable.
15) Pure Black & Pure White Magnetic Knives by HolmbäckNordentoft
The beautifully crafted Stelton knives hold on to their frame thanks to magnetic forces. An awesome cut that we have already written about, refresh your memory here.
14) Pie – 60 minutes Kitchen Timer by HolmbäckNordentoft
The easy-to-read analogue dial is the best part about the Pie. The graphic dial allows you to monitor progress at a glance, even from a distance! SO awesome and better still, no batteries required!
13) Eva Solo XO Collection – Kitchen Grater by Tools Design
Adding a touch of class to your kitchen is this set of graters. The series includes a selection of four different graters with extra sharp cutting surfaces. Easy to handle when in use and pleasing to the eye when resting!
12) Trabec Bicycle Helmet by POC
Inspired by how a skeleton is built for resistance and durability, the designers fashioned the Trabec Helmet to replicate the effect. The Aramid filament reinforced EPS core is tough and resilient and the outer PC shell is optimized with no seams at the most exposed areas. The aerodynamic styling and 16 vent holes, make it the perfect cycle companion.
11) Backpack Bed by Tony & Lisa Clark
This rugged backpack with built-in storage pockets & secret lockable internal pockets requires no poles but just the ropes to set it up. The fabric used to craft it is waterproof, windproof, fire retardant, anti-mildew & warm. Just what the homeless or a solitary camper needs.
10) Bugaboo Donkey Stroller by Bugaboo
A very dynamic stroller for your newborn bundle of joy!
9) Pontos Décentrique Phases de Lune Wrist Watch by Maurice Lacroix
The titanium cut Pontos Décentrique Phases de Lune is an elegant adornment for your wrist. Produced in the limited quantity of 500, the watch blends refinement with technology and originality. Features include a sculptural case that is 45 mm in diameter, self-winding ML122 mechanical movement, and sapphire crystal dial with anti-reflective coatings on both sides.
8 ) VERSATILE Axis Wall Tile by KUTAHYA PORSELEN SAN A.S Seramik Fabrikalari
VERSATILE is a unique three-dimensional surfaced wide V and diagonal S shaped forms that allows multitude of pattern ideas to be arrange.
7) Denro ONE Room Controller by Ottenwälder und Ottenwälder
The Denro ONE adds a sophisticated edge to your room by controlling all its aspects in one unique device.
6) Yill Mobile Energy Storage Unit for the Office by Studio Aisslinger
Yill is a small, mobile energy storage unit that can power a modern workstation for two to three days without cords or cables. It can supply equipment with up to 300 watts of electricity.
5) Gemino 30 Rollator by MOSA Designlab
Gemino is a very stable and firm foldable rollator, which is very easy to operate by the user. Anatomically designed handgrips with brakes make the rollator and brakes easy to operate.
4) BabyBloom Incubator by Gianni Orsini High-End Product Design & Creative Direction
Incubator for babies need not be sterile and depressing looking. The BabyBloom is bright and sunny and makes it more comfortable for new parents, baby and medical staff to use.
3) HOHRIZONTAL 51 Wall Shelf with integrated iPod Sound System by finite elemente
This is a very cool adaptation of a shelf with functionality. Adding speakers to the platform is simply very clever! Just sync in your devices and get grooving!
2) iPhone 4 by Apple
Err…do I really need to explain why this is here? I guessed not!
1) EVO 4G by HTC
Another cool design that warrants no explanation as to why it made it big!
