Tokyo (SCCIJ) – An international jury has awarded the Design Prize Switzerland 2019-20 to thirteen products and projects. The experts chose the winners from a total of 44 entries in 12 categories. Over 700 guests from the fields of business, design, politics, and culture celebrated the prizewinners and their outstanding work, some of which are available in Japan or can be ordered from Japan already.
The new textile is made of banana plant fibers (© Qwestion).
Textile from banana fibers
The award-winning products and projects clearly show that design has become synonymous with research and development. For example, the winner in the Textile Design category was Bananatex, the world’s first technical textile made from banana plant fibers and developed by the Zurich-based bag label Qwestion in cooperation with a Taiwanese production company.
The label was founded in 2008 by four Swiss who wanted to create bags that could be worn on a bicycle just as well as in business. All products are designed and prototyped in Zurich. Production takes place in a small factory 120 kilometers from Hong Kong in Huizhou. Some of its products are available at Itoya in Ginza; many can also be ordered online globally.
The Piech Mark Zero was presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 (© Piech Automotiv Group).
Swiss-made electric cars
In the “Energy Efficiency” category, the winner was the Piëch Automotiv Group, a German-Swiss company. The jury praised its first vehicle, the Piëch Mark Zero, for its revolutionary new battery cells, which recharge to 80% capacity in just 5 minutes.
The cells are only subject to minor thermal changes despite enormously high charging and discharging currents. The technology gives cause for optimism. The company will develop several luxury electric cars and plans to offer its line-up worldwide, including Japan.
The seat of the Limbic chair which has a shell for each leg (© Limbic Life).
Limbic chair for virtual reality
In the “Furniture Design” category, the award went to the “Limbic Chair,” a seat developed by Patrik Künzler, who impressed the jury with his innovative concept. The starting point for the development of this piece of furniture was the objective of bringing about positive mental and physical states, e.g., feelings of weightlessness, concentration, and relaxation.
For the first time, his study included both the neurological and emotional aspects of sitting. The result of the research is a fundamental technology for an analog and networked chair. The company makes direct sales in its showrooms in Zurich and London and wants to expand its international distribution network also to Japan.
The Caru Smart Sensor can sit in any room as electronic helper (© Caru Home).
Communication with old people
The winner in the “Product – Consumer Goods” category was the Caru Smart Sensor, an intelligent communication system for individuals with age-related or other health-related impairments who are living independently. It is a cross between a baby monitor, a voice-controlled telephone, and an emergency call button.
The device makes clever use of the possibilities offered by today’s technology to meet the needs of its users without attracting attention and without intruding on their sphere. Japan has the potential to become a fertile test ground for selling and improving this product beyond Switzerland, once the web application has been localized.
A Swiss institution for design
First held in 1991, the Design Preis Schweiz is now a leading institution of the Swiss design industry. The competition, which takes place every two years, is addressed to Swiss designers, brands, companies, and institutions active either within Switzerland or abroad.
Also eligible to take part are foreign designers who study or work in Switzerland or are employed by Swiss companies. Prizes are given to products as well as to research studies, processes, concepts, and projects in all relevant design disciplines. Design Prize Switzerland thus succeeds in highlighting a wide range of innovative Swiss talent.
Text: SCCIJ with material of Design Preis Schweiz
