DesignApplause is honored to be a gia awards judge for the past 11 years, and i looked forward to selecting the best of the 2022 product design – thank you for submitting your product. the judges used the following criteria to select all submissions:
the gia awards criteria > appearance
> user benefits
> ecological responsibility
> market impact & positioning – note: this judge’s interpretation for example, if you’re making an ecological statement you’re letting the end-user know via the point-of-purchase (pop) packaging and/or product website – why? consumers are wanting planet saving products. how do we know for sure? give credit to the automobile industry’s dramatic shift to electric cars / if you’re making a design statement you might mention on the (pop) packaging, etc., that you’re entering your product and winning in other design competitions by displaying an award logo, i.e., a red dot award or german design award winner / if you mention that you’re product was mentioned in design-centric media, let your audience know because they want to make a statement too.
thirteen housewares suppliers ranging from well-established brands to first-time exhibitors were honored as global honorees of the iha global innovation awards (gia) for excellence in product design today. the global honorees in each of 13 categories were announced during the invitation-only gia dinner on the first evening of the inspired home show 2022, and the winners as well as the finalists were on display at the show. this is the first in-person gathering of the industry’s premier marketplace since 2019. the global winners are:
[ note: this post a work-in-progress as info comes in… ]
> bath + personal care:madesmart, drying stone™ toothbrush tray
designed to be used – and reused the new sky drinking bottle is available in both a stainless-steel version as well as in four elegant shades made from bpa-free tritan plastic: blue, pink, green, and gray. it is designed to be used time and time again, helping you limit the consumption of disposable bottles. designer: aurelien barbry
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> tabletop:gourmet kitchen works llc, olipac filare
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the 65 finalists in all categories are featured in the new product showcases in the buyers club in each show building and the 13 category global honorees are on display in the hall of product innovation in the grand concourse lobby in the north building.
lockdown cut-proof bag by travelon / home organization + storage / booth n6031
with features like safetex cut-proof strap and body material, sold brass lock and one-piece construction valuables are safe when on-the-go.
safetex material cannot be cut with knives, scissors or razor – nor can bolt cutters cut the strap. lockdown bags come in two sizes, one for essential items the other for larger iPad size items.
theft is a crime of opportunity and the travelon¨ anti-theft lockdown bag stops theft.
below> fledge – flip edge cutting board by dreamfarm / kitchen hand tools + cutlery / booth n8107
fledge is the world’s best cutting board. fledge has unique flip up edges that prevent food from falling or rolling off the sides when being transported to a pot, bowl or table for serving. both fledge and the double-sized big fledge (coming soon) have non-slip rubber feet and knife-friendly patterns on both sides, and a generous juice groove for carving on the underside. won’t warp in the dishwasher.
below> flex by joseph joseph / bath + personal care / booth n7900
the concept behind the head is appearing in a variety of products. what makes this product standout is the unique head design and elegant packaging that easily stores with its minimal footprint, even if you don’t have a utility storage room.
conventional toilet brushes hold dirt and liquid, making them messy and unhygienic to use and clean. also their bristles can distort and wear, meaning they need to be replaced regularly. flex™ is an innovative toilet brush designed to solve all these problems.
it features a flexible, d-shaped head that reaches all areas, even under the rim. it has widely spaced bristles that prevent dirt clogging, allowing liquid to drain quickly and minimising drips between cleaning and storing.
it also has durable bristles and comes with a slimline holder for neat storage.
below> ta da over the sink drying mat by jascor housewares / cleaning / booth s1217
dry your dishes right where you wash them. made with fda-approved silicone and reinforced with stainless steel rods, this simple, sturdy mat allows runoff from freshly washed items to drip directly into the sink. you can even use it to rinse and drain fruits and vegetables. roll up and put away when you’re done. that’s how to-do becomes ta-da.
below> sensor mirror compact by simplehuman / personal electrics / booth n7735
a simple concept tweak creates a must-have travel companion. tru-lux light system simulates natural sunlight, allowing you to see full color variation, so you’ll know when your makeup is color-correct and flawless. the 3x magnification gives you a hyper-clear view of every detail. sensor turns light on automatically when taken out of the sensor pouch, and turns it off when put back in. the power button lets you toggle between 650 or 300 lux dual brightness settings. a fold-out ring handle is secure and comfortable in your hand, or can be used as a stand for hands-free viewing — and it comes with an attached button strap that keeps the mirror secure inside the pouch. the mirror is rechargeable, and one charge lasts up to 1 week with typical daily usage.
below> titan – trash compactor by joseph joseph / household + home electrics / booth n7900
titan is an innovative waste solution with a patented, hygienic compaction system. this allows it to hold up to three times more than a similar-sized household bin. compacting your rubbish means you empty your bin less often and use fewer liners. titan also features an anti-tear design that won’t stretch or pinch the liner and a replaceable odour filter to neutralise any unpleasant smells.
below> cuisnart venture portable gas grill submitted by the fulham group / cook + bakeware / booth s1672
the cuisinart venture portable gas grill is not your average “tailgating” gas grill. the sleek and modern aesthetic, with store ‘n go design inspires adventure and helps couples enjoy those intimate moments. perfect for the date night picnic or small group gatherings. the wooden lid doubles as a chopping board; simply remove the cutting board from the top to prepare your meal or use it for cheese and crackers to enjoy while sipping a glass of wine. the grill grates are porcelain enameled cast iron, giving off more heat and holds heat longer than steel. a simple, complete, and compact portable grilling system.
below> globe watering can – jet and shower watering can by eva solo / home décor * gifts / booth8324
globe watering can allows the user to select between a jet watering or shower watering with a simple turn of the spout. practical hole in the side for easy filling. perfectly balanced for easy pouring.
below> messy mutts travel water bottle and bowl by jascor / pets/ booth s1217
perfect for your thirsty mutt on the go! just fold up the silicone bowl and press the quick release button. unused water drains back into the 700ml or 24 oz stainless steel bottle after use and the bowl folds back over the bottle for easy portability.
care > disassemble and hand wash with warm water and mild soap or place in dishwasher. hand wash recommended. do not microwave. silicone bowl can be removed from cap. bpa and pvc free.
below> cubit by plott / smart home products / booth L14000
cubit is the first tool that can bring your dimensional data to your smart device and also extract it back into the real world after you have manipulated it. this means that after you measure your space and arrange it to your liking in the app, cubit will then guide you to make your design a reality bringing your project to life. editor’s and gia judge note: with regard to category strength the smart home products category contained quite a few exceptional products and a shame we couldn’t have had a tie amongst two or three products.
thawthat! deluxe defrosts meat right on the countertop without any external heat or power source for a gentle, even thaw in less than half the time of traditional countertop thawing.
features >
dissipates cold and draws ambient warmth to the surface / eco-friendly / rugged anodized aluminum, abs, polypropylene construction / cleaner than soaking and gentler than microwaving / faster (up to 2.5x) than traditional countertop thawing / concave surface directs melted liquid / green – no wires or batteries required / hand wash recommended
promeco has created tempcontrol® technology which keeps dinnerware warm or cold for more than 30 minutes.
this technology is presented via the calido onyx black dinner plate by sanodegusto, offering the perfect backdrop for a culinary tour de force. the anti-scratch structure ensures multiple use without devaluing the design. moreover, the integrated revolutionary tempcontrol® technology makes sure any dish stays warm for at least 30 minutes. sanodegusto is a division of promeco.
[ gia global innovation awards – product design ] the iha innovation awards have honored the best in product design at the international home + housewares show for the past four years. the award’s name and tagline have now changed to the iha global innovation awards (gia), honoring product design excellence.
all products entered into the new product showcase will have a chance at winning. innovative products will be judged by a panel of experts that includes designers, retailers and news media.
product finalists selected by the judges were announced prior to the show and will be featured in each buyers club and at the iha global innovation awards display in the lakeside center lobby.
editor’s note: ron kovach has been a judge since inception of this award.
Garject is the world’s best garlic press. It presses unpeeled garlic, scrapes itself clean, and even ejects the peel. All of the garlic ends up in your meal, your hands don’t stink and your Garject practically cleans itself in the process. Boom.
Levups are our incredible leveling measuring cups that are perfect for both dry and liquid ingredients. Each Levup is clearly marked with cup, ounce and millilitre measuring lines for liquids. For dry ingredients, Levups handles squeeze together to make a scraper swipe across and push off any excess, leaving you with a perfectly level and accurate measurement. Levups are a set of 4 measuring cups that snap together for storage and can be easily snapped apart so you only have to wash the dirty ones.
Smood is not a strange-looking whisk, it’s the world’s best potato masher. It makes smooth mash in seconds, scrapes the pot clean and serves. As you push down, Smood’s spring flattens which forces your potato through the thin gap in its coils, creating smooth fluffy mash in just one press. Holla!
‘Discover Design’ is five years old in 2015 and is a destination of more than 100 design-centric exhibitors from around the world. The confines includes the ‘Discover Design Gallery’ featuring the products submitted for the gia awards; ‘Design Debut’, an incubator program within Discover Design, featuring 10 new companies; and the Discover Design Lounge with Wine Bar and Café. In 2015 over 270 entries were viewed by 20 judges to select the 2015 gia awards winners:
[ best Collection Design ] global honoree
That! inventions > heat THAT!
[ 2015 judges ]
Specialty retailers, design and consumer editors, trendspotters and independent designers served as Discover Design judges for the gia awards. They are: Asko Ahokas, Asko Ahokas Consulting; Jens Bauerle, Global Brand Vision; Mary Liz Curtin, Leon & Lulu; Meredith Doherty, The Grommet; Mary Rose Gearon, Global Brand Vision; Michael Higdon, National Building Museum; Raymond Hu, Core77; Ron Kovach, DesignApplause; Dan Kraemer, IA Collaborative; Lu Lyndon, Placewares+Lyndon Design; Paul Makovsky, Metropolis magazine; Marco Perry, PENSA; Jamie Rowley, Fab; Billy Shelton, Chicago Architecture Foundation; Michele Tobin, Walker Art Center; Becky Tyre, Gift Shop magazine; Robyn Waters, R W Trend; Adrienne Wheatley, Culture + Commerce, Terri Winter, Top3 by Design; and LinYee Yuan, Mold.
2015 was our (DesignApplause) third year to judge this show. with almost one hundred more entries (270) than 2014, the competition this year was noticeably higher. all items were judged online – it’s worth noting, video submissions are compelling – though there were photo-only winners.
‘Discover Design’ is four years old in 2014 and is a destination of more than 100 design-centric exhibitors from around the world. The confines includes the ‘Discover Design Gallery’ featuring the products submitted for the gia awards; ‘Design Debut’, an incubator program within Discover Design, featuring 10 new companies; and the Discover Design Lounge with Wine Bar and Café. In 2014 nearly 200 entries were viewed by 20 judges to select the 2014 gia awards winners:
[ best Collection Design ] global honoree
Magisso > Naturally Cooling Ceramics
finalists
Carl Mertens > Verso Collection
Ekobo Ecology & Design > BIOBU Bamboo Kids Collection
[ best product design ] global Honorees
Crucial Detail > The Porthole
Joseph Joseph > Twin-cut compact 2-in-1 scissors
Sagaform > Mini Greenhouse
[ martin m. pegler award for best booth ] global Honorees
3 Sprouts
the porthole | crucial detail
twin-cut Compact 2-in-1 scissors | joseph joseph
mini greenhouse | sagaform
onpot | dreamfarm
mb lib | monbento
spreadthat! | parallax horizon
ole jensen colander | room copenhagen
winstor | savino
naturally cooling ceramics | magisso
verso collection | carl martens
biobu for kids collection | ekobo ecology & design
3 Sprouts
[ 2014 judges ]
Specialty retailers, design and consumer editors, trendspotters and independent designers served as Discover Design judges for the gia awards. They are: Asko Ahokas, Asko Ahokas Consulting; Jens Bauerle, Global Brand Vision; Mary Liz Curtin, Leon & Lulu; Meredith Doherty, The Grommet; Mary Rose Gearon, Global Brand Vision; Michael Higdon, National Building Museum; Raymond Hu, Core77; Ron Kovach, DesignApplause; Dan Kraemer, IA Collaborative; Lu Lyndon, Placewares+Lyndon Design; Paul Makovsky, Metropolis magazine; Marco Perry, PENSA; Jamie Rowley, Fab; Billy Shelton, Chicago Architecture Foundation; Michele Tobin, Walker Art Center; Becky Tyre, Gift Shop magazine; Robyn Waters, R W Trend; Adrienne Wheatley, Culture + Commerce, Terri Winter, Top3 by Design; and LinYee Yuan, Mold.
above>below What was not so noticeble at Ambiente 14 seemed everywhere at Home&Housewares 14: silicone. Washable/dishwasher safe, flexible, can be non-stick and easily takes colors, silicone has been around and first widely used for protection from heat and ironically, never has seemed to be taken seriously. In 2012 a new ingredient was added to silicone’s many assets and that was design. In 2013-14 silicone presents itself as ‘high-end’ through a new Austin, Texas, [ Finell ] founded by designer Rebecca Finell. The company designs, produces and distributes it’s own products and not exclusively silicone.
facets | finell
siliase | monbento
above>below[ Monbento ] is a three-year-old French company founded by designer and CEO Emilie Fabien. It’s new ‘silicase’ collection for oven baked items is really beautiful, with a high-gloss inside and high matte outside and both Monbento and Finell offers a refined color palette which dramatically separates them from the pack.
silicase | monbento
chopula | dreamfarm
above>below[ Dreamfarm ] creates a myriad of silicone solutions. Here’s Chopula (2012). The Australian company created in 2009 by Alex and Cate Gransbury also has a a USA base in San Francisco. The refined function of each product is not hidden by the playfulness of form.
chopula | dreamfarm
o bag | lexon
above>below Though technically not silicone the O bag feels like it but is a great deal less dense, less heavy, and may inspire designers to experiment with less heavy silicone solutions. The bags all come with removable mix-n-match handles as well as a zipper foam-like insert if you wish a little more security and are waterproof. O bag is designed by Italian designer Emanuele Magenta and made by Fullspot. O bag was seen in the [ Lexon ] booth, a French company conceived in 1991 by designer and president, René Adda.
o bag | lexon
All of these companies were found in [ Discover Design ] a design-centric area at #IHHS14 @HousewaresShow
Clever design, clean hands. Presses unpeeled garlic, scrapes itself clean, and even ejects the peel. Clever design ensures all of the pressed garlic gets into your mean and never on your fingers.
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