Smart Design's OXO Good Grips Utility Knife wins Universal Design Award

  • OXO Good Grips Utility Knife achieves International Forum Design's Universal Design '08 seal of recognition - high resolution picture available here
  • Smart Design's award-winning products on show at Design: Driving Innovation, a special design and technology display, CeBIT, Hannover, Germany

28 February, 2008 - Smart Design, one of the world's leading consumer product design firms, has become one of the first companies to receive the new Universal Design Award from International Forum Design (iF). The innovative OXO Good Grips Utility Knife, which was designed by Smart Design, was recognised within the 'Work' category for its intuitive, safe and easy-to-use design. The awards, covering six different categories - Domestic, Leisure, Mobility and Lifestyle, Work, Public spaces, Communication and Service - will be presented at a ceremony at this year's CeBIT event, Wednesday 5th March @ 11.00am in Hall 26, Booth A70.

The annual iF design awards are one of the premier competitions throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. iF has been drawing international attention to outstanding design achievements for over fifty years, and products with any of the iF seals of recognition have become highly sought after, worldwide brands. Over 130 entries from 18 countries competed for this year’s new Universal Design award and the winners will have the opportunity to affix the iF seal of recognition to their products. The panel of jurors took into consideration several criteria including equitable use, flexible use, easy and intuitive use, error, tolerance and safety, and economic feasibility.    

Thomas Isaacson, responsible for Marketing at Smart Design, said: "International Forum Design awards and the Red Dot awards are the two most prestigious and highly sought after competitions in Europe. Being one of the first design companies to receive the new iF Universal Design Award really emphasises our strong history in bringing the principles of Universal Design to the mass market. We have had great success in everyday product innovation, creating informed and inspired designs that truly connect with people. Integrating technology and design in a way that brings out an emotional connection to a product has helped us develop memorable brands for our clients, including HP, OXO, Microsoft, Lexar and Acer."

Several of Smart Design's award-winning products, including the OXO Good Grips Utility Knife, will be featured at this year's iF special design and technology display at the CeBIT exhibition in Hannover, which takes place from March 4th - 9th. The exhibit, entitled 'Design: Driving Innovation', which Smart Design is participating in, will showcase lifestyle and sustainability topics and products. It is located in Hall 26, Booth A70.

About Smart Design
Smart Design has been turning insight and innovation into successful consumer experiences for over 25 years. The company's approach integrates product development, interactive experiences, brand communication, and strategic insights to ensure winning design solutions. Smart Design has a long history of innovation in product design, from its pioneering Universal Design collaboration with OXO International, developing its renowned line of kitchen tools, to its work with leading multi-national companies including HP, Microsoft, Lexar and Acer, creating electronics and advancing technology in a way that truly connects with consumers. Smart Design has offices in New York, San Francisco and Barcelona. Please visit www.smartdesignworldwide.com for more information or contact:

Mercedes Coats
Smart Design - Marketing and Public Relations
Tel: +1 415 355 6205
Email: mercedes.coats@smartdesignworldwide.com

Aldo de Jong
Smart Design - Client Services and Insights
Tel: +34 935 846 615
Email: aldo.deJong@smartdesignworldwide.com

Manuela Whittaker
The PressOffice - PR for Smart Design
Tel: +44(0)1780 721433
Email: mwhittaker@pressoffice.targetwire.com

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