IDEA
The International Design Excellence Awards released its 2007 IDEA Winners.
Some picks:
e-Sullivan by the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology: “This portable handheld communicator for deaf-blind people, who rely solely on tactile sense to acquire information, can convert all types of printed material into Braille. It can also provide assistance with such computer-related tasks as instant messaging and Web browsing.
Stanley® MaxLife™ 369™ TriPod Flashlight by Stanley Works: “Offers you the convenience of a typical flashlight and the option of hands-free lighting.” (No more holding you penlight with your mouth or by the crook of the neck if you need both your hands. Something so simple, yet so useful. I can’t believe it took this long to think of this.)
Stanley® FatMax® Xtreme™ FuBar™ Utility Bar by Stanley Works: “FuBar combines the four most-needed tools—hammer, crow bar, board bender and splitter—into one solid, properly weighted, ergonomically correct tool. Unexpectedly, FuBar has also become popular with fire and rescue professionals as an effective life-saving tool.” (It may not address the kazillion types of wrenches I can never keep track of, but this definitely unclutters the toolbox. Neat tool.)
And my favorite:
HomeHero™ Fire Extinguisher by Arnell Group for Home Depot: : “Most importantly, because of its fashion-conscious array of materials, colors and finishes, homeowners won’t want to keep the HomeHero hidden out of view, ensuring it will be in reach when seconds matter.” (True dat. So pretty.)
Rummage through the winning entries via a more convenient slideshow on Business Week.
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