Competition fierce for James Dyson design award

By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: The James Dyson Award for student design at the Australian International Design Awards (AIDA) has once again attracted a significant number of entries, with almost 100 submissions for this prestigious award.

Unlike the commercial awards, which must include a certain level of business viability for funding and development, there is a more altruistic feel to the student category, which often attracts humanitarian and ‘world view’ entries. This trend is evident again this year, with Good Design Australia MD and AIDA chair Brendan Gien highlighting how impressed he was with the number of projects concerning emergency services and world aid.

The electronic appliance industry has a very close association with AIDA, with a large number of key players, such as Electrolux, De’Longhi and Neff regularly singles out for praise. Floorcare maestro James Dyson is so enthused by good design that he sponsors the student award.

Local Dyson managing director, Ross Cameron, said he was impressed with the submissions received.

“Following on from an Australian student taking out the global round of the James Dyson Award last year, and judging by the high calibre of entries I have already seen, I’m in high spirits about our chances this year,” Cameron said.

The 2011 awards will be held in Melbourne on 22 July 2011.

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