The winners of Australia’s peak international design awards were announced on Wednesday as part of the 2021 Good Design Awards Week.

The Good Design Awards are the highest honour for design and innovation in the country and reward projects across 12 design disciplines and 30 subcategories.  

The 2021 Awards attracted a record number of submissions with 933 design projects evaluated by more than 70 Australian and international jurors, including designers, engineers, architects and thought leaders.

Each entry was evaluated according to a strict set of design evaluation criteria which includes good design, design innovation and design impact. Projects recognised with an Australian Good Design Award demonstrate excellence in professional design and highlight the impact a design-led approach has on business success and social and environmental outcomes.

Samsung awarded with four accolades

At the 2021 Good Design Awards, the Samsung Odyssey G9, The Frame TV and Smart AI laundry range received the prestigious Gold Accolade, while the 7000 series French Door refrigerator with beverage centre received a Good Design Award Winner Accolade.

Samsung Electronics Australia vice president of consumer electronics, Jeremy Senior said, “As the role of our homes continue to change, it has never been more important to innovate and advance the role of technology.

“At Samsung, we are committed to making Australians’ lives easier through beautifully designed products with innovative features, and it is an honour to have four of our products recognised by the Good Design Awards, one of the most prestigious design awards in Australia.”

Commenting on the Samsung Odyssey G9, the Good Design Awards Jury said, “A sleek, futuristic, immersive, super wide (32:9), super curved gaming monitor that would comfortably fit on any Star Trek flight-deck. For gamers, this super ultra-wide display will astound, filling peripheral vision and creating an immersive experience like no other. It is beautifully tailored to the target consumer. It replaces the equivalent of three monitors, has great cable management and a surprisingly small footprint stand. Overall, very impressive indeed.”

Commenting on The Frame TV, the Jury said, “The customisable frame is truly innovative and the concept fulfils what many are seeking from a large screen TV. This new generation, with thinner flush wall mounting, is a further improvement. The art mode has also been improved with lower energy consumption and cables and connections have been cleverly embedded. The design is slim, sleek and clean and really works as an art piece … and as a TV. Overall, this is a really impressive example of design and a standout project that ticks every box for good design in this category.”

Commenting on the Smart AI laundry range, the Jury said, “This Smart AI range has a simple but elegant style. The devices look clean and easy to use. The intuitive controls help the user select the ideal cycle, and the inclusive features like Braille signs for those with visual impairment make the devices easily accessible for everyone. Overall, these products are sleek and minimal in design, with impressive functionalities for optimised energy, water consumption and fabric care.”

As for the Samsung French Door refrigerator with beverage centre, the Jury said, “This is a stylish, well thought out solution to the family cold storage issue. The instant fill water jug is a great feature, while the clean exterior is modern and enticing.”

De’Longhi and Kenwood collect three awards

At the 2021 Good Design Awards, De’Longhi received three accolades for the La Specialista Maestro Premium manual espresso machine, Kenwood Cooking Chef XL Premium Kitchen Machine and Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL Kitchen Machine.

De’Longhi marketing director, George O’Neill said, “Design and innovation are important pillars to us at De’Longhi Group, and winning these awards is a reflection of that ongoing commitment.

“As a company, we pride ourselves on crafting high quality and immaculately designed products, which is why we are thrilled and incredibly proud that products from both Kenwood and De’Longhi have been recognised by the Good Design Awards for their exceptional award-winning design. We are honoured to be able to bring stylish and innovative products into the homes of so many Australians.”

The De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro Premium manual espresso machine received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category.

“This machine would bring a sense of ceremony to the everyday cup of coffee, enlighten and enthuse guests or make even an early morning coffee alone more enjoyable. The distinctive aesthetic speaks to the professional coffee experience,” The Good Design Awards Jury commented.

The Kenwood Cooking Chef XL Premium Kitchen Machine also received a Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category.

“Simple features like the tilting user interface display, induction heating technology and in-bowl scales make the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL a really great product. This all-in-one kitchen appliance has personality and feels robust,” the Jury commented.

The Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL Kitchen Machine was recognised with a Best in Class Accolade in the Product Design category.

“This device follows the ‘less is more’ approach, proving it’s better than a mixer-cooker combination. The touch screen user interface with one-stage processes such as chocolate melting or dough proving are a great way to help the user achieve an excellent result. It’s a clean device that feels reliable. Overall, this is a really impressive example of industrial design and engineering and a standout project for Best in Class design in these Awards,” the Jury commented.

Two Zip Water products recognised

Zip Water has received two Good Design Award Winner accolades in the Product Design category for the HydroTap Touch-Free Wave and the HydroTap Classic Plus.  

Zip Water marketing, strategy and innovation director, Mike Abbott said the awards are an outstanding achievement and recognised the company’s leadership in excellent product design.

“To receive two Good Design Awards is an incredible honour. We pride ourselves not only on our innovations but our designs as well. It’s important to us to create a product that does what it says it will and does it in style. We would like to thank the jury and Good Design Awards for this recognition,” he said.

The Good Design Awards Jury praised the HydroTap Classic Plus, commenting, “The silicone touchpad with antimicrobial protection is also a really nice improvement on the previous design. The overall form is refined and sleek.”

The Jury were also impressed with the HydroTap Touch-Free Wave, stating, “Promoting the use of tap water for drinking is healthy for the individual and the environment. This product is well-considered in both detail and how it fits in the environment.

“It’s also a well-considered response to the changing world we live in post-COVID. The gesture control is intuitive and delivers real end user benefit.  Overall, a standout project that ticks all the boxes for good design in this category.”

Miele picks up award for G 7000 dishwashers

Miele’s G 7000 dishwasher range received a Good Design Award Accolade in the Product Design category.

The Good Design Awards Jury commented, “The Miele G 7000 has clean lines with good attention to detail. It’s a subtle modernisation of a well-known, high-quality brand.”

Tefal Cook4me touch an award recipient

Tefal Cook4me touch received a Good Design Award Accolade in the Product Design category.

Tefal product manager, Julien Sara said, “We would like to thank the Good Design Award organisation for this award. We are extremely proud to be the recipients of this acknowledgement of the great work done by all of the Tefal teams in developing the Cook4me touch – a product designed to simplify the everyday life of Australian families with quick and easy meal inspiration.”

The Good Design Awards Jury commented, “Tefal revolutionises your mealtimes with Cook4me touch. It finally answers the never-ending question of ‘what can we eat tonight?’ Cook4me touch is a connected, fast, smart multicooker. With its large coloured touch screen, cooking becomes easier and intuitive. With its Wi-Fi connection, enjoy unlimited recipes at your fingertips.”

Jura Z10 coffee machine named a winner

Jura Australia has once again taken out the prestigious accolade of The Good Design Award for its automatic coffee machines in the Product Design category. This year, the Jura Z10, the world’s first fully automated coffee machine to produce both hot and cold brew at the touch of a button, was recognised for outstanding design and innovation.

Jura Australia managing director, George Liakatos said, “We are thrilled to be recognised once again by Good Design Australia as a recipient of this award in the Product Design category. The Z10 is a truly innovative new product and has been one of the most exciting additions to our portfolio of products in Australia since we launched the first Z-line here back in 2006.

“Our Swiss engineers continue to push the boundaries to create innovative and new technology which allow us to produce the best quality coffee in the most simplistic and stylish way.”

The Good Design Awards Jury commented, “The combination of the Product Recognising Grinder and Cold Extraction Process for at-home cold brews is an exciting development in this category. Overall, a standout project that ticks all the boxes for good design in this category. Well done.”

Magimix Cook Expert receives an accolade

The Magimix Cook Expert has received a Good Design Award accolade in the Product Design category.

Magimix managing director, Wivina Chaneliere said, “The daily task of cooking, for many, is fulfilling yet tedious.  The Cook Expert was designed so that users can still make fresh, healthy meals every single day without being stuck in the kitchen. It has made a significant impact to many of its users, and we are thrilled that it has won such a prestigious award.”

The Good Design Awards Jury commented, “The Magimix Cook Expert is packed with functionality. It’s good to see a cooking product without a video screen attached.”

Planika heating range accepts an award

The Planika Zero Emission Specialist Heating range received a Good Design Award in the Product Design category.

Planika commercial director, Chris George said, “This award highlights the importance of our technology for architects, designers and developers as they continue towards the Net Zero 2050 target with sustainable building designs. 

“We’re so proud that our Planika Zero Emissions Fireplaces was awarded for design excellence at the Australian Good Design Awards, applauded for outstanding design and innovation.”

The Good Design Awards Jury commented, “The Planika Intelligent Fire is a simple and elegant solution that would look stylish in any room and alongside any decor. The clean design offers great interior styling opportunities.”