By Claire Reilly

The 2013 Red Dot Design awards have been handed out this week, with utterly unique product designs from all over the world being given the coveted Red Dot of approval.

While the team of jurors were focused on products of all shapes and sizes (of particular note was the Skybox coffin, which was recognised for its “simple serenity” and “expressive” design) appliances and technology products certainly received their fare share of plaudits.

After yesterday’s summary of the best appliances to be given gongs, Current.com.au has compiled a list of the most interesting, unique and visually stunning technology and digital products to make it to the Red Dot hall of fame, along with comments from the judges.

You can find the full list of Red Dot Awards for Product Design here.

10. Bubblepack Playcase by SSONGSDESIGN: This protective case for the iPhone 5 also slides out to reveal a space for a credit card or train ticket.
“Bubblepack Playcase convinces with its extended functionality as repository for credit cards or RFID chip cards.”

 

9. X-Pro1 by FujiFilm: Retro yet minimalist, the X-Pro1 dispenses with a lot of the extras that clutter other camera bodies.
“This digital camera clearly conveys that it is a ‘tool for photographers’. Moreover, it offers a strong impression with its innovative technology.”

 

8. File-it by xlyne: Designed to slip over the metal rings in an A4 binder, this USB stick allows users to store digital files next to paper documents.
“File-it combines analogue and digital data archives in an innovative manner, and its functionality is underlined by a simple, friendly design.”

 

7. IdeaPad U430s by Lenovo (Red Dot Best of the Best): Ultra thin and ultra bright, the IdeaPad has a glass trackpad, backlit keyboard and 14-inch Full HD display.
“The intelligent design of the IdeaPad U430s redefines laptops with a new and refreshing approach. It looks slim and emotionalises its users. The colour concept of this laptop is well matched to the graphics. It also fascinates with its sophisticated functionality. It is easy to use with only one hand and offers a high degree of user-friendly convenience.”

 

6. WDC-800 Wireless Charging Cradle by LG Electronics: Futuristic design meets futuristic functionality — the black plate on this cradle is capable of charging various phone models without wires.
“The WCD-800 charging cradle provides a high degree of functionality with well-considered details.”

 

5. K545 Headphones by AKG Acoustics: Designed by a team in Munich, these headphones seem to sum up the best of German design — structural, modern and minimalist.
“The wide headband and aluminium inserts on the ear cups convey a high utility value in combination with an appealing design.”

 

4. Fidelio A3/A5/A9 Wireless Hi-Fi Speakers by Philips: A nice blend of high-tech metal and natural wood, these are the kind of speakers that would get pride of place in a lounge room.
“The diamond-shaped design gives the speakers in this series a characteristic appearance and underscores their quality.”

 

3. Curved OLED TV by LG (Red Dot Best of the Best): TV screens have been flat for so very long, so it’s nice to see something genuinely new. Let’s just hope it comes to Australian retailers.
“Its innovative lines give this OLED TV lightness. It exhibits a convincing minimalism. The shape of the base is ingenious in its design as the distinctive colour on the inside makes it look very modern. The curved OLED TV easily fits into any interior and conveys timeless elegance.”

 

2. Rotatable Mouse by Lenovo: Ingeniously simple but very clever, this folding mouse can be bent for use as a regular mouse or folded flat for transporting or for use as a laser pointer.
“The Rotatable Mouse is a practical device with dual functionality. Thanks to its unique shape, it is comfortable and easy to operate.”

 

1. Consistent design r117 Set-Top Box and Remote Control by Ruwido Austria: A set top box that deviates from the standard black rectangle design, the r117 has an angled display, multiple inputs and a cut-away remote control with voice inputs.
“Both set-top box and remote control convey a high-quality impression. With a cylindrical design, they blend into one unit.”