Embark on a journey through 44 years of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), exploring winners that epitomize visionary design. From revolutionary transportation solutions to life-changing medical advancements, these designs have left a lasting mark on our world. As we celebrate these design icons, we also pave the way for future innovators, inspiring creativity and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us on this exploration and in celebrating the transformative impact of design.
Explore iconic winners in the consumer tech category and let their stories inspire your entries for IDEA 2024, accepting entries from January 3 to March 11, 2024.
The Original iPod - Gold, 2002
Designed by Apple Computer, Inc.
With its iconic “1,000 songs in your pocket” slogan, this revolutionary device captivated the world. Designed under the guidance of Steve Jobs and led by Jonathan Ive, the 5GB iPod was unveiled on October 23, 2001, for $399. It not only changed the way we listened to music but also set new design standards.
The sleek and compact device featured a mechanical scroll wheel, four navigational buttons, and a black-and-white text screen, all within a smaller, cleaner, and more intuitive package than any other player of its time. The iPod substantially influenced the quality and elegance of electronic products, raising public expectations and inspiring manufacturers to prioritize design.
Blackberry Curve - Bronze, 2008
Designed by Research in Motion
The BlackBerry Curve strategically reshaped the smartphone landscape by pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. As the smallest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry, it managed to fuse advanced capabilities with a stylish form factor. Its keyboard set a unique standard for a fast and highly accurate typing experience—making it the only smartphone to effectively balance compact design and usability. Beyond these features, the BlackBerry Curve catered to a diverse user base, appealing to both consumers and corporate users, facilitating seamless communication in various contexts.
Oculus Rift - Bronze, 2016
Designed by Oculus
The Oculus Rift introduced a new level of immersion to gaming and entertainment. It was the first-of-its kind consumer virtual reality (VR) system—delivering high-quality, positionally-tracked VR. This VR experience enables users to step inside digital worlds, offering an unparalleled level of immersion. Beyond gaming, its influence reached into education, healthcare, and communication, highlighting virtual reality’s potential beyond entertainment.
PlayStation 5 - Silver, 2021
Designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) established a new gaming era with its robust hardware and sleek aesthetics. Its wireless controller brings gaming to life with haptic technology and adaptive triggers. Through haptics, users feel sensations like the texture of mud, while adaptive triggers simulate tension—immersing players in unprecedented ways. Engineered with a custom processor housing an integrated CPU and GPU, it delivers high-fidelity graphics up to 4K.
Additionally, the PS5’s 3D audio capabilities deepen immersion, offering players a heightened sense of presence within the gaming environment. The innovative DualSense controller, swift load times, impressive graphics, and 3D audio redefine gaming, blurring boundaries between virtual and real experiences.
Nook - Bronze, 2010
Designed by Robert Brunner, IDSA, Victoria Slaker, Kenny Sweet, Tom Sicurella and Xuan Shu of Ammunition LLC, and Douglas McDonald for Barnes & Noble
The Nook, Barnes & Noble’s e-reader, transformed how we engage with literature in the digital era. It ushered in a new age of digital reading, enabling users to carry an entire library in a compact, portable device, changing the way stories are accessed and shared. This wireless, connected e-reader simplifies purchasing, downloading, storing, and reading books and other materials in a straightforward and flexible format.
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo - Gold, 2010
Designed by Robert Brunner and Gregoire Vandenbussche of Ammunition LLC; Chris Fruhauf; David Leung and Dr. Dre for Beats Electronics LLC and Monster Cable
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo headphones not only deliver exceptional audio quality but also serve as a bold fashion statement. These high-quality, lightweight on-ear headphones are designed for daily use at home, work, or on the go. While catering to all demographics, the Beats brand specifically targets a younger audience interested in hip-hop and rock music, tuning the headphones to excel in these genres.
“Beats by Dr. Dre Solo brings pro audio to the everyday consumer, executing on all fronts of personal accessory design with quality sound, enhanced portability, comfort, and style. These will make any consumer feel like they are in the recording studio, listening to the music the way the artists intended.” –Ed Mangum, University of Cincinnati
Google Home - 2017, Gold
Designed by Jung Tak, Kristen Beck, Amy Martin, Michael Sundermeyer and the Google Design Team
Google Home stands as a notable advancement in smart home integration. This voice-activated assistant, elegantly designed, streamlines daily tasks by controlling smart devices, streaming music, and delivering information via simple voice commands. Its introduction signaled a change in household technology interaction, focusing on convenience and interconnected living. With customizable bases and thoughtful design, it seamlessly integrates into any home decor.
Enter IDEA 2024
The 44th annual International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) is accepting entries through March 11, 2024. Submit your work for the chance to be recognized among the most influential and groundbreaking designs of our time.