by Chia Sihan

All things, great or small, begins with an idea. The red dot Design Concept Yearbook 2007/2008 pays tribute to the workers of concept; that group of individuals who derive moldbreaking solutions based on their understanding of the needs of society. The award, since its inception more than 50 years ago in Germany, faced exponential growth in terms of global exposure this year: 884 entries from 48 countries. It is a noteworthy 86% surge over last year’s entries.

There are a handful of prestigious design competitions, with the bulk of them originating from the United States and Europe. Not many though, segregate product design in such precise categories of life’s minutia: Mobility, recreation, education, domestic aid, habitat, green, illumination, etc. In total, there are 14 competition categories, in which some entries overlap.

At red dot, the depth of the ideas and dexterity of execution is highly respected. It does not matter that some designs come across as more whimsical than practical. After all, form is meant to follow function, though not quite similar in proportions. Even the best-designed product can get mixed reviews when it comes to the final test: The intended consumer. In the first place, the task of persuasion is not easy and relies on attractive images and concise narrative for support.

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