By Lance on May 29, 2008 in Dating, Featured
Okay dudes, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between good dates and bad dates. A lot of it comes down to having good conversational skills…all the advice out there says that exchanging information and interviewing each other is LAME, which is correct. “What’s your job? Where are you from? What’s your favorite color? What color are you panties?” Next! You want to find ways to connect with a person on a deeper level.
I’m a pretty kickass conversationalist–yeah, I said it–so I sat down and analyzed what I did. It boils down to being able to articulate well, developing multiple threads, and having great content (it’s kind of like blogging actually). I’m assuming you’re a good speaker and can maintain multiple threads, so what I want to do is analyze the content side of the equation. In my mind, having good content the key to excellent conversation. Basically, you want to have material that gets both parties engaged.
Here are 9 ways to pump up the content of your conversations:
1. Tell Personal Stories – This is the core of my conversational repertoire. I tell stories early and often, and over the course of a good date, I’ll probably tell upwards of 8 stories. Most of them are humorous and all of them reveal something about me. My goal is to paint a vivid picture of who I am, what I value, and what kind of life I lead. I divide my stories into three categories: high value, takedowns, and random-funny.
What do I mean by high value? A good example would be a story about surfing in Australia. Everyone values traveling, so I’ll describe traveling adventures and really paint a picture. I’m pretty slick about not coming across as self-promoting, and what I usually do is inject humor into all of my stories. The last thing I want is to come across as a douchebag.
Takedowns are stories that take away value from me. I do this on purpose to keep me grounded and accessible (because I am grounded and accessible). This is a super important point…you must mix in takedowns! Why? Because otherwise you’ll come off as snobby, arrogant, conceited, narcissistic, douchebaggish, and a whole host of other unattractive qualities. If you come off as too high value, the girl might even think she’s overmatched or has nothing in common, which happens in an older guy/younger girl arrangement.
A takedown would my most embarrassing moment. Another would be the time I got suspended from high school for fighting. A lot of the stories can be both high AND low, which is great. For instance, if I told a story about getting busted passing love notes in my Honors History class, that’s both high value and a takedown. Calibrate to the girl and make adjustments on the fly.
Random-funny stories are usually dumb little funny things that happen on my daily travels. These are more like anecdotes and don’t do much to your value. An example would be if I described to my date how I got stung by a bee while mowing the lawn. I use to these to flex my sense of humor.
It’s important to note that I don’t dominate conversation and string together 10 stories in row. I’ll tell one and wait for her to tell one back, or switch threads. The point is, you want to have access to a large arsenal of personal stories and use them when appropriate.
2. Travel – Travel is a goldmine of conversational content. Not only does it provide source material, but it says you have the means and the interest to travel, plus it gives you perspective because you’ve interacted with people from other cultures. The subject of travel is worth a whole post, but suffice it to say if you haven’t done any, you’re at a disadvantage. Go on a big trip. Better yet, go backpacking around Europe for the summer. Then share your stories and insights.
Hey, international travel is expensive. I feel you. If you can’t afford to go overseas, my solution here is to go on road trips with friends. Some of my best stories are about the roadtrips I did in college.
3. Read Magazines – This always gives me material to talk about. If you don’t want to subscribe to magazines, go to Borders and read 5-6 mags per month. Try a diverse range. And no, I’m not talking about ESPN The Magazine. Read stuff where you know the content will crossover well to a female audience. Here’s what I read: GQ, Esquire, Time, Harper’s, Scientific American, Fast Company, National Geopraphic. Sometimes I’ll read a few more, sometimes less. I always get good tidbits that I can inject into conversations
Here’s a sampling of topics this month from those mags:
Secrets of Stonehenge.
Super colorful sea slugs.
The reason behind chronic itching.
T. Boone Pickens: $10 Billion wind farmer.
Lakshmi Mittal: Richest man in Britain.
On the campaign trail with Obama.
History of gay marriage.
Chinese government getting props for dealing with earthquake.
Arnel Pineda: New lead singer of Journey. From Manila!
Are you kidding me? There’s a TON of cool shit right there.
(Chicks dig super colorful sea slugs)
4. Cool Internet Sites – Try media heavy, information packed sites like Gawker, Boing Boing, and Huffington Post. Special points if you read The Onion. I hesitate to mention Internet stuff because it’s too easy to geek out on the ‘net, so be careful. If you’re on a date, don’t freakin’ talk about your Facebook friends or I’ll pimpslap you. Weave in news, trends, errata, and random fun stuff. The important thing to remember is voice your opinion and don’t simply regurgitate information.
My latest is talking about music sites such as pandora.com and playlist.com. From there I might talk about iTunes, downloaded music, or transition to a great concert I’ve been to. Then, after you’ve got her pumped up about the sites, take her to your house and demonstrate how they work. Then play some tonsil hockey on the couch.
Oh yeah, I’d be a douche if I didn’t plug honeyandlance.com…mention it to your dates and tell them what a fucking cool website it is!
5. Read Books – You know what I like to do? I go to Borders and read chapters in a wide array of non-fiction books to increase my knowledge base. I’ll read business stuff, personal finance, personal development, biography, history, astrology, sex books, whatever. I sometimes read fiction in the store, but I try to buy the novels and take them home. See, the point here is to be able to weave the knowledge into the conversation, and not just SAY that you’ve read a certain book. A good example would be if you have a date with a finance chick, you can hang in a finance conversation because you’ve read books about personal finance, investing, Donald Trump, and Robert Kiyosaki. Again, have opinions.
If you get a chick who’s really well read, you’re pretty much screwed if you don’t read at all. She’ll select you right out. I’ve talked to tons of chicks who’ve expressed exactly that. Keep a close eye on this detail if you’re an online dater because it’s a dealbreaker.
Also, go read sex books and learn as much as you can on the subject. Men who know how to please woman are super attractive. That in itself will get you laid. If you actually know how to stimulate the g-spot and she knows you know, that’s big points for you.
6. Watch Gray’s, House, Lost, etc – This one is painful for me because I don’t watch non-sports television, but it can be very useful. If you don’t watch TV either, try to pick one popular show per week. Every chick watches Gray’s Anatomy. Watch Gray’s and talk about the relationships with your date. What character do you identify with most? Form an opinion. I love Lost, and when I find a chick that digs Lost as much as I do, I’m going to marry her.
Psyche!! Seriously though, I can talk about Lost until I’m blue in the face. That’s my one show.
Also, I happen to have a crush on Sex and the City and this has been a great convo tool for me. I’ve even developed it into a little routine where I ask what character my date identifies with most. From there you can transition to talking about relationships and sex.
7. Bar Games – On dates I like to play what I call “bar games.” In pickup parlance these are considered routines, but whatever. I think of them as tools to stimulate conversation. By playing a bar game, you’re basically generating content on the fly. The simplest bar game is to people-watch and try to guess what they are talking about, or guess what kind of relationship a couple might have.
TIP: This is a slick way to introduce the theme of sex on a first date!!
Okay, example. Let’s say you see a older guy/younger woman couple across the bar. You ask your date to guess what their relationship is like. She takes a guess. Then you say:
“I think they’re on their 3rd date and she’s a crazy golddigger and he bought her a car. Not a Toyota either, but a BMW convertible, cherry red. The thing is, she’s the kind of girl that would give the guy head in the car on the way back home and then DUMP the guy for another rich dude.”
Use your imagination, lead the interaction, and sex it up. Games like this make it easy to transition to a sexual frame. From there, you’re practically off to the races.
What else is this good for? Talking about relationships illicits values. Is she a prude or wild? What does she consider attractive? Is she okay with an older guy/younger girl arrangement? This is knowledge you want.
8. Marry, Date, Dump – This is another routine that I do on practically all my dates. It’s a blast. You pick out three dudes and the girl has to say which guys she would marry, date, or dump. She can’t use the same category twice. Her answers are based 100% on looks, presentation, and body language (which is actually a lot of information). Then she has to explain why she chose who she chose. Then, it’s her turn to pick three women for you. You would be surprised at what an amazing amount of information you get from these cold readings. Again, this tells you about your date’s values and perceptions of people. This game is not only fun for me, but it adds to my social knowledge base.
As with #7, don’t just play the game, use it as a tool to talk about social dynamics, because that’s where the real communication is.
9. Ask Great Questions – Well, I would be completely stupid if I left this off, but duh here it is. Obviously, asking questions and responding and adding your two cents is a huge part of having good convo. Don’t just ask questions though, ask great questions. Ask those questions that are wide open and require the other person to think deeply.
Here are some great ones I’ve asked on dates before:
“If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
“What are you really really passionate about?”
“If you won the lottery, what would you do?”
“When you were in 4th grade, what did you want to be when you grew up?”
“Would you give your phone number to someone you just met in bar?”
“What’s the worst date you’ve ever had?”
“Would you sleep with someone on a first date?” (I always get great reactions to this one.)
“Where’s the craziest place you’ve had sex?” (use to transition to sexual frame)
Okay, there it is, nine ways to pump up the content in your conversations and have better dates. Any others? Leave in comments below.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
9-ways-to-look-smart
9 Ways To Look Smart
By Honey on May 29, 2008 in Dating
Fact: you have friends–which means that the person you’re dating needs to see you interact with those friends. Fact: you also have to charm the friends of the person you’re dating. PLUS, you’ve gotta be able to interact with colleagues, bosses, underlings, clients, because sometimes you have to bring your date along to work events (or you’re invited to be a date to someone else’s work event). Conclusion: if you can’t talk to a wide variety of people about a wide variety of subjects, you are going to look like a total douchebag.
Whoa! I know what you’re thinking–a lot of pressure! But it doesn’t have to be. With a little legwork, you can be prepared for almost any conversational circumstance. Lance gives some suggestions on being a conversational whiz here. He’s mostly talking about how to be witty on a date. My post focuses on topics you can use when conversing with people you don’t know well–whether that’s a date you met online, someone you’re picking up at a club, or a horrible work cocktail party or company picnic.
Here are some subjects near and dear to my own heart that almost anyone can learn about with a minimum of effort:
1. Your Location
Talking about your location is probably one of the most “natural” conversational topics at hand if you’re going to be introducing yourself to strangers. This means finding something out about the venue or some related topic. At my boyfriend’s company picnic at the zoo, I shared some knowledge about snakes and sting rays.
(sting rays = awesome)
Visit a bar or club’s website, if they have one, for some trivia about its history, especially if you go there often. Learning about the history of your town also falls under this category–whether you just moved someplace new and are curious or you’ve lived there for years and are sharing your knowledge. This can lead to recommendations for restaurants or things to do.
That restaurant sounds great! Wanna join me?
2. Hollywood
It is my own personal belief that Hollywood exists to make the world smaller–the existence of movie stars means that you can gossip with people you’ve never even met before. You can check out magazines like Star or People at Border’s, and then later that week when you catch the hottie in front of you checking out headlines at the grocery store, you can share the scoop: “I totally know who has Hollywood’s worst butt!” TV shows like Talk Soup can sum everything up for you in half an hour, or you can check out celebrity gossip websites like The Superficial.
3. Reality TV
Reality TV falls under a separate, but related category as Hollywood, but there’s no real substitute for watching it yourself. Just like you should follow Lance’s advice and pick a TV drama to watch weekly, you should seriously consider adding at least one reality tv show to your repertoire.
Some of my favorites include American Idol (because everyone watches it), Beauty and the Geek (because the plays on gender stereotypes are endless conversation fodder, and America’s Next Top Model (because it allows me to be catty and cruel). There are tons of blogs that gossip and speculate on these, and you’re just in time to catch The Bachelorette starting with the third episode.
(Who wouldn’t want to know what becomes of DeAnna?)
This may not be your bag, but remember that conversing with someone you don’t know is about making them feel comfortable, not belittling what they’re interested in.
4. Politics
This one’s a little tricky, because depending on the circumstance you have to be very careful not to offend the other person. However, in my experience you can introduce a topic or recent event as a statement of fact (“So, McCain’s the presumptive Republican nominee…”) or as a question (“Who do you think will get the Democratic nod, Clinton or Obama?”) and gauge your part in the conversation based on their response.
You can watch the straight news channels (they tend to rotate the same few stories throughout the day so you only need to catch half an hour while on the treadmill at the gym), or watch The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. There are also online venues like The Onion, which has funny stories about a variety of subjects, not just politics.
5. Sports
Mostly I’m throwing this one out there for the ladies–if you expect him to talk to you about America’s Next Top Model without making fun of you, then you need to suck it up and learn about what he likes. Also, not all guys are into sports–the BF hates watching sports, and finds himself at a conversational disadvantage at work events sometimes because that’s all the stuffy old engineers he works with talk about.
You can watch Sports Center or another recap show that gives you all the day’s highlights at once. And pick at least one favorite team that you will follow and talk somewhat knowledgeably about, to show you’ve got some substance.
6. Random Trivia
Dork it up! Watch How It’s Made on the Science Channel (lots of trivia on household objects) or Mythbusters on The Discovery Channel (hosted by special effects specialists, they blow shit up every week). Or just indulge your interest in something obscure but interesting. This has the effect of simultaneously making you an expert and increasing your social value, while also encouraging people to ask questions or feel comfortable sharing their own dorky interests.
My own personal rabid (ha! the pun’s coming, wait for it…) obsession with dog training techniques on The Dog Whisperer gives me something to talk about while also getting people to share their pet stories. Playing tv game shows like Jeopardy! will keep your brain sharp for the trivia games that lots of bars have, and then you can feel comfortable showing off your skillz over beer.
7. Food and Drink
Everyone loves food, so it’s also a natural. However, you’ll find that there’s a big difference between saying, “this is yummy” and actually knowing something about how to cook. The BF learned how to cook in college, which means he can not only speak knowledgeably about why something’s good or recommend a delicious restaurant based on someone’s preferences, he is also able to share shopping and cooking tips.
Learn something about how beer or your favorite liquor is made. If you’re going to a company barbecue, share your recipe for ribs. There are lots of shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef that let you blend reality tv with food, as well. Hell’s Kitchen, particularly, is amusing because I’ve never heard that much bleeped-out cursing in all my life!
(Credit to Fox.com for this smokin’ image…ha! Get it? Well, f%&k you, then.)
8. Sex & Drugs
Obviously this isn’t appropriate for every venue, but if you’re in a social circumstance or on a first date, it’s all up for grabs. My personal favorite way to introduce these topics is a game from college called “Never Have I Ever.” Each person completes the statement with some type of activity–smoked pot, gone skinny dipping, whatever. If you’ve done the action, then you have to drink. If you’re the only person to drink, then you have to tell the story.
Obviously this gets more fun the more people you have involved, and unless some of the people know each other well then you’re on the honor code, but even with two people it’s a decent time. It’s also a nice screening tool because you can pick something just risque enough to push their boundaries and either force an admission out of them, or get the opportunity to tell whatever story you’ve been saving. You can also reference Honey and Lance–did you check out that steamy Seattle story?
9. The Economy
From the housing market to student loans to the rising price of gas, talking about the economy is always good for a collective moan, which means group bonding. The fact that I just paid $47 to fill up the tank on my 13-gallon Ford compact makes me want to cry, and there’s all sorts of speculation about when the housing market is going to “truly” hit bottom, whether this is “actually” a recession, and what the best investments are in times like these. Of course, you have to do a little research to have an opinion beyond “this sucks,” so I recommend news sites like CNN’s Money Page, or MSN Money.
There are magazines and books on these topics–I liked Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Or for a more lighthearted approach, you can ask people what the first thing they’d do would be if they won the powerball. My own personal choice is hiring a personal chef. Hooray!
Final Thoughts
As opposed to personal stories, these topics are pretty universally popular and allow other people to participate. Note that almost all of these require advance planning. Honey’s Insight of the Day:
You have to be willing to put some effort in before the fact in order for conversation to come across as effortless.
By Honey on May 29, 2008 in Dating
Fact: you have friends–which means that the person you’re dating needs to see you interact with those friends. Fact: you also have to charm the friends of the person you’re dating. PLUS, you’ve gotta be able to interact with colleagues, bosses, underlings, clients, because sometimes you have to bring your date along to work events (or you’re invited to be a date to someone else’s work event). Conclusion: if you can’t talk to a wide variety of people about a wide variety of subjects, you are going to look like a total douchebag.
Whoa! I know what you’re thinking–a lot of pressure! But it doesn’t have to be. With a little legwork, you can be prepared for almost any conversational circumstance. Lance gives some suggestions on being a conversational whiz here. He’s mostly talking about how to be witty on a date. My post focuses on topics you can use when conversing with people you don’t know well–whether that’s a date you met online, someone you’re picking up at a club, or a horrible work cocktail party or company picnic.
Here are some subjects near and dear to my own heart that almost anyone can learn about with a minimum of effort:
1. Your Location
Talking about your location is probably one of the most “natural” conversational topics at hand if you’re going to be introducing yourself to strangers. This means finding something out about the venue or some related topic. At my boyfriend’s company picnic at the zoo, I shared some knowledge about snakes and sting rays.
(sting rays = awesome)
Visit a bar or club’s website, if they have one, for some trivia about its history, especially if you go there often. Learning about the history of your town also falls under this category–whether you just moved someplace new and are curious or you’ve lived there for years and are sharing your knowledge. This can lead to recommendations for restaurants or things to do.
That restaurant sounds great! Wanna join me?
2. Hollywood
It is my own personal belief that Hollywood exists to make the world smaller–the existence of movie stars means that you can gossip with people you’ve never even met before. You can check out magazines like Star or People at Border’s, and then later that week when you catch the hottie in front of you checking out headlines at the grocery store, you can share the scoop: “I totally know who has Hollywood’s worst butt!” TV shows like Talk Soup can sum everything up for you in half an hour, or you can check out celebrity gossip websites like The Superficial.
3. Reality TV
Reality TV falls under a separate, but related category as Hollywood, but there’s no real substitute for watching it yourself. Just like you should follow Lance’s advice and pick a TV drama to watch weekly, you should seriously consider adding at least one reality tv show to your repertoire.
Some of my favorites include American Idol (because everyone watches it), Beauty and the Geek (because the plays on gender stereotypes are endless conversation fodder, and America’s Next Top Model (because it allows me to be catty and cruel). There are tons of blogs that gossip and speculate on these, and you’re just in time to catch The Bachelorette starting with the third episode.
(Who wouldn’t want to know what becomes of DeAnna?)
This may not be your bag, but remember that conversing with someone you don’t know is about making them feel comfortable, not belittling what they’re interested in.
4. Politics
This one’s a little tricky, because depending on the circumstance you have to be very careful not to offend the other person. However, in my experience you can introduce a topic or recent event as a statement of fact (“So, McCain’s the presumptive Republican nominee…”) or as a question (“Who do you think will get the Democratic nod, Clinton or Obama?”) and gauge your part in the conversation based on their response.
You can watch the straight news channels (they tend to rotate the same few stories throughout the day so you only need to catch half an hour while on the treadmill at the gym), or watch The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. There are also online venues like The Onion, which has funny stories about a variety of subjects, not just politics.
5. Sports
Mostly I’m throwing this one out there for the ladies–if you expect him to talk to you about America’s Next Top Model without making fun of you, then you need to suck it up and learn about what he likes. Also, not all guys are into sports–the BF hates watching sports, and finds himself at a conversational disadvantage at work events sometimes because that’s all the stuffy old engineers he works with talk about.
You can watch Sports Center or another recap show that gives you all the day’s highlights at once. And pick at least one favorite team that you will follow and talk somewhat knowledgeably about, to show you’ve got some substance.
6. Random Trivia
Dork it up! Watch How It’s Made on the Science Channel (lots of trivia on household objects) or Mythbusters on The Discovery Channel (hosted by special effects specialists, they blow shit up every week). Or just indulge your interest in something obscure but interesting. This has the effect of simultaneously making you an expert and increasing your social value, while also encouraging people to ask questions or feel comfortable sharing their own dorky interests.
My own personal rabid (ha! the pun’s coming, wait for it…) obsession with dog training techniques on The Dog Whisperer gives me something to talk about while also getting people to share their pet stories. Playing tv game shows like Jeopardy! will keep your brain sharp for the trivia games that lots of bars have, and then you can feel comfortable showing off your skillz over beer.
7. Food and Drink
Everyone loves food, so it’s also a natural. However, you’ll find that there’s a big difference between saying, “this is yummy” and actually knowing something about how to cook. The BF learned how to cook in college, which means he can not only speak knowledgeably about why something’s good or recommend a delicious restaurant based on someone’s preferences, he is also able to share shopping and cooking tips.
Learn something about how beer or your favorite liquor is made. If you’re going to a company barbecue, share your recipe for ribs. There are lots of shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef that let you blend reality tv with food, as well. Hell’s Kitchen, particularly, is amusing because I’ve never heard that much bleeped-out cursing in all my life!
(Credit to Fox.com for this smokin’ image…ha! Get it? Well, f%&k you, then.)
8. Sex & Drugs
Obviously this isn’t appropriate for every venue, but if you’re in a social circumstance or on a first date, it’s all up for grabs. My personal favorite way to introduce these topics is a game from college called “Never Have I Ever.” Each person completes the statement with some type of activity–smoked pot, gone skinny dipping, whatever. If you’ve done the action, then you have to drink. If you’re the only person to drink, then you have to tell the story.
Obviously this gets more fun the more people you have involved, and unless some of the people know each other well then you’re on the honor code, but even with two people it’s a decent time. It’s also a nice screening tool because you can pick something just risque enough to push their boundaries and either force an admission out of them, or get the opportunity to tell whatever story you’ve been saving. You can also reference Honey and Lance–did you check out that steamy Seattle story?
9. The Economy
From the housing market to student loans to the rising price of gas, talking about the economy is always good for a collective moan, which means group bonding. The fact that I just paid $47 to fill up the tank on my 13-gallon Ford compact makes me want to cry, and there’s all sorts of speculation about when the housing market is going to “truly” hit bottom, whether this is “actually” a recession, and what the best investments are in times like these. Of course, you have to do a little research to have an opinion beyond “this sucks,” so I recommend news sites like CNN’s Money Page, or MSN Money.
There are magazines and books on these topics–I liked Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Or for a more lighthearted approach, you can ask people what the first thing they’d do would be if they won the powerball. My own personal choice is hiring a personal chef. Hooray!
Final Thoughts
As opposed to personal stories, these topics are pretty universally popular and allow other people to participate. Note that almost all of these require advance planning. Honey’s Insight of the Day:
You have to be willing to put some effort in before the fact in order for conversation to come across as effortless.
21st Annual EID: Look Smart, Work Smart
Today’s designers must conquer many conflicting challenges. The products that they develop must differentiate themselves from the competition while simultaneously achieving similar objectives, such as energy efficiency and ease of use.
The winning entries in the 21st annual Excellence in Design competition are products that meet such demands. The designers behind the winning products have found a way to produce sophisticated technology that is intuitive to use, and presents itself with an eye-catching appearance.
Balancing the need for increased functionality without creating a level of complexity that confounds the user is a tough trick to pull off. Sometimes tradeoffs need to be made, and good designs are evidence of good decisions.
Most importantly, many of the winning products in this year’s competition tackle the time constraints faced by both consumers and professionals, who need to work smarter, better, and faster. Many of the winning entries employ a combination of high technology and well-thought-out usability features to meet those demands.
Entries for this year’s competition were slotted into one of several categories. Winning entries were recognized with a Gold, Silver, or Bronze award. The winners are not evenly distributed across categories because there was no predetermined number of awards established. The idea was to recognize excellent product designs, regardless of how many or few a given category produced.
An independent panel of three experts in the field of design evaluated the entries based on four criteria: aesthetics, human factors, innovation, and technical merits. Information on the judges can be found on page 20.
Twenty First Annual EID -- GOLD
Electronics GOLD
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The Tatung VOIP Phone from the Tatung Co., Tucheng, Taiwan, and its industrial design firm Nova Design Co. Ltd., Xizhi City, Taiwan
The Tatung VOIP phone is designed to be intuitive to use, especially for new users, children, and the elderly. The simplified user interface features a clear display keypad that has touch sensor operation that simplifies the function key and keypad. EID Juror Seth Orsborn called it a counterexample to the current ‘feature avalanche’ in most consumer products. “By only providing the necessary features, the interactions become intuitive and easy to accomplish,” he says.
The phone comes in a basic geometric shape with a square cutout that simplifies the form element and makes it easy to grab and carry. Rounded edges soften the phone’s appearance and enhance user comfort, according to the company. A sleek and retro style antenna appearance emphasizes its wireless nature, and, according to Orsborn, differentiates this from other similarly looking products.
Key players: Design team at Nova Design Co. Ltd.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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Nexxt Laundry from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Bosch’s Nexxt Laundry appliances use a combination of eco-friendly programs and settings that have been designed to exceed 2007 Energy Star standards. For instance, on select clothes washers a feature called ECOACTION decreases the temperature and amount of energy used during the wash cycle by up to 25 percent. Nexxt Dyers conserve energy with its Ecosensor feature, which uses less energy than conventional dryers by adjusting the temperature based on the moisture level in the clothes or fabrics. The dryer’s DUOTRONIC sensor detects the amount of moisture and adjusts the unit’s operation automatically to save energy and prevent damage from over-drying.
It also has several specific wash cycles to make the laundry pair easier to use. These cycles include KIDSCARE, which reaches 150 DegF to remove stains, and the XXTRAsanitary cycle, which sustains 170 DegF and removes 99.9 percent of bacteria. It also features a Quick Wash 25 cycle that will complete a 25-minute fast wash.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliances design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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Integra dishwasher from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Bosch lineup of Integra dishwashers includes what the company calls the quietest and most energy efficient model in the country, the Integra SHX98. The premium model achieves a 42 dB sound level and exceeds the minimum federal energy standard by 147 percent, with yearly usage of only 190 kWh.
It features the ECOSENSE Wash Management System that examines the soil level in the water via an infrared light beam. A half-load option allows consumers to run the dishwasher half full, thus saving time, water and energy by 30 percent. The QUICKWASH feature offers an abbreviated 30-minute cycle for smaller loads or less soiled dishes. In all, it uses as little as 1.8 gallons of water per cycle.
The Integra collection has a concealed control panel. To communicate how to easily save on energy and efficiency, the company added a green-colored “e” button. By pressing the button, it automatically kicks into energy save mode. Juror Seth Orsborn says that the sleek finish and hidden controls are a nice addition to any modern kitchen. “Utilizing their technological prowess, Bosch developed a dishwasher that provides superior cleaning power while minimizing resource consumption,” he says.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliances design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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The Indesit Moon clothes washer from the Indesit Co., Fabriano, Italy, and its industrial design team Italdesign Giugiaro SpA, Moncalieri, Italy
The Indesit Moon clothes washing machine is an aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use clothes washer that automatically adjusts the temperature and spin speed according to the wash cycle chosen, and optimizes consumption of water, time and energy according to the amount of washing. To help improve cleaning, an integrated soap dispenser was developed that delivers detergent directly into the heart of the wash, giving up to 50 percent more cleaning power than that of the typical detergent drawer, the company says. A sensor in the drum detects the presence of detergent through the alkalinity of the water and will automatically run up to two additional rinse cycles to rinse out the detergent. A load balancing system was designed that reduces vibration and noise. The controls have been simplified; users can choose the wash cycle by pressing one of 4 buttons.
The aesthetics are simple, yet remarkable, says juror Seth Orsborn. “The simplified controls remove all the redundant complexity while still giving you all the washing options you need. The sensing technology and innovative detergent holder are invisible insurance, which guarantee a clean wash with minimum resource usage.”
Key players: Design team at Indesit Co. Design team at Italdesign - Giugiaro SpA - Giugiaro Design.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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The KitchenAid® Architect® Series II built-in double-oven from Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, Mich.
The advanced convection oven features steam-assisted cooking and can switch between convection and non-convection cooking with the Easy Convect temperature conversion system.
The product features a capacitive-touch glass control panel for easy navigation through a highly intuitive, user-focused interface. It opens to its full width and comes with a large viewing window, and an easy to clean glass inner wall.
The built-in oven follows what the company calls its core Architect Series II visual brand language. The language emphasizes functional purpose and material authenticity through subtle detailing. Surface transitions, for example, are treated with a simple chamfer to communicate a sense of order and logic. Badges, user interfaces and the product edges all include this chamfer to set themselves apart from the main body surfaces.
The handles, which were raised to better accommodate oven mitts, are simple, yet tightly controlled forms. The user interfaces follow a consistent pattern and color scheme. For instance, the key functions including the Start and Off functions, are highlighted in a light grey, while remaining buttons are dark grey.
Key Players: The KitchenAid Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD
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The Gendex expert DC Intraoral X-Ray System by KaVo Dental Corporation-Gendex Dental Systems, Des Plaines, Ill., and industrial design firm Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
The Gendex expert DC, an intraoral X-ray system, merges fresh and patient-friendly aesthetics with the latest advances in electronic technology for more accurate diagnosis. Care was taken to avoid the intimidating dental-equipment look of the existing unit. Patient comfort is increased by the open architectural forms. Backlit translucent controls, light colors and fresh graphics lend an emotional approachability as well. Unique controls offer twenty-one exposure settings, plus programmable anatomical presets and Quickset tubehead controls for ease of use and patient safety. Juror Seth Orsborn calls the integration of the control a “novel feature that should bring confidence to the patient.”
Key project players from KaVo Dental Corporation-Gendex Dental Systems: David Pettinato, mechanical engineer; Nimesh Bhagat, sr. product manager; and, Dmitry Edelchik, global product manager imaging; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president, Morad Ghassemian, director product design and Melissa Gustafson, graphic designer.
Medical/Test & Measurement GOLD
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The Detecto-Pak Infrared gas detector from Heath Consultants Inc., Houston, Texas, and its industrial design firm Helix Design, Manchester, N.H.
The Detecto Pak-Infrared device is a portable device that detects if methane gas is leaking from distribution pipelines. It uses an infrared optical gas detection system that can make a distinction between methane and other gases and reduce the number of false alarms. The system eliminates the traditional Flame Ionization method that requires gas cylinders and refill systems.
Aesthetically, the unit combines rigid components with soft-touch molded elements. The elements include a silicone keypad interface that has been simplified with less buttons, a refined hierarchy, and oversized buttons for gloved operation.
Juror Seth Orsborn says that the system is a new technique for detecting gases and is a much-needed change in technology for this market. He adds that the aesthetics are a pleasant departure from the sheet metal tradition and the large, tactile buttons provide an easy interaction for the worker.
Key Players from Heath Consultants: Jim Rutherford, director of R&D; John Fisher, engineering supervisor. Helix Design: Joe Schappler, principal; A.K. Stratton, director of product development; Roy Whitson, project leader; Fernando Robert, designer; Chris Weiler, senior engineer.
Suppliers: Joe Doss, principal, Dynamic Plastics; Devin Asakura, Hanaco Manufacturing; Luke Janetos, principal, HRP Fabrication; Richard Hilliard, general manager-Metaltronics; Tony Lee, principal, Copesetic.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD
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The Tono-Pen Avia™ Applanation Tonometer from Reichert, Inc., Depew, N.Y., and the industrial design firm Metaphase Design Group, St. Louis, Mo.
The Tono-Pen Avia is an easy-to-use portable, handheld instrument that measures intraocular pressure – the fluid pressure inside the eye – to evaluate ocular conditions such as glaucoma. It is an alternative solution to the larger, bulky instruments, and allows the unit to be brought to the patient and used successfully with minimal training.
Through intensive user research, the design team explored ways to improve usability and reliability of the device by minimizing human error. Studies on grip postures, user technique and instrument ergonomics resulted in an intuitive design featuring a new size, form and grip architecture. The handle was shortened and optimized for virtually all hand sizes by creating a smooth curve with the center of gravity located in the primary grip zone. The width dimensions were expanded and soft elastomeric co-molding was added for thumb and forefinger placement, minimizing grip forces and increasing stability and comfort.
The unit features a stainless steel tip with a bead-blasted finish, a glossy white body finish and a blue elastomeric co-molding. To make it easier to use, two large LCDs were incorporated in the center with visibility from either side to ensure both left and right-handed users can effectively view the results in low-light conditions.
Key Players from Metaphase Design Group: Marc Hunter and Brian Bone, ergonomics; Jeff Feng and David Kusch, designers. Supplier: Craig Drager, vice president, R & D, Medtronic XOMED.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances GOLD
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The X7 Elliptical Cross-Trainer by Life Fitness, Franklin Park, Ill. and the industrial design firm, Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
The X7 cross-trainer is a new consumer elliptical with electronic stride adjustments. For a more natural ellipse motion and comfortable workout, the oversized foot pedals are spaced 1.75-in. closer and flex as the user moves to absorb impact. Fluid electronic stride adjustments from 18 in. to 24 in. accommodate different sized users and target different muscle groups. Shortening and/or lengthening the stride offers a total-body workout with synchronized upper- and lower-body movement. Effort is dispersed to the arms and legs to burn more calories with less perceived exertion. Simplifying user activity while in motion, the design team developed a lower console, known as the Activity Zone. Easily accessible stride length and resistance level buttons are located on the Activity Zone, along with a built-in LCD display showing the stride length and resistance level, as well as the muscles currently being worked.
Key project players from Life Fitness: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Tom Cray, industrial design manager; and, Rad Arceta, sr. industrial designer; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president, and Christian Castro, project manager.
Small Appliances GOLD
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The One Touch Automatic Jar Opener from One Touch Products Ltd., Hong Kong, and its industrial design firm, and sister-company, Daka Research Inc., also of Hong Kong.
Billed as the world’s first automatic hands-free jar opener, the One Touch Jar Opener replaces cumbersome, electric openers and hard-to-use manual openers with a small, easy to use product. Powered by 2 AA batteries, it can open more than 50 jars with one charge.
Its gripping mechanism is one of its most innovative features. A human being using a manual opener will grip tighter when the grip slips; the patented mechanism mimics the action of a strong pair of hands by automatically balancing the grip with the required torque and continuing to open the jar. The unit can achieve a grip force of 45 kg (100 lbs).
The organic shape is designed tightly around the internal mechanical components including the motor, gears and batteries, so that it fits in a person’s hand and stores easily. The unit’s surface features a round, pebble texture that offers an easy grip. The jaws are clearly differentiated as contrasting, bold gripping elements. “The ease of use is promoted through a single button and obvious interaction between the jar and appliance,” says juror Seth Orsborn.
Key players from Daka Research Inc.: Pat Mah, chairman. MAS Design Products Limited: Mark Sanders, Director.
Twenty First Annual EID -- SILVER
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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The B3000 Keurig brewing System from Keurig Inc., Reading, Mass.
The B3000 brewing System is a single serve commercial brewer that can brew coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and dispense hot water for beverages or food.
It has two hot water tanks, a preheat tank and a brew tank, that help ensure back-to-back brewing every 60 seconds. It monitors water temperature and controls power distribution to maintain this feature.
The brewer can automatically puncture the portion pack and eject the used packet into a receptacle inside the brewer. Sensors indicate when the bin is full and ready to be emptied.
Key Players from Keurig Inc.: Richard Pasquini, director of brewer engineering; Ian Tinkler, v.p. of brewer engineering; Kevin Sullivan, v.p. of engineering and product development; David Manly, v.p. of marketing; John Phillips, product manager marketing; Geoff Smith, William Sawyer, senior engineers. Proteus Design: Paul Metaxatos, v.p. product development; Eric Nichols, senior designer product development; Tim Bragg, senior designer product development.
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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A.O. Smith Cyclone Xi commercial gas water heater from A.O. Smith, Ashland City, Tenn.
The Cyclone Xi (BTH 500) is a 130-gal. high-efficiency commercial gas water heater. The helical heat exchanger coil and pre-mix powered burner works by increasing the total amount of heat-transfer surface to generate 95 percent thermal efficiency. The glass-lined heat exchanger coil keeps the hot gases inside the BTH-500 longer. The top mounted, down-fire, pre-mix burner ignites the gas mixture and a swirling flame shoots downward into a submerged central combustion chamber. The resulting hot flue gases are then forced at high velocity up through the helical coil, which is surrounded by water. Using centrifugal force, the coil’s spiral shape keeps hot gases swirling to maximize energy transfer.
Key Players from A.O. Smith: Matt Schulz, product manager; David Chisolm, brand manager; John Niu, design engineer; Darryl Ruark, design engineer; Andrew Phillips and Andy Caves, electronics engineers.
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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Metro C5 3 Series Insulation Armour Heated Holding and Proofing Cabinets from InterMetro Industries Corp., Wilkes Barre, Pa.
These insulated cabinets are used in commercial kitchens to hold and transport hot food products prior to serving. With patent-pending Insulation Armour, the units provide thermal insulation meeting Energy Star requirements. The panels lower the exterior temperature of the cabinet to comfortable levels. The design is scalable and modular, providing three heights. A flexible pan handling system accommodates three styles of pan racks, and the company offers a choice of three interchangeable heat modules (hot holding, proofing, and combination proofing and holding).
Key Players from InterMetro Industries: Jim Kilgallon, cabinet segment manager; Dave Barsigian, project manager; Jeff Olson, manager of industrial design; Bill Sickles, senior developmental engineer; Tim Baker, manufacturing engineer (polymer components); Mike Liberski, manufacturing engineer (fabrication and assembly); Dave McGovern, standard products engineer; Brian Cushman, product testing engineer.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Bosch Wall Ovens from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Bosch Wall Ovens are designed for busy consumers and have time-saving features such as ECOCLEAN, an exclusive two-hour, self-cleaning function, and an ultra-fast 7 minute preheat. Boasting an oven capacity of 4.7 cu. ft., the ovens are ideal for tackling any type of cooking need in the home. Features include 16 different heating options, and exclusive Genuine European Convection that equally distributes heat for even cooking results, and allows for the cooking of an entire meal all at once without the transfer of flavor or aromas. It has easy to clean glass touch controls, installs flush to cabinetry, soft curved styling, and a large see-through window.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliance design team.
Major Appliances SILVER
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The LG SteamWasher with Allergiene Cycle from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The clothes washer is an allergen-reducing steam washing machine that is the first such appliance to be certified “asthma & allergy friendly™” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
During the Allergiene cycle, the unit achieves a temperature above the recommended 131 DegF by the National Institute of Health to kill dust mites and remove pet dander by more than 95 percent. It works by distributing a high and even temperature of steam combined with hot water in order to dissolve and eliminate allergens.
The steam, which is produced by LG’s steam generator, is used in different cycles on the machine. The SteamWash option feeds hot steam into the top of the wash drum through a spray nozzle. The SteamFresh cycle is a 20-min. steam-only cycle that uses steam to freshen and reduce wrinkles on dry clothes.
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances SILVER
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LG SteamDryer from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The new LG SteamDryer features TrueSteam technology that injects steam via a pump and cartridge system into the tub. It has an extra-large 7.3 cu. ft. capacity stainless steel dryer drum, an enhanced SteamFresh cycle that freshens and deodorizes clothes in 20 min., a ReduceStatic function that neutralizes static electricity in normal loads by introducing steam prior to cycle completion, an EasyIron function that evenly moistens clothes for ironing, and a LoDecibel Quiet Operation of 58 dB.
LG’s SteamDryer features a stylish design with an intuitive electronic control panel and choice of LED or LCD display. The new steam unit is available in a variety of designer finishes, including midnight blue, wild cherry red, and white. Juror Seth Orsborn says “the bold colors are a nice departure from the sea of stainless steel appliances.”
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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LG Steam Dishwasher from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The LG Steam Dishwasher utilizes energy-saving, performance-enhancing steam featuring an advanced design with fully integrated LCD control panels for an ultra-premium style. Steam cleaning allows for thorough cleaning of baked-on foods while using less water than other power options and traditional models while enhancing cleaning performance on fine china and stemware. Its Steam Delicate cycle gently, yet thoroughly, cleans the fragile items. The dishwasher also features a third rack, and can accommodate up to 14 place settings in a single load. At only 45 db, this dishwasher, which has a built-in food disposal, is among the quietest available in the U.S.
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Thermador Drawer Hood Ventilation from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Thermador chimney-style Drawer Hood ventilation system is distinguished by a squared canopy that slides out and extends up to an extra 12 in. for 45 percent more coverage of the cooking area. This increase in filter area removes odors and grease at up to 600 CFM. It gives consumers greater flexibility and control over their ventilation needs. For example, if using the front, or rear burners, on a range or cooktop, the hood can be slid to the exact location where it is needed. Available in a 36 in. size, which complements the brand’s cooktops and ranges, Thermador’s Drawer Hood features a touch control panel that is engaged with a push of the button.
Key players: Thermador design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVERMajor Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Whirlpool Duet® Steam Washer (Aspen) from Whirlpool
The Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer offers a high-capacity drum, steam technology, and sanitary cycle that streamlines the end-to-end laundry process. Jim Doan, Whirlpool Fabric Care Design, says that from a design perspective, the sparkling Aspen Green color scheme and “water drop” surfacing embodies a visual metaphor of “clean” and “fresh.” The washer’s sanitary cycle heats wash water to 153 DegF. Built to minimize water and energy usage, the washer uses 67 percent less water and 77 percent less energy as compared to conventional washers. The Duet Steam washer is Energy Star certified.
Key Players: The Whirlpool Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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The E Series Built-In 30 in. Unframed Double Oven by Wolf Appliance Co., Fitchburg, Wis., and industrial design firm Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
Sleek and contemporary in appearance, the Wolf E Series Built-In Unframed Double Oven is designed with the classic stainless steel finish. The unframed door style accommodates either a built-in application or a flush inset installation. The built-in application allows the oven trim to overlap the cabinet face, while a flush inset installation permits the front of the oven to be on the same plane as surrounding cabinetry for a more integrated look. Brilliant halogen lights illuminate the interior. A full-extension bottom rack glides all the way out and nestles on the door rails, making it easier to safely reach food in a hot oven.
Key project players from Wolf Appliance Co.: Doug Swank, v.p. engineering; Greg Martin, sr. project engineer; and, Brian Hertzberg, design engineer; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president; Curt Cruver, design director; and, Chris Kulujian, project manager.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances SILVER
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Life Fitness 95T Elevation Series Treadmill from Life Fitness, Shiller Park, Ill.
The 95T Elevation Series Treadmills are commercial grade cardio machines that incorporate multimedia into the design. These treadmills are offered with three control options – the Engage, Inspire and Achieve consoles. The Engage console features a 15-in. LCD touch screen with integrated TV, the Inspire console offers a 7-in. LCD touch screen, and the Achieve console features an amber LED display. iPod Integration is standard on the Engage and Inspire consoles and makes it possible to control iPod playlists from the console or watch iPod video content. The Engage and Inspire consoles feature a USB port, which enables users and trainers to create, save and track the user’s workout progress.
Key Players from Life Fitness Industrial Design: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Kevin Short, senior industrial designer; Raul Rudy Munoz, industrial designer; Gregory Topel, program management; Jack Hough, brand manager.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances SILVER
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Life Fitness 95X Elevation Series Cross-Trainer from Life Fitness, Shiller Park, Ill.
Offering many of the same console options as the 95T, the 95Z cross trainer features a patented mechanism that provides a quiet and natural feeling. A longer stride length and proper ellipse orientation helps make the foot path feel smooth and comfortable, and mimics the joint trajectories and range of motion seen in jogging. It features the Lifepulse digital heart rate monitoring system, including contact hand sensors, which provide heart rate monitoring with exacting precision. Mechanically, the 95X has needle roller bearings at each joint, which increases the reliability of the product and provides a quieter ride and a smoother feel. The use of a hybrid generator brake allows the cross trainer to achieve a top level resistance of 900 W.
Key Players from Life Fitness Industrial Design: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Paul Taylor, lead industrial designer; Kevin Short, senior industrial designer; Raul Rudy Munoz, industrial designer; Ken Kaufhold, program management, Jamie Burger, brand manager.
Small Appliances SILVER
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The RIZO Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer from Zojirushi America Corp., Gardena, Calif.
These rice cookers combine a minimalist look with one-touch functionality, without sacrificing any of the versatility or quality of other rice cookers. The RIZO offers three one-touch cook settings: steam cook, rice/sushi, and risotto.
According to Zojirushi, the RIZO is much different than other rice cookers available today, most of which tend to be multi-functional. With this model, in both design and function, the company decided to return to a rice cooker’s origins, making it easy to use.
The RIZO has a round shape with a stylish ridge where the control buttons are placed. The RIZO also comes in three different colors, polished stainless, yellow, and white. The yellow RIZO was inspired by the color of saffron risotto, the white color is the image of white rice.
Key Players: Toshiyuki Kita, designer.
Twenty First Annual EID -- BRONZE
Business Machines BRONZE
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Fellowes Galaxy-E Binder from Fellowes Ltd., Hallow, U.K, and its industrial design firm Product Development Technologies, Inc., Great Milton, U.K.
The Fellowes Galaxy Binder boasts fresh, aesthetic design and innovation, that communicates a purposeful, premium look. It uses an advanced internal chassis system that is driven by a high-quality gearbox motor system. The ability to adjust critical operational settings makes the machine more ergonomic to the end user. All areas for human interaction, such as handles, controls and pull-out trays are clearly defined and accessible and operable with minimum effort and confusion.
Key players from Fellowes: Kester Rudd. Product Development Technologies: Chris Parratt, Terry Gander and Angus Davidson, industrial designers.
Commercial/Vending Appliances BRONZE
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The thermaline Boiling and Braising pans from Electrolux Professional, Pordenone, Italy.
Designed for busy kitchens, the thermaline Boiling and Braising Pans have a new control panel with intuitive icons and big digit display that makes it comprehensible at first sight and permits operators to work in absolute comfort. The thermaline Pressure Braising Pan is a multifunctional appliance that can be used either as a boiling pan when the temperature is under 110 DegC, or as a fry top and a braising pan when the temperature exceeds 110 DegC. The precision in the temperature measurement guarantees perfect cooking results for big quantities of food and ensures energy savings.
Key players from Electrolux Professional: Michele Cadamuro; industrial design manager; Davide Benvenuti, industrial designer; Andreas Christen, R&D manager.
Commercial/Vending Appliances BRONZE
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Incogneeto Model induction buffet from CookTek, Chicago, Ill.
The Incogneeto is the industry’s first general-purpose, under-Granite buffet system. This induction-based design heats only the chafing dish, not the granite or the environment. A track-mountable system eases installation and removal of the unit and allows the user to configure the buffet by sliding the units from side to side. RFID temperature measurement technology is used to transmit the temperature of the pan through the granite, creating a closed-loop control system that allows precise temperature maintenance of the food in the serving dish. Finally, a locator system in a trivet-like device lets the user know where the buffet unit is located.
Key players from CookTek: Warren Graber, vice president, engineering; Rob Visher, embedded controls designer; Sam Kessler, mechanical designer; Reinhard Metz, chief technologist; Shawn Buchanan and Jeff Kantarek, electrical engineers.
Electronics BRONZE
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SQU.ID SQ.200 voice-activated translation device from Voxtec International Inc., Annapolis, Md., and its industrial design firm Helix Design, Manchester, N.H.
The SQU.ID SQ.200 is a voice-activated language translation device that has been encased in a soft, elastomeric package. Designed to be securely worn on the user’s chest within a device holster, the SQU.ID offers hands-free, eyes-free language translation capabilities. The SQU.ID uses voice-recognition software to immediately identify the English phrase the user has spoken and broadcasts the foreign language translation.
Key players from Voxtec International Inc.: John Hall, CEO; Ace Sarich-Voxtec, inventor of the Phraselator; Mike Abbott, director of manufacturing. Helix Design: Joe Schappler, principal; A.K. Stratton, project leader; Roy Whitson, project leader; Fernando Robert, designer; Chris Weiler, senior engineer.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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KitchenAid® Architect® Series II built-in refrigerator from Whirlpool.
The KitchenAid Architect Series II built-in refrigerator is an Energy Star rated refrigerator with the ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System that ensures ingredients remain fresh. A fully integrated ice and water dispenser is located on the door and is operated with a simple, four-button LCD display. According to Kevin Gilboe, KitchenAid Brand Studio Manager, the design team wrestled with the temptation to over-feature the touch-glass user interface, but chose a simple and efficient design to minimize interface clutter and enhance usability. The buttons are “Ice,” “Light,” “Lock,” and “Filter.” Filtered water is delivered to the fully-integrated dispenser by the AquaSense™ Base-Grille Filtration System.
Key players: The KitchenAid Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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The Panorama French-Door refrigerator from LG Electronics
LG’s Panorama French-Door Refrigerator with Tallest Dispenser features a dispenser area that measures nearly a foot tall and will accommodate extra-tall bottles, large pitchers and coffee-pots. It features a white LCD display and stainless steel finish. The refrigerator also incorporates LG’s SpacePlus Ice System in the door. An additional feature is the unique auto-closing door feature, in which the doors close automatically, assisted by hydraulic hinges, after the door is at a 40-Deg angle.
Key players: LG Digital Appliance Design Team.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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Maytag® EpicZ™ Washer – Arctic Blue from Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich.
The Maytag EpicZ front-load washer has 3.7 cu. ft. of capacity and a CEE Tier III Energy Rating. Its Rainfall Clean™ wash system scoops up water and thoroughly showers it onto fabrics for optimum saturation and cleaning performance. Arctic Blue, a new color introduced along with EpicZ, communicates a sense of heft and ruggedness while complementing the Maytag customer’s home décor, the company says.
Key players: The Maytag Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment BRONZE
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Authentix SVX1000 Selective Verifier from Authentix, Addison, Texas.
The SVX1000 Selective Verifier is a tool used to fight industrial counterfeiting and to help preserve brand and product integrity. The SVX1000 is a handheld testing device that helps safeguard prescription pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer goods by authenticating on-package or on-surface covert security markers. A one-button system, a user presses this button to take a measurement. Powered by Lithium polymer batteries, the SVX1000 also has a USB charging system.
Key players from Authentix: Chester Wildey, principal engineer; Kristi Browne, director, global operations; Pradip Mehta, instrumentation engineer; John Blackburn, senior engineer; Pat Kindell, technical consultant; Marc Daigle, creative director; Jeremy Horvath, senior electronics technician; Lynn Parker, PlasPro, Inc., freelance mechanical engineer.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment BRONZE
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The Optima MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge from Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton, Calif.
The Optima MAX-XP benchtop ultracentrifuge is used in research laboratories for separations in protein, cellular and genetic analysis. The instrument delivers fast run times of up to 150,000 RPM and produces only half the sound power of similar benchtop models. There is a full color, touch screen display with a simple, easy to understand user interface. Ergonomics have been improved with an easy to open door and a front-mounted control.
Key players from Beckman Coulter: Ron Johnson, manager, industrial design; Karen Lang and Alex Garcia, senior industrial designers; Brad Carstens, staff mechanical engineer; Tim Evans, manager, hardware engineering; Bob Indig, program manager; GianCarlo Ermoli, senior mechanical engineer; Jeffrey Marque, senior staff advanced research scientist; Paul Voelker, product manager; Margie Rogers, manager strategic marketing; Steve Frye, staff software development engineer; Carl Menache, senior software development engineer.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances BRONZE
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Remington Cordless PowerMower from Desa LLC, Bowling Green, Ky.
The Remington Cordless PowerMower is the first and only mower that provides the choice of power sources and performance level. The PowerMower operates cordless for up to 60 min. of run time and its 60 V battery can recharge in 10 hours or less. With Remington’s PowerSelect Technology, it can be plugged in to tackle larger jobs or to get the extra suction needed to clean up yard debris and leaves. It also has a “Boost” option to achieve blade tip speeds equivalent to gas mowers. It is a mulching mower with bagging and side discharge options and features a 17 in. cutting blade with a high-impact, polypropylene chassis.
Key players from Desa LLC: Del Lucs, engineering manager; Scott Kippes, marketing manager; Bruno Griffin, senior buyer; John Robbins, test engineer; Meranda Stull, senior drafter; Todd Matthews, director of engineering services; Wayne Hensel, quality assurance manager. Smartshape Design Corp.: Cherry Bochmann. NuPro Design Ltd.: Rick Nuchols. DM Penfold, LLC: Justin Lucas and Ryan Lucas. John Weed, consultant.
Small Appliances BRONZE
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Ridgid Max Select Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner from Emerson Tool Co., St. Louis, Mo.
The Ridgid Max Select Cordless Vac is a heavy-duty, portable vacuum for professionals and do-it-yourselfers. The vacuum is designed to accept and operate on either the Ridgid 24 V Lithium Ion battery or the Ridgid 18V NiCd battery, interchangeably on the same battery interface. The battery interface can also be adapted to future battery technologies with minimum tooling changes. The Ridgid Max Select Cordless vac is also eco-friendly. All of the major components of the Cordless Vac are marked as recyclable. All fasteners are free of cadmium, as well as hexavalent chromium, which can be harmful to the environment.
Key players from Emerson Tool Co.: Bob Hollis, senior project engineer; Shane Glasgow, industrial designer.
Small Appliances BRONZE
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Remington Clean XChange electric shaver from Beyond Design Inc., Chicago, Ill., and Spectrum Brands, Madison, Wis.
Remington’s Clean XChange is the first-ever disposable-head, electric shaver. Hair collects in the shaving head and when the cartridge is full, an LED light flashes indicating a new shaving head is needed. The length of time before the shaving head needs to be replaced depends on the length of the beard. With a heavier beard, the shaving head usually needs to be changed in about a month; with a lighter beard, it can last two months or longer. The Remington Clean XChange uses hygienic nanosilver coated foil that keeps bacteria from growing on the blades, and is proven to reduce redness and irritation. The product was designed to fit tightly around the internal mechanisms in the body of the shaver. The amount of material in the disposable head was reduced in order to keep it cost effective, while still providing a good shave.
Key players: The design team from Beyond Design Inc.
Meet the Judges
James H. Bleck is the founder and president of Bleck Design Group, an award-winning Boston-area industrial design, engineering and product development firm based in North Chelmsford, Mass. Prior to founding Bleck Design Group in 1982, his experience included senior design positions with Latham/Brefka and Digital Equipment Corp.
Bleck Design Group has earned more than 25 design awards from Appliance Design magazine, Canon Communications, I.D. Magazine, IDSA/BusinessWeek, Structural Plastics, The Chicago Athenaeum, and The International Consumer Electronics Show; including two “Design of the Decade” awards from IDSA/BusinessWeek for the AVC Electronic Voting Machine and Polycom Soundstation.
Bleck is the current chairman and a co-founder of the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum. He has served as a juror for IDSA/Business Week International Design Excellence Award and Consumer Electronics Show Innovation Award competitions. He has been an IDSA member since 1977. He has written and contributed to design articles for Design News, Medical Design Technology, Medical Product Manufacturing News, and Moldmaking Technology. He is a frequent speaker on product design to business and academic audiences.
He received his BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois in 1976, and completed graduate studies in management at Northeastern University (Boston).
Email: info@bleckdesigngroup.com
Web: www.bleckdesigngroup.com
Rich Buttiglieri is a Usability Consultant at the Design and Usability Center at Bentley College, Waltham, Mass., with more than 20 years of experience in product design and evaluation. He has considerable experience conducting user-centered design studies of software, consumer electronics and medical products for mass markets, as well as highly specialized vertical markets. Before joining Bentley in 2003, Buttiglieri designed and evaluated both web-based applications as well as desktop applications working for companies such as Digital, BBN, HP, Lotus, Concord Communications and MarketSoft.
For the past several years, Buttiglieri has been a judge for two prestigious product design competitions: Innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the User-Centered Product Design Award sponsored by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). He has judged a wide range of products, including digital imaging, mobile and vehicle electronics, home networking, medical devices, and home theater.
Buttiglieri holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is a member of the Usability Professionals’ Association, HFES Product Design Technical Group, the UPA Boston, and BostonCHI.
Email: rbuttiglieri@bentley.edu
Web: www.bentley.edu/usability
Seth Orsborn is an assistant professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo. Orsborn has a keen interest in the relationship between mechanical and aesthetic design in product development that developed from a diverse background in mechanics and the arts. He has worked for, and consulted with, a variety of companies regarding new product development and the impact of aesthetic design. Orsborn teaches engineering design and product development at Missouri S&T and is a practicing freelance graphic artist. He also directs the Qualitative Design Research Group at Missouri S&T, which focuses on the boundary between engineering design and industrial design in the product design process.
Orsborn’s research has been published in refereed journals and presented at national and international conferences. In addition to studying painting and other arts, he received his Bachelor of Science in 2003 from the University at Buffalo (State University of New York), his Master of Science in 2005 and Doctor of Philosophy in 2007 from Carnegie Mellon University. All of his degrees are in mechanical engineering. Orsborn is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Industrial Designers Society of America.
The winning entries in the 21st annual Excellence in Design competition are products that meet such demands. The designers behind the winning products have found a way to produce sophisticated technology that is intuitive to use, and presents itself with an eye-catching appearance.
Balancing the need for increased functionality without creating a level of complexity that confounds the user is a tough trick to pull off. Sometimes tradeoffs need to be made, and good designs are evidence of good decisions.
Most importantly, many of the winning products in this year’s competition tackle the time constraints faced by both consumers and professionals, who need to work smarter, better, and faster. Many of the winning entries employ a combination of high technology and well-thought-out usability features to meet those demands.
Entries for this year’s competition were slotted into one of several categories. Winning entries were recognized with a Gold, Silver, or Bronze award. The winners are not evenly distributed across categories because there was no predetermined number of awards established. The idea was to recognize excellent product designs, regardless of how many or few a given category produced.
An independent panel of three experts in the field of design evaluated the entries based on four criteria: aesthetics, human factors, innovation, and technical merits. Information on the judges can be found on page 20.
Twenty First Annual EID -- GOLD
Electronics GOLD
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The Tatung VOIP Phone from the Tatung Co., Tucheng, Taiwan, and its industrial design firm Nova Design Co. Ltd., Xizhi City, Taiwan
The Tatung VOIP phone is designed to be intuitive to use, especially for new users, children, and the elderly. The simplified user interface features a clear display keypad that has touch sensor operation that simplifies the function key and keypad. EID Juror Seth Orsborn called it a counterexample to the current ‘feature avalanche’ in most consumer products. “By only providing the necessary features, the interactions become intuitive and easy to accomplish,” he says.
The phone comes in a basic geometric shape with a square cutout that simplifies the form element and makes it easy to grab and carry. Rounded edges soften the phone’s appearance and enhance user comfort, according to the company. A sleek and retro style antenna appearance emphasizes its wireless nature, and, according to Orsborn, differentiates this from other similarly looking products.
Key players: Design team at Nova Design Co. Ltd.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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Nexxt Laundry from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Bosch’s Nexxt Laundry appliances use a combination of eco-friendly programs and settings that have been designed to exceed 2007 Energy Star standards. For instance, on select clothes washers a feature called ECOACTION decreases the temperature and amount of energy used during the wash cycle by up to 25 percent. Nexxt Dyers conserve energy with its Ecosensor feature, which uses less energy than conventional dryers by adjusting the temperature based on the moisture level in the clothes or fabrics. The dryer’s DUOTRONIC sensor detects the amount of moisture and adjusts the unit’s operation automatically to save energy and prevent damage from over-drying.
It also has several specific wash cycles to make the laundry pair easier to use. These cycles include KIDSCARE, which reaches 150 DegF to remove stains, and the XXTRAsanitary cycle, which sustains 170 DegF and removes 99.9 percent of bacteria. It also features a Quick Wash 25 cycle that will complete a 25-minute fast wash.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliances design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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Integra dishwasher from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Bosch lineup of Integra dishwashers includes what the company calls the quietest and most energy efficient model in the country, the Integra SHX98. The premium model achieves a 42 dB sound level and exceeds the minimum federal energy standard by 147 percent, with yearly usage of only 190 kWh.
It features the ECOSENSE Wash Management System that examines the soil level in the water via an infrared light beam. A half-load option allows consumers to run the dishwasher half full, thus saving time, water and energy by 30 percent. The QUICKWASH feature offers an abbreviated 30-minute cycle for smaller loads or less soiled dishes. In all, it uses as little as 1.8 gallons of water per cycle.
The Integra collection has a concealed control panel. To communicate how to easily save on energy and efficiency, the company added a green-colored “e” button. By pressing the button, it automatically kicks into energy save mode. Juror Seth Orsborn says that the sleek finish and hidden controls are a nice addition to any modern kitchen. “Utilizing their technological prowess, Bosch developed a dishwasher that provides superior cleaning power while minimizing resource consumption,” he says.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliances design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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The Indesit Moon clothes washer from the Indesit Co., Fabriano, Italy, and its industrial design team Italdesign Giugiaro SpA, Moncalieri, Italy
The Indesit Moon clothes washing machine is an aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use clothes washer that automatically adjusts the temperature and spin speed according to the wash cycle chosen, and optimizes consumption of water, time and energy according to the amount of washing. To help improve cleaning, an integrated soap dispenser was developed that delivers detergent directly into the heart of the wash, giving up to 50 percent more cleaning power than that of the typical detergent drawer, the company says. A sensor in the drum detects the presence of detergent through the alkalinity of the water and will automatically run up to two additional rinse cycles to rinse out the detergent. A load balancing system was designed that reduces vibration and noise. The controls have been simplified; users can choose the wash cycle by pressing one of 4 buttons.
The aesthetics are simple, yet remarkable, says juror Seth Orsborn. “The simplified controls remove all the redundant complexity while still giving you all the washing options you need. The sensing technology and innovative detergent holder are invisible insurance, which guarantee a clean wash with minimum resource usage.”
Key players: Design team at Indesit Co. Design team at Italdesign - Giugiaro SpA - Giugiaro Design.
Major Appliances/HVAC GOLD
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The KitchenAid® Architect® Series II built-in double-oven from Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, Mich.
The advanced convection oven features steam-assisted cooking and can switch between convection and non-convection cooking with the Easy Convect temperature conversion system.
The product features a capacitive-touch glass control panel for easy navigation through a highly intuitive, user-focused interface. It opens to its full width and comes with a large viewing window, and an easy to clean glass inner wall.
The built-in oven follows what the company calls its core Architect Series II visual brand language. The language emphasizes functional purpose and material authenticity through subtle detailing. Surface transitions, for example, are treated with a simple chamfer to communicate a sense of order and logic. Badges, user interfaces and the product edges all include this chamfer to set themselves apart from the main body surfaces.
The handles, which were raised to better accommodate oven mitts, are simple, yet tightly controlled forms. The user interfaces follow a consistent pattern and color scheme. For instance, the key functions including the Start and Off functions, are highlighted in a light grey, while remaining buttons are dark grey.
Key Players: The KitchenAid Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD
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The Gendex expert DC Intraoral X-Ray System by KaVo Dental Corporation-Gendex Dental Systems, Des Plaines, Ill., and industrial design firm Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
The Gendex expert DC, an intraoral X-ray system, merges fresh and patient-friendly aesthetics with the latest advances in electronic technology for more accurate diagnosis. Care was taken to avoid the intimidating dental-equipment look of the existing unit. Patient comfort is increased by the open architectural forms. Backlit translucent controls, light colors and fresh graphics lend an emotional approachability as well. Unique controls offer twenty-one exposure settings, plus programmable anatomical presets and Quickset tubehead controls for ease of use and patient safety. Juror Seth Orsborn calls the integration of the control a “novel feature that should bring confidence to the patient.”
Key project players from KaVo Dental Corporation-Gendex Dental Systems: David Pettinato, mechanical engineer; Nimesh Bhagat, sr. product manager; and, Dmitry Edelchik, global product manager imaging; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president, Morad Ghassemian, director product design and Melissa Gustafson, graphic designer.
Medical/Test & Measurement GOLD
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The Detecto-Pak Infrared gas detector from Heath Consultants Inc., Houston, Texas, and its industrial design firm Helix Design, Manchester, N.H.
The Detecto Pak-Infrared device is a portable device that detects if methane gas is leaking from distribution pipelines. It uses an infrared optical gas detection system that can make a distinction between methane and other gases and reduce the number of false alarms. The system eliminates the traditional Flame Ionization method that requires gas cylinders and refill systems.
Aesthetically, the unit combines rigid components with soft-touch molded elements. The elements include a silicone keypad interface that has been simplified with less buttons, a refined hierarchy, and oversized buttons for gloved operation.
Juror Seth Orsborn says that the system is a new technique for detecting gases and is a much-needed change in technology for this market. He adds that the aesthetics are a pleasant departure from the sheet metal tradition and the large, tactile buttons provide an easy interaction for the worker.
Key Players from Heath Consultants: Jim Rutherford, director of R&D; John Fisher, engineering supervisor. Helix Design: Joe Schappler, principal; A.K. Stratton, director of product development; Roy Whitson, project leader; Fernando Robert, designer; Chris Weiler, senior engineer.
Suppliers: Joe Doss, principal, Dynamic Plastics; Devin Asakura, Hanaco Manufacturing; Luke Janetos, principal, HRP Fabrication; Richard Hilliard, general manager-Metaltronics; Tony Lee, principal, Copesetic.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD
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The Tono-Pen Avia™ Applanation Tonometer from Reichert, Inc., Depew, N.Y., and the industrial design firm Metaphase Design Group, St. Louis, Mo.
The Tono-Pen Avia is an easy-to-use portable, handheld instrument that measures intraocular pressure – the fluid pressure inside the eye – to evaluate ocular conditions such as glaucoma. It is an alternative solution to the larger, bulky instruments, and allows the unit to be brought to the patient and used successfully with minimal training.
Through intensive user research, the design team explored ways to improve usability and reliability of the device by minimizing human error. Studies on grip postures, user technique and instrument ergonomics resulted in an intuitive design featuring a new size, form and grip architecture. The handle was shortened and optimized for virtually all hand sizes by creating a smooth curve with the center of gravity located in the primary grip zone. The width dimensions were expanded and soft elastomeric co-molding was added for thumb and forefinger placement, minimizing grip forces and increasing stability and comfort.
The unit features a stainless steel tip with a bead-blasted finish, a glossy white body finish and a blue elastomeric co-molding. To make it easier to use, two large LCDs were incorporated in the center with visibility from either side to ensure both left and right-handed users can effectively view the results in low-light conditions.
Key Players from Metaphase Design Group: Marc Hunter and Brian Bone, ergonomics; Jeff Feng and David Kusch, designers. Supplier: Craig Drager, vice president, R & D, Medtronic XOMED.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances GOLD
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The X7 Elliptical Cross-Trainer by Life Fitness, Franklin Park, Ill. and the industrial design firm, Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
The X7 cross-trainer is a new consumer elliptical with electronic stride adjustments. For a more natural ellipse motion and comfortable workout, the oversized foot pedals are spaced 1.75-in. closer and flex as the user moves to absorb impact. Fluid electronic stride adjustments from 18 in. to 24 in. accommodate different sized users and target different muscle groups. Shortening and/or lengthening the stride offers a total-body workout with synchronized upper- and lower-body movement. Effort is dispersed to the arms and legs to burn more calories with less perceived exertion. Simplifying user activity while in motion, the design team developed a lower console, known as the Activity Zone. Easily accessible stride length and resistance level buttons are located on the Activity Zone, along with a built-in LCD display showing the stride length and resistance level, as well as the muscles currently being worked.
Key project players from Life Fitness: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Tom Cray, industrial design manager; and, Rad Arceta, sr. industrial designer; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president, and Christian Castro, project manager.
Small Appliances GOLD
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The One Touch Automatic Jar Opener from One Touch Products Ltd., Hong Kong, and its industrial design firm, and sister-company, Daka Research Inc., also of Hong Kong.
Billed as the world’s first automatic hands-free jar opener, the One Touch Jar Opener replaces cumbersome, electric openers and hard-to-use manual openers with a small, easy to use product. Powered by 2 AA batteries, it can open more than 50 jars with one charge.
Its gripping mechanism is one of its most innovative features. A human being using a manual opener will grip tighter when the grip slips; the patented mechanism mimics the action of a strong pair of hands by automatically balancing the grip with the required torque and continuing to open the jar. The unit can achieve a grip force of 45 kg (100 lbs).
The organic shape is designed tightly around the internal mechanical components including the motor, gears and batteries, so that it fits in a person’s hand and stores easily. The unit’s surface features a round, pebble texture that offers an easy grip. The jaws are clearly differentiated as contrasting, bold gripping elements. “The ease of use is promoted through a single button and obvious interaction between the jar and appliance,” says juror Seth Orsborn.
Key players from Daka Research Inc.: Pat Mah, chairman. MAS Design Products Limited: Mark Sanders, Director.
Twenty First Annual EID -- SILVER
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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The B3000 Keurig brewing System from Keurig Inc., Reading, Mass.
The B3000 brewing System is a single serve commercial brewer that can brew coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and dispense hot water for beverages or food.
It has two hot water tanks, a preheat tank and a brew tank, that help ensure back-to-back brewing every 60 seconds. It monitors water temperature and controls power distribution to maintain this feature.
The brewer can automatically puncture the portion pack and eject the used packet into a receptacle inside the brewer. Sensors indicate when the bin is full and ready to be emptied.
Key Players from Keurig Inc.: Richard Pasquini, director of brewer engineering; Ian Tinkler, v.p. of brewer engineering; Kevin Sullivan, v.p. of engineering and product development; David Manly, v.p. of marketing; John Phillips, product manager marketing; Geoff Smith, William Sawyer, senior engineers. Proteus Design: Paul Metaxatos, v.p. product development; Eric Nichols, senior designer product development; Tim Bragg, senior designer product development.
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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A.O. Smith Cyclone Xi commercial gas water heater from A.O. Smith, Ashland City, Tenn.
The Cyclone Xi (BTH 500) is a 130-gal. high-efficiency commercial gas water heater. The helical heat exchanger coil and pre-mix powered burner works by increasing the total amount of heat-transfer surface to generate 95 percent thermal efficiency. The glass-lined heat exchanger coil keeps the hot gases inside the BTH-500 longer. The top mounted, down-fire, pre-mix burner ignites the gas mixture and a swirling flame shoots downward into a submerged central combustion chamber. The resulting hot flue gases are then forced at high velocity up through the helical coil, which is surrounded by water. Using centrifugal force, the coil’s spiral shape keeps hot gases swirling to maximize energy transfer.
Key Players from A.O. Smith: Matt Schulz, product manager; David Chisolm, brand manager; John Niu, design engineer; Darryl Ruark, design engineer; Andrew Phillips and Andy Caves, electronics engineers.
Commercial/Vending Appliances SILVER
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Metro C5 3 Series Insulation Armour Heated Holding and Proofing Cabinets from InterMetro Industries Corp., Wilkes Barre, Pa.
These insulated cabinets are used in commercial kitchens to hold and transport hot food products prior to serving. With patent-pending Insulation Armour, the units provide thermal insulation meeting Energy Star requirements. The panels lower the exterior temperature of the cabinet to comfortable levels. The design is scalable and modular, providing three heights. A flexible pan handling system accommodates three styles of pan racks, and the company offers a choice of three interchangeable heat modules (hot holding, proofing, and combination proofing and holding).
Key Players from InterMetro Industries: Jim Kilgallon, cabinet segment manager; Dave Barsigian, project manager; Jeff Olson, manager of industrial design; Bill Sickles, senior developmental engineer; Tim Baker, manufacturing engineer (polymer components); Mike Liberski, manufacturing engineer (fabrication and assembly); Dave McGovern, standard products engineer; Brian Cushman, product testing engineer.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Bosch Wall Ovens from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Bosch Wall Ovens are designed for busy consumers and have time-saving features such as ECOCLEAN, an exclusive two-hour, self-cleaning function, and an ultra-fast 7 minute preheat. Boasting an oven capacity of 4.7 cu. ft., the ovens are ideal for tackling any type of cooking need in the home. Features include 16 different heating options, and exclusive Genuine European Convection that equally distributes heat for even cooking results, and allows for the cooking of an entire meal all at once without the transfer of flavor or aromas. It has easy to clean glass touch controls, installs flush to cabinetry, soft curved styling, and a large see-through window.
Key players: Bosch Home Appliance design team.
Major Appliances SILVER
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The LG SteamWasher with Allergiene Cycle from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The clothes washer is an allergen-reducing steam washing machine that is the first such appliance to be certified “asthma & allergy friendly™” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
During the Allergiene cycle, the unit achieves a temperature above the recommended 131 DegF by the National Institute of Health to kill dust mites and remove pet dander by more than 95 percent. It works by distributing a high and even temperature of steam combined with hot water in order to dissolve and eliminate allergens.
The steam, which is produced by LG’s steam generator, is used in different cycles on the machine. The SteamWash option feeds hot steam into the top of the wash drum through a spray nozzle. The SteamFresh cycle is a 20-min. steam-only cycle that uses steam to freshen and reduce wrinkles on dry clothes.
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances SILVER
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LG SteamDryer from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The new LG SteamDryer features TrueSteam technology that injects steam via a pump and cartridge system into the tub. It has an extra-large 7.3 cu. ft. capacity stainless steel dryer drum, an enhanced SteamFresh cycle that freshens and deodorizes clothes in 20 min., a ReduceStatic function that neutralizes static electricity in normal loads by introducing steam prior to cycle completion, an EasyIron function that evenly moistens clothes for ironing, and a LoDecibel Quiet Operation of 58 dB.
LG’s SteamDryer features a stylish design with an intuitive electronic control panel and choice of LED or LCD display. The new steam unit is available in a variety of designer finishes, including midnight blue, wild cherry red, and white. Juror Seth Orsborn says “the bold colors are a nice departure from the sea of stainless steel appliances.”
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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LG Steam Dishwasher from LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The LG Steam Dishwasher utilizes energy-saving, performance-enhancing steam featuring an advanced design with fully integrated LCD control panels for an ultra-premium style. Steam cleaning allows for thorough cleaning of baked-on foods while using less water than other power options and traditional models while enhancing cleaning performance on fine china and stemware. Its Steam Delicate cycle gently, yet thoroughly, cleans the fragile items. The dishwasher also features a third rack, and can accommodate up to 14 place settings in a single load. At only 45 db, this dishwasher, which has a built-in food disposal, is among the quietest available in the U.S.
Key players: LG Electronics appliance design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Thermador Drawer Hood Ventilation from BSH Home Appliances, Huntington Beach, Calif.
The Thermador chimney-style Drawer Hood ventilation system is distinguished by a squared canopy that slides out and extends up to an extra 12 in. for 45 percent more coverage of the cooking area. This increase in filter area removes odors and grease at up to 600 CFM. It gives consumers greater flexibility and control over their ventilation needs. For example, if using the front, or rear burners, on a range or cooktop, the hood can be slid to the exact location where it is needed. Available in a 36 in. size, which complements the brand’s cooktops and ranges, Thermador’s Drawer Hood features a touch control panel that is engaged with a push of the button.
Key players: Thermador design team.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVERMajor Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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Whirlpool Duet® Steam Washer (Aspen) from Whirlpool
The Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer offers a high-capacity drum, steam technology, and sanitary cycle that streamlines the end-to-end laundry process. Jim Doan, Whirlpool Fabric Care Design, says that from a design perspective, the sparkling Aspen Green color scheme and “water drop” surfacing embodies a visual metaphor of “clean” and “fresh.” The washer’s sanitary cycle heats wash water to 153 DegF. Built to minimize water and energy usage, the washer uses 67 percent less water and 77 percent less energy as compared to conventional washers. The Duet Steam washer is Energy Star certified.
Key Players: The Whirlpool Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Major Appliances/HVAC SILVER
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The E Series Built-In 30 in. Unframed Double Oven by Wolf Appliance Co., Fitchburg, Wis., and industrial design firm Cesaroni Design Associates Inc., Glenview, Ill.
Sleek and contemporary in appearance, the Wolf E Series Built-In Unframed Double Oven is designed with the classic stainless steel finish. The unframed door style accommodates either a built-in application or a flush inset installation. The built-in application allows the oven trim to overlap the cabinet face, while a flush inset installation permits the front of the oven to be on the same plane as surrounding cabinetry for a more integrated look. Brilliant halogen lights illuminate the interior. A full-extension bottom rack glides all the way out and nestles on the door rails, making it easier to safely reach food in a hot oven.
Key project players from Wolf Appliance Co.: Doug Swank, v.p. engineering; Greg Martin, sr. project engineer; and, Brian Hertzberg, design engineer; Cesaroni Design Associates Inc.: Bill Cesaroni, president; Curt Cruver, design director; and, Chris Kulujian, project manager.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances SILVER
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Life Fitness 95T Elevation Series Treadmill from Life Fitness, Shiller Park, Ill.
The 95T Elevation Series Treadmills are commercial grade cardio machines that incorporate multimedia into the design. These treadmills are offered with three control options – the Engage, Inspire and Achieve consoles. The Engage console features a 15-in. LCD touch screen with integrated TV, the Inspire console offers a 7-in. LCD touch screen, and the Achieve console features an amber LED display. iPod Integration is standard on the Engage and Inspire consoles and makes it possible to control iPod playlists from the console or watch iPod video content. The Engage and Inspire consoles feature a USB port, which enables users and trainers to create, save and track the user’s workout progress.
Key Players from Life Fitness Industrial Design: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Kevin Short, senior industrial designer; Raul Rudy Munoz, industrial designer; Gregory Topel, program management; Jack Hough, brand manager.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances SILVER
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Life Fitness 95X Elevation Series Cross-Trainer from Life Fitness, Shiller Park, Ill.
Offering many of the same console options as the 95T, the 95Z cross trainer features a patented mechanism that provides a quiet and natural feeling. A longer stride length and proper ellipse orientation helps make the foot path feel smooth and comfortable, and mimics the joint trajectories and range of motion seen in jogging. It features the Lifepulse digital heart rate monitoring system, including contact hand sensors, which provide heart rate monitoring with exacting precision. Mechanically, the 95X has needle roller bearings at each joint, which increases the reliability of the product and provides a quieter ride and a smoother feel. The use of a hybrid generator brake allows the cross trainer to achieve a top level resistance of 900 W.
Key Players from Life Fitness Industrial Design: Steve Ward, director of industrial design; Paul Taylor, lead industrial designer; Kevin Short, senior industrial designer; Raul Rudy Munoz, industrial designer; Ken Kaufhold, program management, Jamie Burger, brand manager.
Small Appliances SILVER
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The RIZO Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer from Zojirushi America Corp., Gardena, Calif.
These rice cookers combine a minimalist look with one-touch functionality, without sacrificing any of the versatility or quality of other rice cookers. The RIZO offers three one-touch cook settings: steam cook, rice/sushi, and risotto.
According to Zojirushi, the RIZO is much different than other rice cookers available today, most of which tend to be multi-functional. With this model, in both design and function, the company decided to return to a rice cooker’s origins, making it easy to use.
The RIZO has a round shape with a stylish ridge where the control buttons are placed. The RIZO also comes in three different colors, polished stainless, yellow, and white. The yellow RIZO was inspired by the color of saffron risotto, the white color is the image of white rice.
Key Players: Toshiyuki Kita, designer.
Twenty First Annual EID -- BRONZE
Business Machines BRONZE
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Fellowes Galaxy-E Binder from Fellowes Ltd., Hallow, U.K, and its industrial design firm Product Development Technologies, Inc., Great Milton, U.K.
The Fellowes Galaxy Binder boasts fresh, aesthetic design and innovation, that communicates a purposeful, premium look. It uses an advanced internal chassis system that is driven by a high-quality gearbox motor system. The ability to adjust critical operational settings makes the machine more ergonomic to the end user. All areas for human interaction, such as handles, controls and pull-out trays are clearly defined and accessible and operable with minimum effort and confusion.
Key players from Fellowes: Kester Rudd. Product Development Technologies: Chris Parratt, Terry Gander and Angus Davidson, industrial designers.
Commercial/Vending Appliances BRONZE
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The thermaline Boiling and Braising pans from Electrolux Professional, Pordenone, Italy.
Designed for busy kitchens, the thermaline Boiling and Braising Pans have a new control panel with intuitive icons and big digit display that makes it comprehensible at first sight and permits operators to work in absolute comfort. The thermaline Pressure Braising Pan is a multifunctional appliance that can be used either as a boiling pan when the temperature is under 110 DegC, or as a fry top and a braising pan when the temperature exceeds 110 DegC. The precision in the temperature measurement guarantees perfect cooking results for big quantities of food and ensures energy savings.
Key players from Electrolux Professional: Michele Cadamuro; industrial design manager; Davide Benvenuti, industrial designer; Andreas Christen, R&D manager.
Commercial/Vending Appliances BRONZE
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Incogneeto Model induction buffet from CookTek, Chicago, Ill.
The Incogneeto is the industry’s first general-purpose, under-Granite buffet system. This induction-based design heats only the chafing dish, not the granite or the environment. A track-mountable system eases installation and removal of the unit and allows the user to configure the buffet by sliding the units from side to side. RFID temperature measurement technology is used to transmit the temperature of the pan through the granite, creating a closed-loop control system that allows precise temperature maintenance of the food in the serving dish. Finally, a locator system in a trivet-like device lets the user know where the buffet unit is located.
Key players from CookTek: Warren Graber, vice president, engineering; Rob Visher, embedded controls designer; Sam Kessler, mechanical designer; Reinhard Metz, chief technologist; Shawn Buchanan and Jeff Kantarek, electrical engineers.
Electronics BRONZE
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SQU.ID SQ.200 voice-activated translation device from Voxtec International Inc., Annapolis, Md., and its industrial design firm Helix Design, Manchester, N.H.
The SQU.ID SQ.200 is a voice-activated language translation device that has been encased in a soft, elastomeric package. Designed to be securely worn on the user’s chest within a device holster, the SQU.ID offers hands-free, eyes-free language translation capabilities. The SQU.ID uses voice-recognition software to immediately identify the English phrase the user has spoken and broadcasts the foreign language translation.
Key players from Voxtec International Inc.: John Hall, CEO; Ace Sarich-Voxtec, inventor of the Phraselator; Mike Abbott, director of manufacturing. Helix Design: Joe Schappler, principal; A.K. Stratton, project leader; Roy Whitson, project leader; Fernando Robert, designer; Chris Weiler, senior engineer.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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KitchenAid® Architect® Series II built-in refrigerator from Whirlpool.
The KitchenAid Architect Series II built-in refrigerator is an Energy Star rated refrigerator with the ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System that ensures ingredients remain fresh. A fully integrated ice and water dispenser is located on the door and is operated with a simple, four-button LCD display. According to Kevin Gilboe, KitchenAid Brand Studio Manager, the design team wrestled with the temptation to over-feature the touch-glass user interface, but chose a simple and efficient design to minimize interface clutter and enhance usability. The buttons are “Ice,” “Light,” “Lock,” and “Filter.” Filtered water is delivered to the fully-integrated dispenser by the AquaSense™ Base-Grille Filtration System.
Key players: The KitchenAid Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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The Panorama French-Door refrigerator from LG Electronics
LG’s Panorama French-Door Refrigerator with Tallest Dispenser features a dispenser area that measures nearly a foot tall and will accommodate extra-tall bottles, large pitchers and coffee-pots. It features a white LCD display and stainless steel finish. The refrigerator also incorporates LG’s SpacePlus Ice System in the door. An additional feature is the unique auto-closing door feature, in which the doors close automatically, assisted by hydraulic hinges, after the door is at a 40-Deg angle.
Key players: LG Digital Appliance Design Team.
Major Appliances/HVAC BRONZE
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Maytag® EpicZ™ Washer – Arctic Blue from Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich.
The Maytag EpicZ front-load washer has 3.7 cu. ft. of capacity and a CEE Tier III Energy Rating. Its Rainfall Clean™ wash system scoops up water and thoroughly showers it onto fabrics for optimum saturation and cleaning performance. Arctic Blue, a new color introduced along with EpicZ, communicates a sense of heft and ruggedness while complementing the Maytag customer’s home décor, the company says.
Key players: The Maytag Brand Studio team at Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corp.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment BRONZE
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Authentix SVX1000 Selective Verifier from Authentix, Addison, Texas.
The SVX1000 Selective Verifier is a tool used to fight industrial counterfeiting and to help preserve brand and product integrity. The SVX1000 is a handheld testing device that helps safeguard prescription pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer goods by authenticating on-package or on-surface covert security markers. A one-button system, a user presses this button to take a measurement. Powered by Lithium polymer batteries, the SVX1000 also has a USB charging system.
Key players from Authentix: Chester Wildey, principal engineer; Kristi Browne, director, global operations; Pradip Mehta, instrumentation engineer; John Blackburn, senior engineer; Pat Kindell, technical consultant; Marc Daigle, creative director; Jeremy Horvath, senior electronics technician; Lynn Parker, PlasPro, Inc., freelance mechanical engineer.
Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment BRONZE
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The Optima MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge from Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton, Calif.
The Optima MAX-XP benchtop ultracentrifuge is used in research laboratories for separations in protein, cellular and genetic analysis. The instrument delivers fast run times of up to 150,000 RPM and produces only half the sound power of similar benchtop models. There is a full color, touch screen display with a simple, easy to understand user interface. Ergonomics have been improved with an easy to open door and a front-mounted control.
Key players from Beckman Coulter: Ron Johnson, manager, industrial design; Karen Lang and Alex Garcia, senior industrial designers; Brad Carstens, staff mechanical engineer; Tim Evans, manager, hardware engineering; Bob Indig, program manager; GianCarlo Ermoli, senior mechanical engineer; Jeffrey Marque, senior staff advanced research scientist; Paul Voelker, product manager; Margie Rogers, manager strategic marketing; Steve Frye, staff software development engineer; Carl Menache, senior software development engineer.
Outdoor/Leisure Appliances BRONZE
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Remington Cordless PowerMower from Desa LLC, Bowling Green, Ky.
The Remington Cordless PowerMower is the first and only mower that provides the choice of power sources and performance level. The PowerMower operates cordless for up to 60 min. of run time and its 60 V battery can recharge in 10 hours or less. With Remington’s PowerSelect Technology, it can be plugged in to tackle larger jobs or to get the extra suction needed to clean up yard debris and leaves. It also has a “Boost” option to achieve blade tip speeds equivalent to gas mowers. It is a mulching mower with bagging and side discharge options and features a 17 in. cutting blade with a high-impact, polypropylene chassis.
Key players from Desa LLC: Del Lucs, engineering manager; Scott Kippes, marketing manager; Bruno Griffin, senior buyer; John Robbins, test engineer; Meranda Stull, senior drafter; Todd Matthews, director of engineering services; Wayne Hensel, quality assurance manager. Smartshape Design Corp.: Cherry Bochmann. NuPro Design Ltd.: Rick Nuchols. DM Penfold, LLC: Justin Lucas and Ryan Lucas. John Weed, consultant.
Small Appliances BRONZE
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Ridgid Max Select Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner from Emerson Tool Co., St. Louis, Mo.
The Ridgid Max Select Cordless Vac is a heavy-duty, portable vacuum for professionals and do-it-yourselfers. The vacuum is designed to accept and operate on either the Ridgid 24 V Lithium Ion battery or the Ridgid 18V NiCd battery, interchangeably on the same battery interface. The battery interface can also be adapted to future battery technologies with minimum tooling changes. The Ridgid Max Select Cordless vac is also eco-friendly. All of the major components of the Cordless Vac are marked as recyclable. All fasteners are free of cadmium, as well as hexavalent chromium, which can be harmful to the environment.
Key players from Emerson Tool Co.: Bob Hollis, senior project engineer; Shane Glasgow, industrial designer.
Small Appliances BRONZE
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Remington Clean XChange electric shaver from Beyond Design Inc., Chicago, Ill., and Spectrum Brands, Madison, Wis.
Remington’s Clean XChange is the first-ever disposable-head, electric shaver. Hair collects in the shaving head and when the cartridge is full, an LED light flashes indicating a new shaving head is needed. The length of time before the shaving head needs to be replaced depends on the length of the beard. With a heavier beard, the shaving head usually needs to be changed in about a month; with a lighter beard, it can last two months or longer. The Remington Clean XChange uses hygienic nanosilver coated foil that keeps bacteria from growing on the blades, and is proven to reduce redness and irritation. The product was designed to fit tightly around the internal mechanisms in the body of the shaver. The amount of material in the disposable head was reduced in order to keep it cost effective, while still providing a good shave.
Key players: The design team from Beyond Design Inc.
Meet the Judges
James H. Bleck is the founder and president of Bleck Design Group, an award-winning Boston-area industrial design, engineering and product development firm based in North Chelmsford, Mass. Prior to founding Bleck Design Group in 1982, his experience included senior design positions with Latham/Brefka and Digital Equipment Corp.
Bleck Design Group has earned more than 25 design awards from Appliance Design magazine, Canon Communications, I.D. Magazine, IDSA/BusinessWeek, Structural Plastics, The Chicago Athenaeum, and The International Consumer Electronics Show; including two “Design of the Decade” awards from IDSA/BusinessWeek for the AVC Electronic Voting Machine and Polycom Soundstation.
Bleck is the current chairman and a co-founder of the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum. He has served as a juror for IDSA/Business Week International Design Excellence Award and Consumer Electronics Show Innovation Award competitions. He has been an IDSA member since 1977. He has written and contributed to design articles for Design News, Medical Design Technology, Medical Product Manufacturing News, and Moldmaking Technology. He is a frequent speaker on product design to business and academic audiences.
He received his BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois in 1976, and completed graduate studies in management at Northeastern University (Boston).
Email: info@bleckdesigngroup.com
Web: www.bleckdesigngroup.com
Rich Buttiglieri is a Usability Consultant at the Design and Usability Center at Bentley College, Waltham, Mass., with more than 20 years of experience in product design and evaluation. He has considerable experience conducting user-centered design studies of software, consumer electronics and medical products for mass markets, as well as highly specialized vertical markets. Before joining Bentley in 2003, Buttiglieri designed and evaluated both web-based applications as well as desktop applications working for companies such as Digital, BBN, HP, Lotus, Concord Communications and MarketSoft.
For the past several years, Buttiglieri has been a judge for two prestigious product design competitions: Innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the User-Centered Product Design Award sponsored by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). He has judged a wide range of products, including digital imaging, mobile and vehicle electronics, home networking, medical devices, and home theater.
Buttiglieri holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is a member of the Usability Professionals’ Association, HFES Product Design Technical Group, the UPA Boston, and BostonCHI.
Email: rbuttiglieri@bentley.edu
Web: www.bentley.edu/usability
Seth Orsborn is an assistant professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo. Orsborn has a keen interest in the relationship between mechanical and aesthetic design in product development that developed from a diverse background in mechanics and the arts. He has worked for, and consulted with, a variety of companies regarding new product development and the impact of aesthetic design. Orsborn teaches engineering design and product development at Missouri S&T and is a practicing freelance graphic artist. He also directs the Qualitative Design Research Group at Missouri S&T, which focuses on the boundary between engineering design and industrial design in the product design process.
Orsborn’s research has been published in refereed journals and presented at national and international conferences. In addition to studying painting and other arts, he received his Bachelor of Science in 2003 from the University at Buffalo (State University of New York), his Master of Science in 2005 and Doctor of Philosophy in 2007 from Carnegie Mellon University. All of his degrees are in mechanical engineering. Orsborn is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Industrial Designers Society of America.
How to Work Smart Not Hard
How to Work Smart Not Hard
By A. Suzanne Wells, eHow Member
Work Smart Not Hard
User-Submitted Article
"Working smart not hard" means that your efforts should to go high-priority tasks that contribute to accomplishing your goals. If you run a home business, you may feel that you work all day but get very little accomplished. Learn how to work smart, not hard, to achieve your goals.
Instructions
You will still need to work hard. Working smart does not suggest that there is a back door to success. Working smart refers to planning, having efficient habits, and using your time and energy wisely.
Make lists. Every morning when you begin your day, make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish that day. After you make the list, rewrite it with the items in order of importance. Always make sure that your income producing activities are first.
Be flexible. Understand that the world constantly changes, and you must change with it. Your day may not go as planned. Be open to trying new things and new ways of doing things.
Look for shortcuts in everything you. Don't reinvent the wheel every time you do something. For example, if you are in a service business where customers email you a lot of questions, you will probably see the same questions over and over again. Start saving your replies in files on your computer. Organize the replies by categories such as lost shipments, unhappy customers, or product questions. After a while, you will have a response that you can use as the foundation for any email for any situation. You may have to change a few details to fit the specific situation, but the bulk of the letter will already be written.
Avoid over scheduling yourself. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in one workday. Work can go on forever. Sometimes you just have to cut off your work and stop for the day.
Evaluate your systems and make them more efficient. By this, I am not referring to your computer system, but the way you do things. For example, if you run a business where you have to make phone calls, plan your phone time for when your kids aren't home and you won't be interrupted. You can get the job done much faster with no interruptions or distractions. Try to do things in batches rather than one at a time. Whether it is paying bills, shipping orders, or answering emails, doing these tasks in batches is much more time efficient than scattering yourself all over the place doing them one at a time. If you have kids and work at home, work on your business while they are at school and you can concentrate, and save housework and cooking for when they are home.
Avoid multi-tasking. Multi-tasking isn't always a good idea. In fact, many experts suggest that you get less done when you multi-task because you are trying to do too many things done at once. Your brain is switching and forth between the tasks. Multi-tasking is not as productive as sticking with one task until it is completed.
Rely on spreadsheets to help you stay organized. You can put just about anything in a spreadsheet. For example, I have all of my eHow articles in a spreadsheet with a link to the article. If anyone asks me a question that I have written an article about, I can just send them the link. You can also organize all of your internet marketing sites on a spreadsheet. You will know what you posted where and when.
Listen to your mentors and ask questions. You can move higher on the learning curve faster if you learn from other people's mistakes instead of waiting to learn from your own. Read what experts in your field have to say - read blogs, books, and newspaper and magazine articles. Join groups and forums and talk to others in your field and ask questions. Be proactive about learning and look for new ways to learn, and new people to learn from, so that you can prevent costly mistakes.
Look for people who work hard at working smart. These are the people who get more done in less time with fewer resources than others - you might wonder about them, "How do they get all that done?"
Work Smart, Not Hard
Working smart and not hard is a very useful skill to have. If you begin to do this your work will be so much better and easier. Here are a few steps you can take to start working from a smarter position. Read on.
Instructions
Look over everything that has to be completed before you start. For things like homework, classwork, a job, etc you should assess all the things that needs to be down.
Now make a thorough outline of all the things that you need to do. This will keep you on the right track for doing your work and not make your repeat any steps.
If you have to use materials for your work, make sure they are the best or close to it. Do not go for cheap items because you may have to repair it or get another one. You will not regret paying for good materials because they can help you get your work done faster.
Now that you have your plan laid out, make sure you stick to it unless it is absolutely needed to. If your plan is good you should stay with it but there are some issues or problems that may arise. You should think about these problems that come up and find a way to solve it.
If you are working with a team make sure everyone is up to date and know what they are doing. If you know your workers well you can make the fast workers do task that take long and skilled workers work on difficult jobs. This will make work much more efficient.
Make sure you present and finish the job very strong. You have worked hard for a long time and you may be tired and sleepy but you must keep that last impression strong. If it is a paper, make sure you revise and reread the paper so there are no mistakes.
How to Get Very Rich The Smart Way in Four Years
It is everyone's dream to get rich but it takes hard work. Most of these get rich quick models does not work. You have to work hard and smart for your money. If you are willing to do this, go on and read this article. This model I am going to present may work for you.
Instructions
The first step is to find a great idea. For me, a great idea is the one that can help you makes a lot of money. You do not have to invent anything. There are lots of existing ideas that can work for you if you have the brain to improve it and you have the skills to market it. You may ask me if these ideas are great, why they are not working so far. May be the problem is not in the ideas themselves but with those who have them. It takes a marketing genius to transfer an idea to a money machine. Find an idea and improve it and you are ready to go. Since this first step is the most important part of your project,I give you one year to do it. During that year, you find the idea, improve it and test it. You can also, during that year, educate yourself about business, marketing and sales.
In this step you will put your idea to work by starting your own business. For this step I give you two years to have a profitable business and at the same time you build a brand for yourself. The profit you will making during this step will not be enough to make you rich.You should make most of your fortune in the third step.
Once you build a successful business and a brand for your business, it is time to start franchising. Before you can do this, build a business model that is unique, patent everything and be aware of all the legal issues. You will be selling your business idea. There is no limit to how much you can make. It all depends on you and your idea. Good Luck
By A. Suzanne Wells, eHow Member
Work Smart Not Hard
User-Submitted Article
"Working smart not hard" means that your efforts should to go high-priority tasks that contribute to accomplishing your goals. If you run a home business, you may feel that you work all day but get very little accomplished. Learn how to work smart, not hard, to achieve your goals.
Instructions
You will still need to work hard. Working smart does not suggest that there is a back door to success. Working smart refers to planning, having efficient habits, and using your time and energy wisely.
Make lists. Every morning when you begin your day, make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish that day. After you make the list, rewrite it with the items in order of importance. Always make sure that your income producing activities are first.
Be flexible. Understand that the world constantly changes, and you must change with it. Your day may not go as planned. Be open to trying new things and new ways of doing things.
Look for shortcuts in everything you. Don't reinvent the wheel every time you do something. For example, if you are in a service business where customers email you a lot of questions, you will probably see the same questions over and over again. Start saving your replies in files on your computer. Organize the replies by categories such as lost shipments, unhappy customers, or product questions. After a while, you will have a response that you can use as the foundation for any email for any situation. You may have to change a few details to fit the specific situation, but the bulk of the letter will already be written.
Avoid over scheduling yourself. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in one workday. Work can go on forever. Sometimes you just have to cut off your work and stop for the day.
Evaluate your systems and make them more efficient. By this, I am not referring to your computer system, but the way you do things. For example, if you run a business where you have to make phone calls, plan your phone time for when your kids aren't home and you won't be interrupted. You can get the job done much faster with no interruptions or distractions. Try to do things in batches rather than one at a time. Whether it is paying bills, shipping orders, or answering emails, doing these tasks in batches is much more time efficient than scattering yourself all over the place doing them one at a time. If you have kids and work at home, work on your business while they are at school and you can concentrate, and save housework and cooking for when they are home.
Avoid multi-tasking. Multi-tasking isn't always a good idea. In fact, many experts suggest that you get less done when you multi-task because you are trying to do too many things done at once. Your brain is switching and forth between the tasks. Multi-tasking is not as productive as sticking with one task until it is completed.
Rely on spreadsheets to help you stay organized. You can put just about anything in a spreadsheet. For example, I have all of my eHow articles in a spreadsheet with a link to the article. If anyone asks me a question that I have written an article about, I can just send them the link. You can also organize all of your internet marketing sites on a spreadsheet. You will know what you posted where and when.
Listen to your mentors and ask questions. You can move higher on the learning curve faster if you learn from other people's mistakes instead of waiting to learn from your own. Read what experts in your field have to say - read blogs, books, and newspaper and magazine articles. Join groups and forums and talk to others in your field and ask questions. Be proactive about learning and look for new ways to learn, and new people to learn from, so that you can prevent costly mistakes.
Look for people who work hard at working smart. These are the people who get more done in less time with fewer resources than others - you might wonder about them, "How do they get all that done?"
Work Smart, Not Hard
Working smart and not hard is a very useful skill to have. If you begin to do this your work will be so much better and easier. Here are a few steps you can take to start working from a smarter position. Read on.
Instructions
Look over everything that has to be completed before you start. For things like homework, classwork, a job, etc you should assess all the things that needs to be down.
Now make a thorough outline of all the things that you need to do. This will keep you on the right track for doing your work and not make your repeat any steps.
If you have to use materials for your work, make sure they are the best or close to it. Do not go for cheap items because you may have to repair it or get another one. You will not regret paying for good materials because they can help you get your work done faster.
Now that you have your plan laid out, make sure you stick to it unless it is absolutely needed to. If your plan is good you should stay with it but there are some issues or problems that may arise. You should think about these problems that come up and find a way to solve it.
If you are working with a team make sure everyone is up to date and know what they are doing. If you know your workers well you can make the fast workers do task that take long and skilled workers work on difficult jobs. This will make work much more efficient.
Make sure you present and finish the job very strong. You have worked hard for a long time and you may be tired and sleepy but you must keep that last impression strong. If it is a paper, make sure you revise and reread the paper so there are no mistakes.
How to Get Very Rich The Smart Way in Four Years
It is everyone's dream to get rich but it takes hard work. Most of these get rich quick models does not work. You have to work hard and smart for your money. If you are willing to do this, go on and read this article. This model I am going to present may work for you.
Instructions
The first step is to find a great idea. For me, a great idea is the one that can help you makes a lot of money. You do not have to invent anything. There are lots of existing ideas that can work for you if you have the brain to improve it and you have the skills to market it. You may ask me if these ideas are great, why they are not working so far. May be the problem is not in the ideas themselves but with those who have them. It takes a marketing genius to transfer an idea to a money machine. Find an idea and improve it and you are ready to go. Since this first step is the most important part of your project,I give you one year to do it. During that year, you find the idea, improve it and test it. You can also, during that year, educate yourself about business, marketing and sales.
In this step you will put your idea to work by starting your own business. For this step I give you two years to have a profitable business and at the same time you build a brand for yourself. The profit you will making during this step will not be enough to make you rich.You should make most of your fortune in the third step.
Once you build a successful business and a brand for your business, it is time to start franchising. Before you can do this, build a business model that is unique, patent everything and be aware of all the legal issues. You will be selling your business idea. There is no limit to how much you can make. It all depends on you and your idea. Good Luck
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