Introduction: Evaluation with emphasis placed on the appropriateness of materials

Hozumi: As far as the evaluation based on this year's theme of "beauty and the power to resonance" goes, we did not necessarily have something set beforehand, but started to have a unified vision of placing emphasis on the appropriateness of materials as we proceeded with the discussion. For example, instead of making plastic appearing like wood with a fake wood-grain finish, we valued products that are beautiful even if the material is plastic. This is not at all to disapprove of the use of fake materials, but to focus on the common consciousness of using the right material for the right product. There were 60 items that won the Good Design Award from this unit. Here we go over some of the award-winning works together with the judges' insights.

Smart Light [Casper Glow] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)

Terada: This is an American product that is not yet sold in Japan. At first glance, it seems like there isn't much that is new as an LED lighting system. However, the function that allows multiple units to be synced in the room updates the involvement with the space while upgrading the ambience. Instead of completing as a beautiful product by itself, it engages with the space as a whole. Also leading up to what I mentioned about using the right material, this product presents a wonderful example of enhancing the quality of space.

Kobayashi: It allows for adorable maneuverability, enabling on/off by turning the lights upside down and brightness control with a twist or a tap. It was well-received for its design that extends to the users' gentle handling.

Floor Console Air Conditioner [Panasonic CS-Z35UFEAW/409CY2 series] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)

Hozumi: This is a radiator type air-conditioner unit designed for replacing old heating systems in Europe. It looks like a simple box, but we can tell that the developers took the time and effort on market research to decide on its beautiful finish and appearance. Instead of using a resin molding compound to create a boxy unit, this product is made by combining panels like wooden furniture. The connecting space is fully utilized for air intake vents and flaps. With very little mechanical details, this product received high praises for not appearing too much like a machine or appliance.

Terada: I believe this year's theme of "the power to resonate" has to do with how well the unit blends in with the space. We had a rather heated discussion regarding how much a single product should assert itself or exert its presence. In that sense, this product shows great affinity with the space despite being entirely made of resin.

Roofing Tiles [GRAND NEXT SIMPLE] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)

Kobayashi: We have heard that this product is used in almost 30% of the newly constructed houses in Japan. If all of the new houses in the country adopted these simple roofing tiles, the roof design would look much more streamlined. We applauded the young designers' diligent efforts to take time to come up with a simple yet unmatched design unique to Japan that doesn't imitate that of traditional kawara tiles or European tiles. It is also worth mentioning that the tiles are functional with a waterproof surface.

Induction Hob [Rinnai RHKD321GM1T] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)

Hozumi: This is an IH induction heater with a highly streamlined interface. Instead of using round markings that are commonly seen in induction tops to show where to place the pots, it provides a guide with vertical lines running across. By itself, it almost looks like a black glass board. Categorized somewhere between home appliances and housing, this type of household fixture is in the process of being redefined in terms of its positioning. Until now, it has been handled as something closer to home appliances, adding on functions and explanations that would complete the product by itself. This product sets itself apart from others in the sense that, while fitting in as part of the structure, it declares itself as a cooktop with its praiseworthy way of being.

Wall Mounting Electricity storage system [POWER YIILE HEYA] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)

Hozumi: This emergency-use electricity storage system can be mounted on the wall of walk-in closets and ceilings in the entrance. It takes into account people's viewpoint and keeps the bottom part of the unit simple. The designers could have gone with the conventional look of a plastic box, but opted for a refined exterior after thoroughly taking into consideration how it would fit into an everyday scene. The vents are located in the space between the wall and the unit to let the heat escape from the top where it is less visible, making the unit appear almost like a building component.

Terada: Floor-standing air-conditioning units, stoves and electricity storage systems are all one component that makes up the home interior and are not something we look at by themselves. Therefore, I paid great attention to how they look as part of something bigger. I think it is important how the product relates itself with the space and whether it isn't visually distracting when the time comes to use it.

Apartment Intercom System [Apartment Home Automation System I Series Clouge]

Hozumi: This intercom is designed for the lobby and each unit in apartment buildings. Instead of having the residents respond directly, which could give away who is at home and who isn't to strangers, it uses an automated voice to promote crime prevention. The interface adopted in each apartment, which conventionally has appeared like a bulky white box, looks streamlinedperhaps taking some hints from a smartphoneso the large LC screen blends in with the wall. I feel like this system guides the way for the future of UI.

Package Drop Box [OKIPPA]

Kobayashi: This bag for home delivery is equipped with a security function. Performing like a simplified version of a delivery locker, it links with an app to offer a way to eliminate the need for re-delivery even where there is nowhere to safely store the delivery items. It was debatable where this bag/app system belongs to the category of housing fixtures. However, we decided to evaluate it in this unit since it replaces a delivery box. In the future, the bag itself could be designed by different delivery companies. The clear-cut system and product make it quite favorable.

Garden faucet [Garden faucet "Water Works"]

Terada: We have discussed so far about how important it is for a product to blend into space. This garden faucet is very unique in that context. There are a few products that offer a similar function but this one in particular is quite charming with so much character that makes you do a double take. I know I am contradicting myself by saying this. The usage is very obvious and the adorable appearance urges you to turn the faucet on even if you don't need to.

Hozumi: A product like this tends to remain looking pretty much the same because that's just the way it is. The company's stance toward product development to do something different is quite commendable.

Summary: Materials and products that move toward the ideal space and living environment

Hozumi: In this meeting, we talked a lot about blending in. An example would be when you drop a black dot in a blue sky. From the perspective of spatial design, you blend the area around the dot to make it fit in. On the other hand, architectural design takes a product-oriented approach; If the fixture doesn't blend in, you change the way it looks according to its surroundings. First, there is the space and living environment that you try to achieve, and then you develop a material or product to realize it. I think it is best to have this kind of perspective in product development.

Terada: Although not mandatory, interactive hearing is valuable, especially the time is used wisely. It is hard to grasp the key points of a product if you are just going over what is already in the paperwork. In extreme cases, we could listen to what the applicants have to say and decide to bring down the evaluation. We hear the same thing from judges from other units. Sometimes we are told how the product had improved in comparison with the company's previous model, which is not very helpful for us in making fair judgments as small updates are hard to make objective comments. I think highlighting the focal points makes it easier for us to evaluate a product.

Kobayashi: As seen in the diagnostic kit for tuberculosis, which won the Good Design Grand Award, the motivation behind the product is extremely important. It may be difficult to convert the feeling into an object depending on the product, but it is not impossible for businesspeople as long as there is passion. I was inspired by the young designers' aspiration through this year's screening. I hope to continue to see the power of design solving a variety of issues.