The Y-Series has received a prestigious Focus Gold from the Design Centre Stuttgart’s 24th Focus Open awards. With seventeen categories ranging from public transport to home interiors, and communication equipment, the international competition attracted entries from across Asia, USA and Europe. A distinguished six member jury, representing various sectors, examined two hundred products and concept solutions, before bestowing Gold, Silver and Special Mention awards on the year’s successful applicants.
Focus Open distinguishes itself by its non-commercial orientation and accessibility. Almost all products are physically assessed, and all are evaluated according to some key principles, including: functionality, innovativeness, ergonomics, product typography, sustainability, perceived value, emotionality, and brand fit.
Of the sixty four prize winners, only ten received Focus Gold, the competition’s premium accolade. On bestowing the most prestigious award on the Y-Series, the jury noted: “The design of the loudspeaker cabinets is very technically motivated and reduced to a minimum. However, details such as the ergonomic handles, or obviously positional cable ports, point to a consistent and well thought through design concept. Although extremely robust, there is nothing clumsy about the loudspeakers’ appearance. The way the logo is subtly integrated with the perforated metal front is an attractive touch.”
Fritz Wurster of the d&b R+D team explains the significance of the Design Centre’s award: "In the event industry, the audible quality counts first of all. Here, the focus is on the overall quality – well-designed functionality and useful features. In other words, design and technical integrity.”
A special exhibition showcasing the winning products is currently on at the MIK Museum in Ludwigsburg, near Stuttgart.