I had the immense honor of once again serving on the jury for the DesignEuropa Awards, which this year surprised us with some fantastic new developments and incredible projects. This prestigious event continues to attract the best designers from across Europe, and it's heartening to see how the awareness of intellectual property protection is growing, along with the thriving innovation in Europe.

This year, we received a record number of entries. Among the finalists were representatives from Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Romania, and Sweden, covering a wide range of sectors including healthcare, audio devices, home appliances, energy storage, and housing and architecture. All the finalists demonstrated that it's possible to combine excellent design with environmental sustainability and responsibility.

One of the most exciting new additions this year was the Next Generation Design Award, aimed at recognizing young designers up to the age of 29. This is a fantastic initiative that aims to support and promote young talent in the world of design. Seeing the work of these young finalists, I can confidently say that the future of industrial design is in very good hands. From a designer's perspective, it’s clear that, at the end of the day, we are essentially marketers of our intellectual creations and talents. It’s crucial for young designers to understand this early in their careers and know that they can always count on the EUIPO for support in this regard.

Our deliberations were intense, with passionate discussions about our likes and dislikes. As with any jury process, we had different perspectives, which is why these juries consist of at least a dozen members to ensure a well-rounded view. It’s a bit like the old parable of the blind men and the elephant. This story tells of a group of blind men who each touch different parts of an elephant and describe it differently depending on the part they touch. One, touching the elephant's side, says it’s like a wall. Another, feeling the trunk, says it’s like a snake. A third, holding the ear, compares it to a fan for fanning. Each has a different perspective, but together they create a fuller picture of reality. Jury deliberations are very similar!

In the Entrepreneurs and Small Companies category, our finalists are:

ModuleOne (Belgium): A smart home battery system that improves accessibility and sustainable energy development. Company: MyGrid, Designer: Jan Wellens.

Piil (Estonia): A prefabricated, modular retreat combining functionality with environmental sustainability. Company: Arsenit, Designer: Arseni Timofejev.

Transparent Turntable (Sweden): A modern reinterpretation of the classic vinyl record player, focusing on repairability and sustainable design. Company: Transparent, Designer: Per Brickstad.

In the Industry category, our finalists are:

Beolab 8 (Denmark): A modular speaker offering high-fidelity sound, durability, and versatility in placement. Company: Bang & Olufsen, Designers: NOTO design team.

Empyrean II (Romania): Headphones that blend exceptional sound quality with ergonomic design. Company: Meze Audio, Designer: Antonio Meze.

Essenza 300 LT (Czechia): A hospital bed with technology for improved safety and operational ease, enhancing patient care and caregiver efficiency. Company: LINET, Designers: LINET design team in cooperation with an external design studio.

Additionally, a highlight of this year’s ceremony will be the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dieter Rams. In a previous post, I wrote more about this, but to recap: Rams, known for over 200 iconic projects for Braun and Vitsœ, is a true legend in industrial design. His philosophy of "less but better" and his ten principles of good design have forever changed how we perceive everyday products. It is a great honor to recognize such an influential figure who has shaped generations of designers, including myself.

Last year, Maria Benktzon became the first woman to receive this prestigious award. One of her most recognized projects is the drip-free coffee pot designed for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). As the jury, we appreciated her work for “an exceptional and well-recognized ability to design inclusive, ergonomic, easy-to-use products with strong aesthetic quality.”

Maria Benktzon, a pioneer in the field of design, is known for creating products that not only meet high standards of functionality but also of aesthetics. Her approach to design has always placed the user first, which is incredibly inspiring to me as a designer and also shares a common thread with Rams’ approach to design.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Riga on September 25th. I am thrilled to be part of this amazing event and can’t wait for the journey to Latvia. 

For more information, check out the EUIPO site.