Wednesday, 11 April 2007 | Levent OZLER
Intelligent Molecules: Orange Revolution Advances Through International Design
Friday 13th April looks set to be far from unlucky for six designers chosen as finalists in an international competition launched by d3o at the end of last year offering entrants the opportunity to explore new application ideas for this revolutionary material.
Developed and manufactured by UK based d3o Lab, d3o (dee-three-oh) has a unique composition containing "Intelligent Molecules" which flow with you as you move but upon shock lock together to absorb the impact energy. The ability of d3o to remain lightweight and flexible whilst still offering unrivalled impact protection under shock means that the potential applications of the technology are endless. Although currently predominant within the sports arena, d3o could be used in a multitude of situations. It was these possibilities that the competition focused on, giving designers from all around the world the opportunity to experiment seeking new, innovative and crazy ideas for it's use.
From all of the entries d3o received six finalists were chosen who's designs best represented revolution through innovative design whilst still providing true practical value, harnessing the potential of d3o. From these six designs the judges awarded final rankings and an overall winner.
Friday 13th April will see the finalists, d3o team members, industry professionals and press attending the "Revolution, not Evolution" awards ceremony in the trendy Tribeca area of downtown New York. The night is dedicated to the winners and their designs, recognising and embracing international innovations and focusing on the true value of design.
 First Place and Overall Winner: Gary Moore, USA
Title: Hydroshoe
A rivershoe developed especially for riverwalking providing a protective barrier against any rocks that fall on the feet or from bumps or knocks to the side of the foot. The design was so well thought out down to the smallest detail, with drainage holes and completely hydrophobic (non water absorbing) materials incorporated.
 First Place: Steve Derfiny, USA
Title: Multi-purpose wrap
A simple, yet highly effective design. The design comes in two forms, the first a roll and the second with sections allowing for fixing to elastic. There are endless possibilities for the use of this product, from sporting applications to protection within the house, such as the corners of tables, hard surfaces and so on...
 Second Prize: Carl Arnese, Denmark
Title: Flip Shoe
A shoe designed to work one way for watersports with suction cups on the sole, but flip it and you have a comfortable casual shoe. d3o is incorporated within the midsole for shock absorption and energy return whilst running; yet still giving you a feel for the ground.
 Second Place: Heidi Newell, USA
Title: Venturing a Design Dialectic for the Intrepid Among Us.
A flexible head and spine protector for ski mountaineers. The clothing not only protects against impact but has built in avalanche protection too. The futuristic design provides futuristic, stylish totally flexible protection, words you don't often see together in the same sentence!
For more information on the winning designs take a look at: http://www.d3o.com/competition_result.php
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