Product Development Technologies (PDT) has been honored with two 2008 GOOD DESIGN Awards. Both the Fellowes Galaxy Comb Binding Machine and the Medela 2008 Core Line Breastpump Bags have been recognized as being two of the worlds most innovative and cutting-edge product designs produced in 2008.
The Fellowes Galaxy-E, which won a 2008 GOOD DESIGN Award in the office products category, is a powered, high end office comb binder. It continues the Fellowes design signature established by PDT in the original 'Star' and 'Pulsar' platforms and synergies with other products in the new Fellowes range. The Galaxy incorporates many innovative and unique features geared to improve ergonomics, efficiency, portability, flexibility and storability, all vital for use in an office environment where desk space is often at a premium. One of the key features of the Galaxy design is the removable binding mechanism known as the 'Satellite System' which allows two people to work simultaneously with the machine to enhance workflow and productivity in times of heavy use. All areas for human interaction, such as handles, controls and pull-out trays, are clearly defined and easily accessible to the operator. The Galaxy styling is a unique proposition aesthetically for products of this type. The high quality surface finishes and overall styling challenges peoples' expectations of what such an office machine should look like. It provides a unique and fresh approach to office equipment design.
Medela's Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump core line bags, the winner of a 2008 GOOD DESIGN Award in the personal product category, feature a fresh new design, creating a more harmonious and branded look. With a focus on functionality, construction method, usability and branding, the team created a family of designs for the Core Line Bags that included a shoulder bag, backpack and tote. PDT helped Medela define a family look that would then be applied to various other bags including the CityStyleTM Breastpump Bag for the European market. Medela now has a fresh new line of bags and a design guideline with details down to zipper pulls, branding and colors to help in maintaining the design brand value.
Now in its 59th year, GOOD DESIGN is the oldest and the most prestigious Awards Program organized worldwide. Mark Schwartz, CEO of PDT, commented, "We are very pleased to add two new GOOD DESIGN awards to our archive. Our team strives to exceed client expectations through meaningful designs and it's great to be recognized in reputable design competitions along the way." A record number of submissions were sent for 2008 by thousands of design firms and corporations from 48 nations. For 2008, The GOOD DESIGN Awards were judged in New York and Los Angeles in November by an international jury of design professionals, architects, experts, and cultural leaders. All products and graphics will be exhibited at The Chicago Athenaeum in the GOOD DESIGN Show for 2009 in Chicago in June, 2009.
"This year's GOOD DESIGN Awards program bestowed the coveted GOOD DESIGN Award to the most important and influential industrial and graphic designers in the world," states Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine, Museum President, The Chicago Athenaeum. "For the public, it's THE seal of approval," he adds.
"Despite the global economic slowdown," states Kieran Conlon, Director/COO, The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, "more and more world manufacturers and their designers are realizing that design provides a pivotal edge in keeping global products competitive; and combined with sustainability, social and ecological responsibility, and Green Design, this year's GOOD DESIGN program demonstrates how smart companies and smart designers will design their way out of recession."