Industrial Design Excellence Awards 2008

From high tech to low tech
Philips Design's research-based and people-focused approach designs award-winning solutions for all areas of society.

The Silver award winning Moisturizing Shaving System is the result of an intensive multi-disciplinary design strategy combining increased control for the user and flexibility of the shaving heads. The high-tech electric shaver has an integrated NIVEA for MEN conditioner dispensing system. The shaving conditioner is dispensed from the individually moving shaving heads that automatically track the curves of the face and contain unique glide rings to ensure an altogether enhanced shaving experience.

A bronze was awarded to the Chulha, a low tech, low smoke biomass stove that is  part of an initiative from Philips Design’s ongoing Philanthropy by Design program which promotes social empowerment through knowledge sharing, creativity and co-design. Based on deep and specific insights gathered from and tested by users, the Chulha was co-developed by designers, an NGO and users in India. Its innovative design significantly reduces indoor pollution. This is particularly significant as respiratory illness affects the health of the huge number of people living in developing societies who still cook indoors with biomass fuels (e.g. wood or dung). It is estimated that over 1.6 million people die as a result each year.