Three Product Design Winners from the 2024 iF DESIGN AWARD
A piano, a walker and a staircase each reimagined for today’s world
CH STUDIO– 19 JUNE 2024
The 2024 iF DESIGN AWARD spotlights exceptional innovation and creativity in a range of disciplines spanning product design, architecture, communication design, UI/UX and more. Over 11,000 designs were submitted, fewer than 4,000 won and only 75 received the top Gold prize. These winners from the product design realm stood out for us. The Ravenchord Piano by Whipsaw from San Francisco stands out with its futuristic form and advanced acoustic technology, projecting sound directly toward the audience. The Camino Smart Walker by Ritual from Los Angeles revolutionizes mobility aids with smart features like Auto-Boost and Auto-Brake, enhancing user safety and independence. Lastly, Bcompact Hybrid Stairs from Peyton, CO, transform everyday living with their space-saving, foldable design, blending functionality with modern aesthetics. Each of these designs showcases the pinnacle of contemporary ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Ravenchord Piano by Whipsaw from San Francisco, CA
The Ravenchord Piano, designed by Whipsaw, redefines the traditional piano with a sleek, modern and innovative design. The body of the piano features a seamless, flowing line that curves sharply on one side as it drops to the base, then slowly lifts to the other end of the wide, flat top. This form, akin to a paisley, gives it a futuristic and elegant appearance. Unlike any other piano that uses the lid or a wall to reflect sound, Ravenchord is designed to project music directly out the front towards the audience while the pianist faces the audience head-on. Even with a modern design the Ravenchord Piano promises a rich, full-bodied sound through state-of-the-art acoustic technology, ensuring both professional performance quality and casual playing enjoyment.
Conceived by Whipsaw’s Founder and CEO, Dan Harden, the piano’s exterior combines a striking black finish with polished metal accents, creating a visually stunning contrast that enhances its modern look. By blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern perspective, the Ravenchord challenges conventional perceptions of what a piano can be. Its minimalist aesthetic, advanced features and sustainable design make it a standout piece in contemporary design, appealing to professional musicians, design enthusiasts and digital composers alike. This piano is more than an instrument; it’s a statement piece that reflects the future of musical design and technology.
Camino Smart Walker by Ritual from Los Angeles, CA
The Camino Smart Walker, designed by Ritual, is a revolutionary mobility aid designed to enhance the independence and safety of individuals with mobility challenges. Crafted from lightweight yet durable materials the walker’s form is familiar, yet clearly updated, given its clean lines and ergonomic contours. The walker features an intuitive handlebar control system that adjusts to the user’s natural movements and its foldability allows for easy storage and transport, making it an ideal companion for both urban and suburban environments.
Innovatively, the Camino Smart Walker incorporates a range of smart features that set it apart from traditional walkers. Auto-Boost adds a small amount of power to its wheels to ease uphill walks and Auto-Brake ensures downhill safety. Cameras on the walker monitor and analyze gait to identify when power assists and brakes are needed and also to track walking patterns. Lights on the front automatically turn on in low light. By blending cutting-edge technology with elegant design, the Camino Smart Walker redefines mobility aids, prioritizing user autonomy, safety and a sophisticated user experience.
Bcompact Hybrid Stairs from Peyton, CO
The compact folding staircase from Bcompact exemplifies ingenuity in space-saving design. Crafted to blend seamlessly with modern interiors, it folds neatly against the wall, transforming a functional element into an intriguing piece of art. The mechanism, which allows for easy folding and unfolding, is a testament to precision engineering, ensuring both safety and durability. Available in a variety of finishes, the staircase can be customized to complement different decor styles, enhancing its versatility.
What sets the Bcompact’s folding staircase apart is its innovative approach to everyday living. By reimagining the traditional staircase, it addresses the growing need for efficient use of space in urban environments. The staircase’s compact form when folded minimizes its footprint, allowing for more flexible use of living areas. This design not only maximizes functionality but also adds a dynamic element to interior design, as the staircase can transition from a practical structure to an eye-catching feature. Bcompact’s solution exemplifies how thoughtful design can enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a home, making it a pioneering example of modern architectural innovation.
Learn more and enter the 2025 iF DESIGN AWARD here. You can secure Early Bird pricing of €250 per entry until 28 June 2024. Subsequent entries will be accepted until early November 2024 at a higher rate.
iF Design is an active member of the international design community committed to excellence, objectivity, transparency and impact since 1953. Owned by the iF Design Foundation, a German non-profit organization, the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards.
Source: https://coolhunting.com/design/three-product-design-winners-from-the-2024-if-design-award/
