Client: CDI Torque Products

CDI designed a better torque wrench by eliminating the chrome plating, lightening the weight, softening the edges and bringing the price point down. Using an internal steel skeleton for strength and cost savings, the Dial Torque Wrench is surrounded by a polycarbonate shell with a soft-feel grip. The instrument has armor around the drive and dial for durability and color breakup. The wrench is more accurate than its predecessor and the ergonomic grip makes it easier to use and improves safety.

Designers: Crown Equipment Corp., Design Central and Ergonomic Systems Design, Inc.

An operator-forward design distinguishes this sit-down counterbalanced lift truck found in warehouses and docks around the world. The updated design improves ergonomics for the user, creates a distinctive style and simplifies serviceability, not to mention distinguishing it from the pack. Round tubing replaces bulky pillars to give the operator better access and visibility. The elegant design solution not only meets cost targets, but also inspires users.

Designers: Apple Computer Inc.

The largest LCD display available, Apple's 22-inch diagonal screen continues the company tradition of thinking different. The Cinema Display's thick, clear polycarbonate not only creates a contrast to brightly colored consumer products to position it as a high-end product, but also exploits the naturally beautiful optical properties of the material. Viewing quality is twice as bright and sharp as a CRT with room enough to view an entire 11x17 image.

Designers: Fitch and Virtual Ink

Client: Virtual Ink

Billed as the world's first digital meeting assistant, the Mimio is a portable pen tracking system for use with standard whiteboards. The unique combination of software and hardware captures text and sketches in color and real time for immediate PC download and printing, e-mail or export. Its patent-pending Stylus Tracking Technology combines infrared and ultrasound to provide a less expensive and easier-to-use device for knowledge management.

A solid metallic look, unbreakable, easy-to-read vials, smooth flush side and rugged rubber end caps did just what the client wanted: captured a larger share of the high-end level market. Snapped in components reduced production costs and sped up assembly.

Contact: Gary Van Deursen, IDSA,
The Stanley Works,
860.827.5240;
gvandeursen@stanleyworks.com

Designers: The Stanley Works

Client: MAN Roland, Germany

Silent, clean and economical, laser printing technology is a significant industry breakthrough and the design of this laser press establishes a new paradigm for the technology. Dicoweb's architecture is expressive of a digital sequential process that requires little operator control.

Contact: George Teodorescu,
I/IDSA, Tesign,
+49 2246 9489 15;
teodorescu@tedesign.de

Designers: Tesign, Germany

Client: M/D Totco

M/D Totco was the leading manufacturer of offshore drilling rigs but not necessarily of the workstations on the rigs. This new ergonomic workstation earned them industry leadership with its aesthetic and physical improvements.

Contact: Chris Cavello, IDSA,
Design Edge,
512.477.5491;
cavello@designedge.com

Designers: Design Edge

Client: Cadant, Inc.

Even the most well engineered technical product can benefit from design and Cadant realized this when it called Ignite Design to energize the form and presence of its cable modem termination system. The new design captured twice the orders expected at the Western Cable Show.

Contact: Brian Furlong,
Ignite Design,
312.432.6223 ext. 141;
bfurlong@ignitedesign.com

Designers:Ignite Design

Client: Gruppo Manfrotto, Italy

The fluid head is the universal link between the tripod and the camera and permits seamless movement by tilting forward and backward and by panning left and right. This new fluid head for digital video cameras corrects ergonomic problems with existing fluid heads by locating both knobs on one side and keeping the design as simple as possible.

Contact: Rufus Albermarle,
IDSA, Rufus Albermarle, Ltd.,
212.271.3481;
rufus@rufusdesign.com

Client: Ohio Steel

Sears needed a cart to keep up with the competition. Since a significant portion of Sears customers are women with children, the new vehicle was designed to double as a cart and stroller with a stackable shape that provides a good view of the store and of a seated child.

Contact: Paul P. Kolada, IDSA,
Priority Designs, Inc.,
614.337.9979;
etaylor@prioritydesigns.com

Designers: Priority Designs, Inc.