Client: AG Industries

Paper airplanes weren't going anywhere and this veteran manufacturer needed to launch a new product that fit its capabilities. This line of do-it-yourself paper cars with a high-gloss realistic finish gives children a sense of ownership and achievement and the junkyard theme reinforces the concept that found items can have a useful second life.

Contact: Joe Warren,
Bolder Designs, Inc.,
206.463.3664;
bolder@wolfenet.com

Designers: Bolder Designs, Inc.

It took a coordinated effort between industrial designers and engineers to solve several technical issues leading to the development of the first portable planer with a 13" wide cutting capacity. Moving the carriage height adjustment wheel from the top to the side did two things. It enabled the user to pass the board over the top so that it could be inserted again if necessary and it gave this planer a distinctive look.

Contact: Doulgas Miner, IDSA,
Emerson Tool Company,
314.553.5232;
doug.miner@emersontool.com

Client: The Grippster Company

This device is so simple it begs the age-old question, "Why didn't someone think of this before?" The injection-molded PVC rubber gripper keeps extension ladders from slipping and skidding when they are resting against curved surfaces of any kind. The design achieves simplicity, versatility and durability.

Contact: Rajan Sedalia, IDSA,
artjar,
713.213.8006;
artjar@msn.com

Designers: artjar

Runners want to know two things - how far and how fast - and this sport watch from Nike delivers on both counts. A separate speed sensor attaches to shoelaces with a secure clip and elastic strap and transmits data to the watch. This lightweight, durable device is designed to convey speed, accuracy and security through its soft form and its stretched elastic retention system. An angled dot-matrix display can be read while on the move and a stainless steel bezel provides additional protection to the crystal while also functioning as the antenna.

Even real mountain bikers would use this light-looking, effective mudguard that easily attaches to 95% of bikes made while enhancing the aerodynamic look of the bike. The Rockrider, which attaches to the brakeplots, avoids the problems of other mudguards that are awkwardly fixed on the seatpost.

Contact: Vincent Leenhardt,
Decathlon Design,
+33 3 20 33 75 09;
vincent.leenhard@decathlon.fr

Designers: Decathlon Design, France

Look ma no hands! Those who use exercise bikes are not necessarily cyclists, yet stationery bikes have continued to mimic the mobile model. By removing the handlebars and shifting the support to the back, this bike better suits the needs of its users who are often overweight. Removing the front cut production costs by half and slashed the price to $140. While the rest of the fitness product market grew at a 2% rate, this bike rolled to a 55% increase in sales in the year after it was introduced.

Client: Polaroid Corp.

Polaroids have always been a hit at slumber parties and now the phenomenal success of this slim updated instant camera proves they are still party animals. Holdable and hip, this camera breaks boundaries in photographic technologies to deliver a mini-scale image with a sticky back that becomes an instant stick anywhere image. Its manual operation is simple and fool-proof yet allows young users to play with three light control settings.

Contact: Scott Underwood, IDEO,
650.289.3409;
scott@ideo.com

Client: World Kitchen, Inc.

Client: OXO International

OXO decided there was room in the non-stick market for a higher quality utensil that is meant to be displayed. The company added its signature rubber good-grip design but addressed other issues observed during research. The OXO tools are a half-inch longer to put more distance between the user and the hot pan. More nylon was added to prevent warping when left in a boiling pot.

Contact: Penni Bonaldi,
Smart Design LLC,
212.243.8514;
penni@smartnyc.com

Designers: Smart Design LLC

Client: MetroKane

The rabbit wins again with this new version of the lever-pull corkscrew invented in 1983 by a Texan with many oil-drill patents. The original sold for $150 but the redesigned model retails for $80 and boasts ergonomically sculpted lines that create the "bunny" profile. Grip pads were installed on the top and bottom of the top handle to improve leverage and a rubberized texture was added to all surfaces. Working parts were designed for fast assembly on a mass production line to meet the $80 target price.