Heimspiel: Gold, Design Explorations

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

Credit: IDEO, Germany

Using free conceptual thinking, the designers were able to embed technology into the fabric of everyday life. Ideas such as bringing a light element to a door edge that allows the light to spill into the room as the door rotates and a radiator control knob that begins to illuminate in response to the radiator's warmth make technology more accessible and less intrusive.

• The user experience, not the product, is the focus of the design.
• Each concept has a simple and pure appearance.

"Industrial design can create new markets. For this to really happen, conceptual thinking researching culture, ways of doing and making sense of the world is crucial. The Heimspiel project is an ideal example of sensible, useful, whimsical and viable exploration. That's what got it its gold." - Poonam Bir Kasturi, I/IDSA, Design Consultant