Congratulations to Nick Hayes, Grand Prize Winner of the Core77 x Braun Design in the Wild Photo Challenge. Our judges chose his photograph, "I Put a Record On," as the winning entry to receive a grand prize package from Braun of an industry leading notebook computer and tablet!
"I Put a Record On" was selected as the winner for not only the quality of the products shown, but also because the photo illustrates a specific and familiar moment that's still utterly relatable. The image is highly evocative and brings several products together into a single instance in time while still being dynamic. "I'm in this moment," summarized judge Duy Phong Vu, Braun Section Head / Manager Product Design & Corporate Identity. "As the author points out, we have much more convenient ways to listen to music these days. So the act of putting a needle to vinyl is much more ritualistic than it used to be," explained judge and Core77 COO and partner Stuart Constantine. "This photograph conjures up the feelings and emotions that come with the ritual act, and therefore becomes a very powerful image referencing many products, systems, behavior, and environments."
The Runner-Up Winner is Jennifer DiMase for "2,000 filaments". The most popular image with 535 votes at judging, 2,000 filaments was described by the judges as an image of "simplicity and power." It's a beautifully composed, "instantly recognizable" product shot that gives the viewer an uncommon look at an everyday object from their childhood. The photograph of a koosh ball earned DiMase an industry-leading tablet.
Overall the judges, Phong & Stuart, found this competition complex to judge for a number of reasons. Most obviously, the different categories ended up yielding different types of photos. EAT and PLAY submissions were generally more product focused, while WORK and RELAX contained a lot more system and environmental designs. Entries tended to be either direct and object based, or less obvious but with compelling stories that pulled one in. Finally it was decided that the photo needed to speak first, and then the rest of the criteria were assessed. Looking back at the photo challenge's overall entries, here were some of our judge's most memorable notables:
EAT - Spaghetti Measure
This is a beautifully composed image, and the product is also a carefully designed, minimalist object.
EAT - Street (Food) Art
I like this one because it is the actual food itself that becomes the product, the artwork.
WORK - Swingline 747
This is one of my personal favorite products—I have the same one on my desk. It is built like a battleship and will last for hundreds of years. I love that something so utilitarian is designed and built this well.
PLAY - Dual Shift Control Lever
I like the sculptural qualities of this object and the image. In addition, the product is a technological and engineering achievement on the highest level.
RELAX - Chair with extra space
This is a beautifully designed piece of furniture. The wide arm rests are intended for the exact purpose mentioned by the author, adding a bit of functionality that turns this from a simple piece of furniture into a part of a behavior, part of a mindset.
Design in the Wild is presented with the support of BraunPrize 2012. Established in 1968, the international BraunPrize competition is a triennial design competition aimed at promoting the work of young designers, highlighting the importance of industrial design and increasing the profile of innovative product ideas globally. This year's theme, "Genius design for a better everyday," emphasizes the importance of well-designed products that enhance the everyday lives of consumers around the world.
Visit the BraunPrize 2012.
Comments
Congrats to the winners and also to all the participants.