From the Training Camp: The Story Behind the Fight It all started in the bleak February months of 1999. As the 1900's began to wane, Core Junior was getting frustrated. Core-readers wanted to know about design competitions, but so many were so unattainable. Rules, regulations, production requirements, fees! Most of the Core-heads were students or young designers still looking for recognition and money, so how could they compete? Inspired by the traditions of the fighting world, where any talented punk can enter the ring to get a bloody bashing or even win the title belt, Junior created the Heavyweight Design Competition. Opening it up to designers around the world, Core formed an independent outlet for the recognition of new creative talent. By subsidizing the fee, hundreds of designers and design students were encouraged to submit their conceptual product designs for critique. The turnout was exceptional. So, in the spring of '99, a panel of independent and accomplished product designers was assembled to judge the designs. After weeding out the field of product ideas, they called their picks and decided. The Champion of this inaugural bout was Nagraj Seshadri for the "Digital Sound Factory for Kids," a set of toys to teach children about the properties of sound. Runner-ups included a wide range, from a camping stove that cooks underwater to a mirror that records images. This year, as the second millennium neared its indisputable expiration date, Core announced its second annual competition at the beginning of November. Again using an open call for conceptual product designs, Core ensured fierce competition among its international audience of students, corporate and independent designers. Hundreds of hopefuls heeded this call and came through with truly innovative concepts for high tech products. This year's judiciary emphasized the diversity of their backgrounds: Gareth Branwyn: multi-published author and editor of magazines, books and websites; Ayse Birsel: founder of the design company Olive 1:1, Inc. in New York City and designer of Resolve, Herman Miller's innovative new office furniture; Alberto Gaitán: programmer and composer of interactive art installations, music programs, and computer applications; and Nzomo: musician, fashion and game designer, and director of MissNewYorkCity.com. The tribunal used the same evaluating criteria as set in '99. First, entries had to pass conceptual muster: that is, did they convey an abstract idea that explores the potential of design and technology? Qualified entries were then rated in three ways: - how well the designer defined a problem and solved it - how creative the idea is - how thoroughly the concept was analyzed and developed. The judges fought long and hard to evaluate the piles of entries, sent in from all over the world. At the sound of the first bell, Project SSV came out swinging a hard left hook. Seemingly unstoppable, this hybrid personal watercraft was kicking some serious ass, leaving the limp files of vacuum cleaners and pornographic skateboards it its wake. Then out of nowhere, came Piercing Eyewhere, with an electrifying jab. Feinting to the left, the right, jab, jab, following with a right to the jaw, SSV was up against the ropes. Saved by the bell, with the second round soon to come, a true fight was underway! By the fifteenth round it was apparent: the heaviest hitting concepts seemed to deal with fashion, recreation, energy regeneration, and/or instructional designs. Finally, the judges were able to tally their hit count, make a list of final contenders, and the last round began. Without too much bloodshed, but with much discussion, a consensus emerged. The new Heavyweight Champion of the world: Christian Makela, a designer working independently in Helsinki, Finland, for "Bulk," fashion design using sensually augmented reality. We shall see how the Champ holds his title (awarded by this college of judges) after the popular vote for the people's choice award is tallied . . . want to know more? read the press release! check the judges bios! (click here for 1999 competition) live judging action the three fates party time on display