The Observeur du Design starts this new year, as every year, with the presentation at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris of the 29 products that stand out getting L’Etoile de l’Observeur du Design.
This international competition organized by theAssociation pour la Promotion de la Création Industrielle(APCI) aims not only at enhancing the design as a competitive advantage in industrial production, but also at raising the consumers awareness of their right to design no matter what socio-professional category, culture or purchasing power, as well as at helping the development and promotion of French design abroad.
Last year the Novoceram Indoor floating laying system received the Etoile de l’Observeur du Design12, whereas in 2010, the parquet and ceramic Origin Métamorphose and the collection TrèsJouy obtained the label.
This year’s show has been given the title “Design, où es-tu?” (Design, where are you?) in order to emphasize the fact that design surrounds us wherever we are, often without us even realizing it. The exhibition has been fitted by APCI as a path that explores the design in five areas each one representing a field of design intervention in businesses, communities as well as among consumers. As a result, here are five places where design lurks:
reflection and anticipation
materials and production
uses and services
shapes and colours
identities and values
For the first time the APCI launches an interactive application on the iPhone to discover all 170 products that have gained the label.
I shall point out, among others, an unusual house on water, Kevell, a 2 seconds self-assembling XXL tent, and legs protections for scooters and motorcycles for riders and passengers. And concerning kids: a smart weighing machine for babies, chocolate animals to help giving medicines to children and a leak-preventer swimsuit.
