Duabi, UAE - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has picked up six prestigious red dot awards for 2009, including two 'best of the best' distinctions for the SpeedXL2 Shaver and the Kitten Scanner. Two additional awards were received for products Philips Design co-designed together with another agency.
Best of the best; SpeedXL2 Shaver
Tested on users throughout the creation process, the Speed XL2 Shaver was designed to guarantee the best results, as quickly as possible, with no irritation. The three shaving tracks offer 50% more shaving surface than single track heads, while the Lift & Cut system comfortably removes even the shortest stubble. The whole shaving unit pivots around a central axis, constantly keeping the shaving heads in close contact with the skin. Rubberized, diamond-textured side grips ensure a firm hold during use. And the chamber for collecting hair has a silver-ion-based antibacterial coating to prevent irritation and also contains non-stick silicon, so it can be rinsed clean in seconds. The look and feel has received special attention - tight lines and a brushed-metal finish create a professional, solid impression.
Best of the best; Kitten scanner
Having a CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) exam in hospital can be a daunting experience for a child. With this in mind, Philips developed the kitten scanner, a miniature (non-working) model of a CAT scanner that allows children to get used to the idea of being examined and learn about the process. They can put a special toy 'patient' into the Kitten Scanner which contains RFID tags that trigger an animation resembling a real scan. In this way the children think they are seeing inside the toys. Evaluations have shown that the Kitten Scanner helped contribute to lower sedation rates and radiation doses for children, plus increased patient throughput.
Four product design awards
Philips also received design awards for the BrightView SPECT, CX50 Ultrasound System, Xper Patient Table and Wake-Up Light. The first three are all in the healthcare domain. The BrightView SPECT is a variable-angle camera for nuclear medicine that assists in the early detection of many diseases. The CX50 is a portable, handheld ultrasound system that allows high-quality imaging virtually regardless of location; ideal for immobile patients or remote areas. And the Xper Patient Table for cardiovascular x-ray systems combines maximum patient comfort with optimum positioning so the imaging process runs more smoothly. The fourth award winner, the Wake-Up Light, is aimed at the consumer space. It was designed to offer a more pleasant and natural way of waking up by gradually becoming brighter to simulate the sunrise. A choice of sounds (including many derived from nature) is available as accompaniment.
Recognition for codesign
In addition to the six products mentioned above, two additional awards were given for products Philips Design co-designed with another agency. The Q-CPR meter - the result of collaboration with Laerdal - displays visual feedback during defibrillation, directly where the caregiver is focused; on the patient's chest. And the Pixium Portable 3543, the world's first wireless digital radiographic imaging solution, brings a whole new degree of wireless convenience and freedom to healthcare professionals.
One of the world's largest design competitions
The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen (Essen, Germany) has been marking outstanding international product design since 1955 with its famous dot. With over 3200 entries from 49 countries, the Red Dot design award ranks among the largest design competitions in the world. Manufacturers and designers of a wide variety of industrial products can enter their work in eleven product groups for this coveted accolade. The award ceremony will be held in Essen, Germany, on June 29th 2009.
Strict assessment criteria
The submitted products are evaluated according to a number of strict criteria, including degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, self-explanatory quality, formal quality, symbolic and emotional content, ecological compatibility and durability. These criteria are constantly adapted to reflect the latest technical, manufacturing, societal, industrial and ecological developments.
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About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
For further information on the red dot awards, go to www.red-dot.de. Further information on Philips Design is available at: www.design.philips.com
Natali Fahmi
Corporate Communications
Philips Middle East & Africa
Tel: +9714 3095155
Email: natali.fahmi@philips.com
© Press Release 2009
