IDC Scoops iDEA Innovation Awards

Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC), based in Datchet, had cause for celebration this week after scooping several much sought-after design innovation awards. Judges chose IDC over other major players in the iDEA (Innovation & Design Excellence Awards) for ‘Product Design Innovation’ and ‘Design Collaboration’, as well as awarding highly commended in the ‘Best Design Consultancy’ category.

IDC’s managing director, Stephen Knowles, was delighted with the news, “These awards recognise some of the ground breaking products that IDC has designed over the year and the work that has gone in to make the ideas become a reality.”

Many such products mean potentially big changes for the better in their specific market. Examples include: insulin pens for diabetes sufferers; an inflatable solar panel for domestic hot water; a water saving high-pressure shower head; and an industrial robot, to name just a few. Significantly, IDC was also praised for its sustainable design approach, designing products with more consideration for the environment during the manufacturing process and use by consumers saving both energy and money.

The iDEAs are organised by Cranfield School of Management, and the industry magazines Eureka and New Electronics. Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise and reward the key role played by mechanical and electronic design engineers in the creation of new and successful products. “We look for factors that set companies apart, such as expertise in a particular branch of technology, a willingness to take calculated risks and proof of products that are successful in the market,” said Lou Reade, editor of Eureka and an Awards judge.

The awards were presented at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park London on Friday 19 September 2008.