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"eneloop universe products" Win 2007 G-Mark Grand Prize
2007/10/31
After several months of evaluation and discussion, the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO) recently announced its choice of "eneloop universe products" from the Sanyo Electric Co. as winner of the Grand Prize in the Good Design Award (G-Mark) 2007.
 | | "eneloop universe products" from Sanyo won the G-Mark 2007 Grand Prize. |
The Good Design Award Grand Prize is the top prize among the awards granted to 2,945 items for the year. According to JIDPO, the "eneloop universe products--Sanyo Electric Co." garnered the highest number of votes, at 688, for this year`s top prize. The vote was conducted by award winners (1,043 of them), the Jury Committee (with 71 members), and the Adjudication Board (13 members). They chose the winner from among this year`s "Best 15" entries.
The winner of the Grand Prize, JIDPO explains, is an ideal source of clean energy for charging "eneloop" rechargeable batteries, relying entirely on solar power instead of a conventional power supply. After the unit`s internal lithium-ion battery is charged from regular exposure to sunlight, it can be used for a quick recharge of "eneloop" batteries or as a source of power for electronic devices via a universal serial bus (USB)connection. Simply by setting the charger down the right choice of sides, users can catch sunlight from two angles as the sun changes position, throughout the year or is in various locations. Simple in design, the unit is shaped like a pyramid.
This new type of re-charger, Sanyo designers pointed out, encourages more people to try "eneloop" rechargeable batteries. It is an easy way to be more environmentally conscious and make a difference. "We were committed to a form that is natural and not too imposing. It has a familiar, unassertive shape," they added.
Sanyo`s solar unit, along with a USB-powered recharger, a battery-powered reusable hand warmer, and a cordless warmer, is part of an innovative product line that demonstrates eco-friendly corporate ideals at a high level.
JIDPO reports that a total of 1,043 items, including the "Best-15," were accredited by the 51st Good Design Award (G-Mark) this year. A total of 2,945 items were submitted in the Product Design, Architecture and Environment Design, Communication Design, and New Territory Design categories.
Among the 1,043 items awarded the G-Mark this year, the voters also awarded the "Best-15 Good Design Awards", "Universal Design Prize", "Interaction Design Prize", and "Ecology Design Prize."
| Results of the Good Design Award (G-Mark) 2007 | | Category | Awards | | - Product Design | 777 items | | - Architecture and Environment Design | 124 items | | - Communication Design | 81 items | | - New Frontier Design | 61 items | | Total | 1,043 items | | * Total screened items: 2,945 Source: JIDPO |
(by Quincy Liang)
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