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| 2007 |
| 29/4/2004 |
| Britain voted best in design |
| Students from London have voted Britain as the best in the world for product design in a recent poll of tomorrow’s designers. They nominated Dyson’s dual cyclone vacuum cleaner the best design ever - and the Mini Cooper as an icon from the Sixties. Even Birmingham’s Bull Ring shopping centre was highlighted as symbolising design in 2003.
Design students put Britain ahead of the practical Scandinavians and the trend setting Far East, with Continental Europe winning the style vote and America trailing in most design aspects, according to the independent research conducted on behalf of Oregon Scientific, the makers of consumer electronic products for ‘smart’ living.
But although there is a vote of confidence for Britain, many say the government doesn’t do enough to foster young talent – and despite the recent housing boom, students rate house design as ‘awful’.
The study shows:
• Three in four (76 per cent) believe Britain has the best product design skills in the world.
• Two in three said Scandinavia were top (64 per cent).
• One in two (43 per cent) claims the Far East is best.
But:
• Seven in ten (70 per cent) thinks the British government should do more to support the design industry.
• Two in five (39 per cent) think the government doesn’t understand the significance of product innovation.
• One in three judges Japan’s government as the most supportive of product design.
Paul Molyneux, managing director of Oregon Scientific, said: “Britain has long been considered one of the most innovative and creative of countries in the design field – and it would appear young people agree.
“But product designers need solid support from schools, colleges, businesses and the government to continue to combine style, functionality and innovation in new products that we often take for granted.
“We have been behind many product innovations and want to do our bit to encourage students to do their best and to celebrate and reward the best up-and-coming talent. Young product designers need recognition and support all over the world.”
The Victorians were considered the most influential era for introducing the most design ideas. But today’s new technology comes a close second and students believe that 3G mobiles will one day epitomize design in the 21st Century.
Other findings shows the Far East is believed to be better than Europe and the USA for innovation. Scandinavia comes last but leads the way in design functionality.
The study was commissioned to support the launch of the Oregon Scientific International Young Designer Award 2004 in conjunction with the Chartered Society of Designers. Prizes will be awarded to student designers in each of the UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy and Spain. The overall international winner will be awarded in London next July and their product will potentially be added to a future Oregon line-up.
Fashion guru Jeff Banks, president of the Chartered Society of Designers, added: "The Chartered Society of Designers is extremely pleased to be working with Oregon Scientific to showcase the work of young product designers from so many countries.
“We are working together to promote design excellence and innovation in providing appropriate solutions for people in a highly technological environment".
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