Geelong firms hit the gold standard for design
Article by Dave Cairns, Geelong Advertiser
Two innovative Geelong products have been lauded by judges of Australia’s International Good Design Awards.
The recently launched SmartSnugg, an integrated sleep monitoring ecosystem for infants and toddlers, and the R-Series Carbon Bicycle Wheels, manufactured by Partington Advanced Engineering, were named Good Design Award Gold accolade winners.
From a record 835 projects submitted to the Good Design Awards this year, 152 projects qualified for the Gold accolade, which is awarded to products that exceed the criteria for good design.
The SmartSnugg, created by Geelong pair Matthew Hearsch and Simon French, was recognised in the Product Design Consumer Electronics category for its outstanding design and innovation.
The Good Design Awards jury said the SmartSnugg was a compact, beautifully thoughtful design.
“The name and form of the object confirms that with its soft, gentle, delicate design resolution and colours,” the judges said.
“This could be a true game changer for parents, taking the guesswork out of babies’ comfort safety and temperature.
“The simple design solution is paramount. The option to use with other items of clothing/bedding will add to the beauty of this product.
“Designing the product to fit with any sleep bag and attach securely in place, and still maintain an accurate reading will place this product into a sought after muchneeded solution for many.”
Mr Hearsch, the SmartSnugg chief executive, said it was an amazing feeling to receive such an endorsement of the product’s design that had been three years in the making.
Since a soft launch in Australia less than a month ago, he said the company had started to generate international inquiries for the product.
The Partington R-Series Carbon Bicycle Wheels were recognised for outstanding design and innovation in the Product Design Sport and Lifestyle category.
The jury said the wheels were an aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design.
“It’s executed beautifully in carbon fibre, for an ultra-highend market.” the jury said.
To view the full list of award winners, click HERE
