Apple Watch wins prestigious iF Design Gold Award ahead of public debut
Before an expected launch in April, Apple's upcoming Apple Watch was given top honors at the 2015 iF Design Awards, an annual industrial design competition dating back to 1954.
Announced at the International Forum's awards gala in Munich, Apple Watch was one of only two products in the telecommunications category to win a coveted gold award. Overall, 1,124 products were granted an iF Label, while only 47 won the gold award for excellence.
The device went up against more than 3,200 other designs in the Product discipline, the largest iF award segment that covers a number of commercial industries, including vehicles, medical devices, smartphones, computers, tableware, kitchen equipment, furniture, bathroom products and more.
From the awards jury:
The idea of combining classic materials such as leather and metal with state-of-the-art technology to create a very individual fashion accessory has resulted in a delightful product offering a holistic user experience. The Apple Watch scores highly for each design detail and is an altogether extraordinary piece of design. For us, it is already an icon.
According to iF, the jury evaluated each product based on a number of criteria, including design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental friendliness, functionality, ergonomics, visualization for use, safety, brand value and branding, and universal design.
While Apple has discussed Apple Watch design and keystone features at length, the company has been less than forthcoming in presenting full hardware specifications and pricing details. In a recent report, analyst Gene Munster estimated mid-tier Apple Watch models will retail for $499 to $549, depending on customization options, while the high-end Apple Watch Edition could sell for $4,999.
Apple is widely expected to further detail Apple Watch at an upcoming special media event next week. AppleInsider will be on hand for the March 9 event with live coverage starting at 10 a.m. Pacific.
62 Comments
Another well-deserved win for the masters of design at Apple. Glad to see this.
but...but...Apple watch is ugly, thick with bad battery life and overprice.../s
Paging Benny Frost....
Paging Benny Frost....
You do that like this, @Benjamin Frost.
Very cool.
I have found the design of the Apple Watch difficult to assess based on photos alone. I feel like I really need to see it in person to develop a clear impression of it.
My girlfriend, on the other hand, was able to develop an opinion based on pictures -- she thinks it's gorgeous. She has way better taste than I do, so I considered that a good sign.
[quote name="TheWhiteFalcon" url="/t/185034/apple-watch-wins-prestigious-if-design-gold-award-ahead-of-public-debut#post_2685153"] You do that like this, @Benjamin Frost . :lol: [/quote] No, you do it on a night with a waning moon, and you run widdershins around a yew tree five times, with a broomstick between your naked legs. What you rub on the broomstick is not to be spoken of.