Two user interface design experts consult the jury for iF product design award 2007
Franz Koller, Managing Director of User Interface Design GmbH (UID), with responsibility for Consumer Solutions, and Prof. Dr. Michael Burmester, Professor for Ergonomics and Usability on the Information Design faculty of the Media School in Stuttgart, have agreed to put their user interface design expertise at the disposal of the iF product design award 2007 competition.
Comprehensible user interfaces, user-friendly menus — today’s cellphones, TV sets, DVD players and even washing machines not only need to possess an attractive and functional design — they also need to have a well-designed user interface.
User interface design expertise - new in 2007 competition
Around 2,000 products compete annually for an iF product design award, presided over by an international jury of design specialists. The judging criteria consist of design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental friendliness, functionality, ergonomics, visualization of use, safety, brand value, branding and universal design. Two representatives of User Interface Design GmbH, Franz Koller and Prof. Dr. Michael Burmester, are available for the first time as independent user interface design experts to support the judging procedure for the iF product design award 2007 competition — for example in the area of mobile phones.
Successful design and optimum usability achieve economic success
Franz Koller, Managing Director of User Interface Design GmbH, says: “We are delighted that usability has now attained a greater significance for the iF product design award. Ideally products need to be closely geared to the needs of their users. The combination of successful design and optimum usability determines whether the user perceives a product as being aesthetic and attractive and is happy to use it. This is the only way product manufacturers can achieve economic success and retain their customers over the long term.”
User interface design as a "key component of product development"
Ralph Wiegmann, iF Managing Director, adds: “Our iF product design award is one of the longest-standing design competitions in the world. While being responsible for safeguarding this tradition, it is also imperative that we keep an eye on new developments, adapting the award to changing market requirements and insuring its adequacy for the future. User interface design is a key component of product development and stands for the successful combination of form and function.”
