Digitales Projektionssystem
A device for saving and showing images on compact discs
The sequence of functions of the CD, the laser sampler and the projection optics can be seen in the device. Modern instruments with operating and display functions have been considered and then aligned in a clear, formal and graphic manner and compiled into a structured unit.
Appreciation of the winner
by Rido Busse
Design means developing new products and optimizing existing ones in accordance with these criteria:
- function
- creation
- ergonomics
- product aesthetics
These are the four criteria which I will explain below and on which the jury based its selection of the winners:
- Function – every product, be it a drug, a vase or an airplane, has a physical, chemical or physical-chemical function. The difference is that the functional requirements vary to a great extent.
- Ergonomics – a brief definition: ergonomics make a device functional, keep it functional and make it stop functioning. Ergonomics force the designer to create an interface between the user and the device. Ergonomics is a factor that is included in design but in a way, is invisible.
- Product aesthetics – this is the term that laymen – but not just laymen – come up with first when thinking of design. Through colors, textures, slants, angles, radiuses, proportions as well as smell, taste and acoustics, product aesthetics are responsible for ensuring the impression the designer wants to evoke with the product. Designers use product aesthetics to communicate with the user.
These were the requirements the jury applied to selecting the winners from among the 41 entries. The winning works are detailed below.
Peter Kienle and Horst Pohlenz of Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Applied Sciences received the State Prize for their model of a digital projection system.
When assessing this work, the jury knew that models such as this one can be implemented in a laboratory but have not yet reached the stage of development where they are ready for mass production. Yet, the jury members were certain that saving and showing images on compact discs will be feasible for the consumer market shortly.
The sequence of the functions of the CD, the laser sampler and the projection optics can be identified visually in the device. Modern instruments with operating and display functions have been taken into consideration and are aligned in a clear, formal and graphic manner and compiled in a structural unit. The device conveys an impression of high precision, and its colors invite hands on use. A series of interesting, detailed solutions that certainly can be put into practice have been elaborated on to a great extent.
The digital projection system ranked second in the contest which was held simultaneously with the Erkundungen design congress in Stuttgart in 1986. Since then the system has been the subject of articles in many publications. Some of the members of the jury regretted the fact that the work was designed cooperatively and, thus, the industrial sector has been deprived of the opportunity to make a clear reference to the designer. The good model of the system deserves extra praise.
