The Sara Lace #1 pattern on the front of the Bespoke fairing is combined with a single nickel-plated rear piece. Photograph courtesy of IDSA and Bespoke Innovations.
The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) announced the 2011 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) winners on June 30, and two gold winners are products designed for people with amputations.
Bespoke Fairings™ was the gold winner in the personal accessories category. Designed by industrial designer Scott Summit and orthopedic surgeon Ken Trauner, MD, for Bespoke Innovations, San Francisco, California, the Bespoke Fairing uses 3D printing technology to create a prosthetic “fairing,” or casing, that the wearer can customize with various colors, finishes, or materials.
Photograph of Cadence, courtesy of IDSA and Seth Astle.
Cadence, a prosthesis and pedal for cyclists who have transtibial amputations, is an IDEA gold winner in the student product-design category. Designed by Seth Astle, a student at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California, Cadence “helps restore proper cycling movements and efficiency and provides a much safer experience,” according to the IDSA website.
According to IDSA, 20 international design experts spent weeks evaluating more than 2,000 online entries from 39 nations, including a record number of student submissions, before convening for a three-day, hands-on judging and evaluation session. Out of 524 finalists, 27 were honored with the gold award, 68 received silver, and 96 received bronze.
The best in show, curator’s choice, people’s choice, and the responsibility awards will be announced at the IDEA ceremony on September 17, at the IDSA 2011 International Conference in New Orleans. Louisiana.
