We’ve definitely won our share of design awards over the years: Our work has been honored in many design competitions for projects that have included identity, packaging, publications, environments, retail merchandising, and interactive design. That said, we’re particularly proud of the recognition we received at the IDEA 2009 competition…and in this one we only achieved “finalist” status.

The IDEA awards program. For those of you who don’t know, the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) program has been honoring design excellence since 1980 – and is considered one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world – recognizing design excellence in product design, ecodesign, interaction design, packaging, and concepts. Out of 1631 entries from countries all over the world, this year’s jury, an international cross-section of design leaders led by Andrew Hartman, Philips Design’s design director, selected 349 finalists.Liquid’s work was entered in the competition by our client – Olive – with whom we collaborated in the designed of two products, the Opus 4 and the Melody 2. Although we did not walk away with the top honors, we’re super excited about making the finalist list. After all, this is the very first time we’ve entered an industrial design competition…and the IDEA program is probably the toughest one in the world – so, being a finalist is something to brag about, especially when you consider that we were competing with companies like Samsung, Apple and HP – and that other finalists included Intel, NVIDIA, and Pioneer!

Liquid Agency has worked closely with Oliver Bergmann, Olive’s founder and CEO, to develop his company’s brand from the very beginning. Our involvement started with the design of the brand identity, the website, the packaging and the marketing materials…and has grown to include the industrial design and the user interface. With Liquid’s help, Olive has created products that achieve a harmonious balance between sound clarity and aesthetically striking design. As a consequence, Olive has developed a cult following among music enthusiasts and has earned the “Editor’s Choice” title from numerous national and international publications including Sound & Vision, Digital Trends, and PC Magazine. Olive’s products are frequently featured in magazines that range from Forbes to Wired, from RollingStone to Business Week.

“We’re proud to have played a part in Olive’s success,” said Alfredo Muccino, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Liquid Agency. “Olive’s role in the music industry has been to champion the quality of the music experience, and that has included paying attention to details in the form and function of the products, as well as the sound. We’ve appreciated being part of the design teams that have developed such amazing products. Being a finalist in IDEA 2009 is a great honor, and an affirmation that our dedication to excellent design is recognized at the very highest levels.”The Opus 4 can store up to 6,000 CDs worth of music – which you can enjoy in true hi-fi quality – a far cry from the compromised sound of MP3s. Essentially, Olive is committed to offering all the convenience of digital technology without compromising any of the sound quality – therefore delivering the best possible music experience. Made with heavy gauge aluminum that eliminates vibration and operating noise, the design of the Opus 4 includes a color touch screen located in a unique angled front which allows for better access and visibility. The top of the system features a distinctive silkscreened typographic pattern made of words representing a variety of musical genres, which adds an elegant detail to the already sophisticated form factor. The Melody 2 is a player that connects to the Opus 4 wirelessly extending the music experience to any room in the house, and its design language echoes that of the Opus 4. To take a peek at the winners of the IDEA competition and the other finalists, click here.

Author: Alfredo Muccino
Category: Brands & Blogs,Brands in general,Consumer Electronics,Technology