The jury overseeing the DAME Design Awards said this year’s entries were unusually strong. The awards, which will be presented at the Metstrade Breakfast Briefing on Nov. 19, attracted 118 entries from 27 countries. The jury nominated 59 products as finalists.
Birgit Schnaase, the DAME jury chair, said in a statement design was important to shortlisting the entries. “It is critical that marine companies focus on design, in all of its aspects, to ensure that consumer expectations are met when they go boating,” said Schnaase in the statement. “We also need smart design to address important issues like production efficiency, environmental impact improvement and greater integration.”
The judges noted “strong themes” across the entries, including the increased use of environmentally friendly materials and greater adaptation of technology to improve boating accessibility for owners and their guests.
The jury of nine experts nominated a field of products that ranged from new materials and personal products for use on board, to advanced electronics, generators and other equipment.
“The mix of entries we examined this year demonstrates that many marine companies are paying really close attention to form and function, with solutions that will improve the experiences of those getting afloat,” Schnaase said.
The 59 products will be on display at the DAME Design Award exhibition during Metstrade, which runs Nov. 19-21 at RAI Amsterdam.
