Not a product we currently sell, but a very interesting one all the same, so I thought we needed a quick ‘blog’ on this one… The leading Belgian lighting and home automation manufacturer, Niko (which I beleive celebrates its 90th anniversary this year) has just received the ‘Exceptional and innovative design’ from ‘red dot’. Easily the world’s biggest and most distinguished design competition, the Red Dot Design award is only granted to exceptionally creative, innovative and high-quality products.
Niko has been developing switching ranges for decades. With a hard-earned reputation for innovation, the company has continued in this tradition with the introduction of a revolutionary new concept in switches – the truly invisible switch. The imaginatively named ‘Mysterious’ range from Niko goes beyond traditional switches and socket outlets. With Mysterious, Niko takes the first step towards imagining life without any of the ‘traditional’ switching material.
Mysterious is a range of switches and sockets with an elegant and simple design that can be seamlessly integrated into any wall. When fitted, the switch can then be papered over painted like the wall so that only an incredibly discreet round edge remains visible. In the dark this outer edge lights up with the warm white glow of an LED that is incorporated into the switch. Mysterious simply adapts itself to the colour of the wall, just like a chameleon.
The switch is multi-functional, with its programme comprising push-buttons with one to four key points, sockets for data/TV connection boxes, and orientation lighting. The design is inspired to allow functionality into carefully designed interiors without detracting from the look of the room. Its an Architects/Interior Designer dream… No more ugly switches ruining their clean design aesthetic.
With more than 11,000 submissions from 61 countries, the international red dot design award is the largest and most renowned design competition in the world. It is divided into the red dot award: product design, the red dot award: communication design and the red dot award: design concept. Niko’s Mysterious was awarded the prestigious red dot award: product design.
Each year an international jury reviews and evaluates the submitted products according to criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality and the formal quality. This ensures the seriousness of the competition and its international acceptance. The group of jurors is made up of renowned designers and design experts from all over the world who reach their decisions on which designs are good enough to receive a red dot award independently and impartially. The constellation changes from year to year and guarantees a high degree of objectivity and reliability.
The award is as a seal of quality; it stands for membership of the best in design and business. After 90 years, its good to see that Niko continues to play at the top of its game and to lead the field.
For more information about Niko’s award-winning Mysterious range – and the rest of its impressive line-up of home automation and lighting solutions, visit: nikouk.com or telephone Niko UK direct 01525 877707
For more information about the red dot awards, please visit red-dot.de.
