Trend: New values and clearly designed interfaces

Is the TV truly a television or a computer screen? For the jury members Andrea Finke-Anlauff, Tapani Hyvönen und Soon-In Lee the differences are clearly defined by now. Technology had found its form and it had become obvious whether it took the shape of a TV or rather that of a computer flat-screen.

LCD technology will probably change the styling of TV sets in the future. However, the current trend pays greater attention to carefully manufactured finishes and quality materials such as high-grade steel. TVs, laptops, computers and MP3-players represent a new aesthetic with interfaces that are logical and intuitive. Another trend: Today we were facing a global idiom of form; Asian products have increasingly come into line with European products, and are now barely distinguishable.

As a whole, the products are user-friendly, all the plugs and interfaces are neatly arranged and readily accessible, and even the rear panels of TVs and computer screens show an elaborate and aesthetic design. Looking at mobile phones one thing is obvious: Gradually they are turning into accessories; today there even is a mobile phone with a cloth cover. In general, the mobile phone adapts to a variety of environments: Mobile phones in business are different from the mobile phones found on the tennis-court, and target groups are now very specific.

Jurors: Andrea Finke-Anlauff, Tapani Hyvönen, Soon-In Lee

You can find the winners of "red dot: best of the best" 2004 here.