2019 Award Winning Products

Good Design Award 2019

＜Evaluation＞

In renewing the entire range of its MFPs, Konica Minolta has adhered to its design identity of INFO-Palette and succeeded in further refining the concept. The operation panel with a minimum set of keys makes the series more compatible with mobile devices, while improving operability through the user experience, user interface and universal design. As a result, the company has made this series more efficient and easier to use, while reinforcing its design identity. In addition, the neat arrangement of the LED indicator lamp and authentication section, and the improvements made to every detail of the exterior appearance, also earned high scores from the jury.

• Good Design Award 2019

＜Evaluation＞

Characteristically, this series builds on and further refines the design identity of INFO-Palette that underlies the entire range of Konica Minolta’s MFPs. While each model of the series has a large operation panel of the same size as that of the A3 MFP, its beautiful slim body allows installation in limited spaces for diverse workstyles, which has gained high marks from the jury. Like its A3 version, the operation panel with a minimum set of keys makes the series more compatible with mobile devices, while improving operability through the user experience, user interface and universal design, thus increasing the reliability of this series.

• Good Design Award 2019

＜Evaluation＞

The CM-26dG can measure color and gloss at the same time. The built-in integrating sphere of 54mm in diameter and finder, as well as the forward-sloping shape, allow users to measure in spaces inaccessible with conventional products, such as the gap between the front window and dashboard of a car. Its center-of-gravity position and grip’s shape enable users, both male and female, to hold the product effortlessly, which, coupled with the sleek user interface design, have been highly praised by the jury.

• Good Design Award 2019

＜Evaluation＞

Planetariums, if used merely for projecting the starry skies, will not be able to survive. To break the stereotypical image of a planetarium, Konica Minolta has opened Planetaria, which offers a more engaging experience to visitors through events, such as live concerts and interactive shows, which encourage visitor participation. While the first Planetaria was opened in Yurakucho (Tokyo), the Planetaria program can be applied to planetariums in rural areas that are at risk of closing. If such rural planetariums are renovated as Planetaria-type facilities each with its own distinctive local characteristics, they may be able to help solve local problems.

• Good Design Award 2019

Machine Design Award 49th

＜Evaluation＞

In addition to providing a sophisticated blend of picture quality, portability, and usability, the approach of designing experiential value through the product allows it to stand out in a field of competing products that have been commoditized. I look forward to seeing the company not only meet market needs with an even more finely honed development policy, but also contribute to society with a clear approach to nurturing seeds.

• Machine Design Award 49th (Japanese site)

Design Intelligence Award 2019

＜Work Introduction＞

The Cosmo Leap Sigma is an optical planetarium projector for medium-sized domes operated by municipalities mainly for education. Multiple projectors, which were installed independently in conventional products, are integrated in the new framework layout, significantly reducing the size. Konica Minolta was the first in the world to succeed in building 80 projections (5 times the conventional model) into a star ball, enabling a detailed narrative of the starry skies in a small space. A rigid arch structure is used for the main frame that supports the star ball to combine the planet projectors systematically and linearly. This neat shape prevents blurry stellar images and obstruction of view. The star ball is surrounded by a rod framework of elaborate polyhedra. The rods extend radially from a myriad of lenses and are anodized in black to make the jet-black star ball glitter like the twinkling stars. All the projector movements of the Cosmo Leap Sigma convey the orderly universe. The elaborate design is harmonized with the cosmic space in a dome, inviting children to explore and hear detailed stories of the starry skies.

• Design Intelligence Award 2019

＜Work Introduction＞

Konica Minolta and Takram collaborated in concept ideation, branding and creative direction of Monicia, a device and accompanying mobile application intended to assist women in managing their menstrual cycle. Monicia is perhaps the first innovative IoT solution designed specifically to Premenstrual syndrome.

• Design Intelligence Award 2019

German Design Award 2020 GOLD

＜Statement of the jury＞

Despite its inner mechanical and high-tech components, the Cosmo Leap Sigma optical planetarium projector is surprisingly compact and therefore ideal for use in smaller domes. The central element is the polygonal »star ball« with its countless lenses, which sparkle like stars thanks to the matt black colour of the ball itself. The technical, incredibly detailed design looks very futuristic (one could say downright space-age), emphasises the demand for the most state-of-the-art technology and arouses curiosity. A formally and functionally impressive projection machine, which in times of light pollution – especially in conurbations – not only makes it possible to discover and get to know our starry sky, but also makes it a fascinating experience.

• German Design Award 2020 GOLD

German Design Award 2020 Special Mention

＜Statement of the jury＞

The high-tech system provides extremely precise measurements. With its large display and clearly-arranged control unit placed on the side, the compact control unit looks very modern and of high-quality.

• German Design Award 2020 Special Mention

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2019
Grand Award for Technology
Gold Award

＜Statement of the jury＞

Imaging you go Planetarium, it requires a lot of projection 360. And this is new product that really trimline to producing evoke experience. This is AV projector all combine best move for. And you can tell the sky, projection for different shape and form and movement of the Cosmo. And I think the inspiring of this key to give the student education process. There’re compact optical and mechanical solution to best streamline and future opportunity to inspire the children. We’ve been served to recognize this technology and design challenge.

• DFA Design for Asia Awards 2019

JIDA Design Museum Selection Vol.21

＜Introduction to the product being judged＞

SONIMAGE MX1 ultrasonic diagnostic system
Delivering the imaging performance of the next level of system despite its compact size

＜Key design features＞
The design provides portability with a charging cradle and large handle in a compact, lightweight package that can be taken on flights as a carry-on.

• JIDA Design Museum Selection Vol.21 (Japanese site)

iF Design Award 2020

＜Description＞

The Cosmo Leap Sigma is an optical planetarium projector for medium-sized domes operated by municipalities. It is the smallest projector in its class, combining the star ball and planet projectors, and the first in the world to be equipped with 80 constellation images to enable an all-inclusive analysis of the night sky. All the projector movements convey the inherent order of the universe. The star ball is surrounded by a rod framework like a twinkling star.

• iF Design Award 2020

＜Description＞

This portable ultrasound imaging device was designed in pursuit of high-quality imaging. The broadband, high-frequency probe and new imaging engine reduce noise and improve imaging quality at all depths, from shallow to deep. The proprietary needle visualization technology facilitates easy, precise drug solution injection into affected areas and reduces patients’ pain. A large handle and stand have been added for increased mobility in the hospital, making it easier to bring the device to the patient. The five buttons and touchscreen are consolidated on the front to enable intuitive blind operation.

• iF Design Award 2020

Red Dot Design Award 2020

＜Statement by the Jury＞

The multifunction printers are designed for simple handling and make it easy for users to do their jobs efficiently.

• Red Dot Design Award 2020

＜Statement by the Jury＞

The user-friendly printers score with their small footprint. With their understated design, they integrate well into any office setting.

• Red Dot Design Award 2020