Konica Minolta Wins Good Design Award 2018 for Five Products
Including the Cosmo Leap Σ, an Optical Planetarium,
Selected for the Good Design Best 100

Features of the Design

With its compact structure incorporating optical technology, the product is designed to blend harmoniously with cosmic space.

Comments from Screening Committee of JDP

While most products cover their structures with some materials, the planetarium is exposed. Its mechanical appearance, made of optical and precision components, appeals to people, especially children. Since the moving parts of the star ball and planet projector follow the movement of the night sky (movement of the Earth), the orderly structure of this precision machine makes children aware that cosmic space is also regularly structured. This aspect of the product was also highly regarded by the jury.

Features of the Design

Designed for sanitation, cleanliness and peace of mind, this product was developed with the concept that taking care of body odors is part of personal grooming. The device is easy to hold and non-slippery, and fits securely in the hand, while the app has a professional, scientific look and feel.

Comments from Screening Committee of JDP

In recent years, so-called 'smell harassment' caused by body odors has become a social problem. However, it is difficult to detect one's own body odors, and people hesitate to ask others about their own odors. This device solves this delicate problem by enabling users to recognize their body odors in numerical scores and objectively decide whether they need to take action to reduce their odors. By measuring body odors, this device gives users more confidence and reduces anxiety about body odors. The jury highly regarded this product for its novelty that reflects today's needs, as well as its easy-to-carry design.

Features of the Design

Designed to be as compact and lightweight as carry-on luggage and equipped with a charging cradle and a large handle, this product is highly portable.

Comments from Screening Committee of JDP

The jury highly evaluated this product for its usability in so many medical settings and wondered why such a product had not been available before. The jury was particularly impressed by the successful development of a diagnostic ultrasound system that is more compact, sophisticated, and safer and easier to use than preceding models for medical professionals and patients.

Features of the Design

Designed optimally for professional use, this optical device can be used in various measuring environments, and has an excellent texture and robustness.

Comments from Screening Committee of JDP

The simple and functional design of this product conveys a sense of high measuring accuracy. The data processor is far more compact than that of preceding models and the device is highly portable. Both the data processor and the probe are black, which gives this optical measuring instrument a sense of unity. The neat alignment of the probe connection terminals on the back is also impressive. The highly-legible original font and well thought-out user interface design, as well as the simple operation thanks to the automatic zero calibration function, help streamline the measuring process and increase efficiency at factories. For these reasons, the jury concluded that this product is well designed to meet the needs of developers of ever-evolving high-resolution displays.

Features of the Design

Designed with the concept of Magic Blue, the planetarium allows visitors to enjoy views of the night sky that changes with time.

Comments from Screening Committee of JDP

While renovations usually focus on upgrading equipment and refurbishing the space, the renovation of TENKU focused on introducing 3D audio effects and the latest projection systems, and making the planetarium show more enjoyable. This fact was highly appraised by the jury. The change from the sky at dusk to the starry night sky reflects the concept of TENKU, Magic Blue, allowing visitors to not only appreciate views of the starry sky, but also enjoy stories and learn about the stars. The company has succeeded in adding new value to the planetarium experience.