Samsung Electronics Now Equipped with Global Design Power

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced on Saturday 29th that it won 5 awards including the gold, silver and bronze prizes at ‘2002 IDEA,’ an international design contest.

In this contest sponsored by Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and supported by Business Week, Samsung Electronics received the most awards along with Apple Computer, Inc. of America. As for the number of awards won by Samsung Electronics during the past 5 years since 1998, the company having received 17 awards jointly took first place with Apple Computer, too.

The gold prize was awarded to Samsung Electronics’ Family Doctor, a domestic health checkup device while silver prizes were given to its 24-inch TFT-LCD monitor and portable DVD player.

Selftel & Mobile Printer System, a future communication device that integrates a TV, PDA and PDA also won a silver prize. And Smart Kitchen Device, a future household appliance that integrates cookers and a refrigerator won a bronze prize.

Business Week commented in the July 8 issue that Samsung Electronics’ taking first place along with Apple Computer was a surprising event and added that Samsung Electronics was also equipped with global power even in terms of design.

IDEA celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year awards prizes to those products presented by world’s distinguished companies in 9 categories including consumer goods, automobiles, environment, graphics and design concepts. In all, 1,265 products were submitted this year. And 41 gold, 60 silver and 73 bronze prizes were awarded.

Yeon-Su Shin ysshin@donga.com