Outstanding design and its makers: the bike “SLADDA”
Once a year, the jury of the Red Dot Award: Product Design awards objects of high design quality. In 2016, only 1.5 percent of all entries received the highest distinction “Red Dot: Best of the Best”. It goes to the best products of a category like the IKEA bike “SLADDA”.
In many places bicycles play a central role for daily mobility. People use them in many different ways from early in the morning until late at night. The design of the SLADDA bicycle takes up on this normality and daily routine of using a bicycle. Against the backdrop of a complex and often confusing market, it aims to be easily accessible and uncomplicated, which is supported by a gender-neutral frame that fits all riders. It is sturdy and fascinates with a bold design language. Basket and racks are harmoniously integrated, sophisticated in functionality and ideal for transportation purposes.
This bicycle was designed for a relaxed riding style as well as for sportive outdoor activities. In order to better fit the active lifestyle of families, every detail is carefully thought-through. A functional click-in system allows the easy mounting of accessories such as baskets and racks. The bike is additionally equipped with a lubrication-free belt drive that requires only little maintenance. The individual components are made of robust, rust-resistant and highly durable materials. The idea of a new understanding of mobility, in which a familiar means of transportation plays a central role, is thus realised in the SLADDA bicycle.
“With SLADDA, the bicycle was given a new identity as a genuine part of a sustainable lifestyle. Its “democratic” design successfully picks up on classic role models and finds a timeless and aesthetic form. It fascinates with a dynamic, friendly elegance and the distinctive use of wood. Everyone can use the SLADDA and easily integrate it into their life. It is high in quality and durability”, says the Red Dot jury.
The outstanding design achievement is made by the Oskar Juhlin, Kristian Eke und Jan Puranen from Veryday for the manufacturer IKEA. Red Dot talked to the award-winning maker from Sweden.
Red Dot: What was your goal when you designed your award-winning product?
Veryday: Our main goal was to design a product that engaged a broad range of people. In some way, a generic bike but with a twist. We focused on high functionality as well as a multi-gender bike made for everyday use.
How do you define design quality?
High-quality design is experienced by seeing, touching and using the designed item.
What do you see as being the biggest challenges in your industry at present?
To find the ecological balance and design for the future.
Where will your industry be in ten years; what trends and developments do you expect to see?
One trend that we have observed, is that of lending more and owning less.
The Red Dot Award: Product Design is in full swing. Until 20 January, participants can still profit from the conditions of the “Regular” registration.
