The Design Center of the Czech Republic has been issuing a national design competition for the outstanding product of the year in the categories of Good Design, Excellent Design, and National Design Award since its establishment.
The first year of the competition was announced in 1991 based on the model of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID). Since then, 18 National Design Awards have been awarded by international juries, 192 works have received the Excellent Design award, and 325 have been labeled as Good Design.
However, the history of the competition dates back to 1964, when the Council for Visual Culture of Production began awarding annual design awards. From this perspective, the competition for Excellent Product of the Year, which also leads to the National Design Award, is one of the oldest competitions of its kind in Europe. Over the long term since 1991, 35% of the evaluated products have been from the field of production and transportation means, 30% from graphic design, and 35% from the area of lifestyle design.
Awards are given through a multi-round evaluation according to predefined criteria by an international judging panel, which includes not only Czech experts but also foreign design personalities from partner organizations and institutions or significant design firms. Since 1991, this evaluation has regularly involved top names in world design, including presidents of ICSID – Professors Augusto Morello, Uwe Bahnsen, Peter Zec, or Earl N. Powell - president of the Design Management Institute from Boston, USA, Dietr Rahms - chief designer of Braun, Thiery van Kerm - director of the International Council of Graphic Design Organizations ICOGRADA, Massimo Pitis - president of the Bureau of European Design Organizations, and many other renowned designers from Germany, Switzerland, Norway, France, Austria, Slovakia, Italy, Ireland, and Belgium.
The international jury is authorized to award special prizes for entries, personalities, media, companies, or firms that provide exceptional design contributions in selected areas. These include the Award for Significant Contribution to the Development of Design, Award for the Promotion of Design, Award for Journalism, Award for Ecological Design, Award for Managerial Achievement of the Year in the Field of Design, and Award for Promotion of Design.
The Excellent Product of the Year competition is open not only to real products but also to works in the category of "Visions, Concepts, Theories," and it can be participated in by natural and legal persons who meet the conditions, i.e., an author with permanent residence in the Czech Republic; in the case of a foreign author, the product must be finally manufactured in the Czech Republic. The competition is part of the National Quality Policy of the Czech Republic and is held in cooperation with the Council of the Czech Republic for Quality.
Evaluated products must represent an innovation that has not been assessed before, and they must meet criteria including user quality, efficiency, and level of design solutions, as well as moral, creative, communicative, ecological, and economic criteria.

Due to the continual increase in submitted works, in 2005 the Design Center of the Czech Republic decided to restructure the competition and separate student works into an independent competition called Students' Design. From that year onwards, the competitive sectors alternate biennially – last year products related to lifestyle (interior furnishings, fashion design, and accessories) competed; this year, the competitive sectors were product design, particularly engineering design, and graphic design.

The evaluation of competition works took place on February 7 and 8, 2007, at the Congress Center in Brno.
International jury: Martin Beeh (Germany), Jan Hora, Václav Houf, Pavel Hrach, Ferdinand Chrenka (Slovakia), Štefan Klein (Slovakia), Karel Kobosil, Jiří Kočandrle, Pavel Marek, Achim Storz (Austria), Zdeněk Zdařil.
The selection of works for the competition is carried out at significant fairs and exhibitions throughout the Czech Republic, where commissions of experts appointed by the Design Center of the Czech Republic work. Last year, they evaluated 1420 products, many of which were recommended for the competition. In the final, the international jury evaluated 137 works, including 72 products and 65 graphic works. 67 competition works were developed with state support from the Design Program.
A total of 29 works were selected for awards, including:

The jury further awarded the Award for Significant Contribution to the Development of Design, the Award for the Promotion of Design, and the Award for Journalism. Two works also received the Award for Ecological Design, and three works were awarded the Award for Managerial Achievement of the Year in the Field of Design.

Unified Visual Style of the Hradec Králové Region
Design Jan Kolář
Applicant: kolargrafik/studio
Client: Hradec Králové Region
Jury statement: The logo of the Hradec Králové Region is derived from the location of the region on the map of the Czech Republic. The brand stylizes a section of the map and also draws from the letter K, the initial letter of the name. The expansion of the logo in communication with red area – the rest of the republic with a white cut-out – symbolizes the Hradec Králové Region, allowing for platforms of communication between the whole and the cut-out (but also between the region and the citizen, the region and the visitor). The logo is developed into a comprehensive manual and contains all applications. It is a professionally executed work with great communicative potential for the future.

Excellent Design 2007

Manual of Visual Style for the Presentation of the Czech Republic Abroad
Design Tomáš Machek, Luděk Kubík, Karel Haloun, cooperation: Alena Ježková, Jan Konopásek, Marek Prokop, Jiří Císler / SIDE 2, 2006
Applicant: Side2, s.r.o., Prague
Client: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Foreign Presentation Department
Jury statement: The manual of the unified visual style for the promotion of the Czech Republic abroad defines the rules for a coherent presentation of the marketing activities of the Czech state abroad carried out under various brands. The core of the manual is a marketing logo that can be used in cases where the law prohibits the use of state symbols and where it is still necessary to clearly certify the activities of the state and separate them from the activities of commercial entities. It is rendered atypically, in bubbles above the letter logo, where images and pictograms can be changed according to the needs of the specific action (state institutions). It is flexible, playful, and inspiring. It can have all language mutations and can change endlessly in expression and content. The use of the logo will be inspiring for the promotion of the Czech Republic abroad.

Unified Visual Style for Knihy Dobrovský
Design Petr Šejdl and Zdeněk Šejdl / Design Studio Šejdl, Prague
Binder producer: Studio Činčera, Prague
Jury statement: The manual is based on the motif (construction) of the EAN barcode, a means for automatic data collection for sold goods, composed of a sequence of lines and gaps of various widths, which is also an integral part of book covers. The analogy of the newly designed logo for the company KNIHY DOBROVSKÝ with the EAN barcode allows for smart integration of this commercial marking of goods into the composition of book covers. The color design of the EAN code also evokes the spines of books on a shelf and the variety of choices. The manual includes applications according to the client’s needs.

Good Design 2007

Visual style and packaging design for NOVÉ VINAŘSTVÍ a.s., Měřín
Design Jindřich Dušek, Tono Stano, Marek Špalek
Client NOVÉ VINAŘSTVÍ, a.s., Měřín

Manual of Unified Visual Style for the National Coordination Group for the Introduction of the Euro
Design Boris Meluš
Client Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, National Coordination Group for the Introduction of the Euro

Unified Visual Style for KLENOTY AURUM
Design Petr Šejdl and Zdeněk Šejdl / Design Studio Šejdl, Prague
Binder producer: Studio Činčera, Prague

Book publication Jiří Pelcl x design / subjective x objective
Design Petr Babák / Laboratory
Producer: ERA group, s.r.o., Brno

National Design Award 2007

Škoda Joyster
Design Design Department of ŠKODA AUTO led by Jens Manske
Manufacturer: ŠKODA AUTO a.s., Mladá Boleslav
Jury statement: Joyster is at a very advanced study stage, which the jury appreciates for its optimism, dynamism, and “sporty spirit” of the car intended for younger and middle generations. The manufacturer wants to offer a sports car to a group of users with medium incomes. The Joyster study emphasizes the sporty features that Škoda's cars used to have and which were significant for the Škoda brand.

Excellent Design 2007

Nanospider
Design Alexius Appl
Producer ELMARCO, s.r.o., Liberec
Jury statement: Nanospider Elmarco is a top-tier device for producing non-woven textiles from nanofibers. It represents a unique technology that allows the production of nanofiber materials on an industrial scale. The design of the entire device (production line) is based on a modular concept, which is visually emphasized by color rhythmization of individual modules. Their simple cubic shape is highlighted by a characteristic design detail of a lock running along the entire line at the fabric passage.

Air-water Heat Pump
Design Martin Tvarůžek
Producer PZP KOMPLET a.s., Dobruška-Semechnice
Jury statement: The Design Center of the Czech Republic awards the Award for Ecological Design to PZP KOMPLET for a long-term consistent approach to the production of heat pumps and for the systemic application of design in the development of a new generation of air-water pumps. This qualitative step has not only strengthened the position of the Czech manufacturer in the domestic market but has also allowed it to significantly assert itself in Western European markets.

SOMA Polygrahic Machinery Set
SOMA FLEX CASINGS (flexo printing machine)
SOMA CUT PURESHEET (sheet-cutting machine)
Design Jaromír Chmelař
Producer Soma, s.r.o., Lanškroun
Jury statement: The set of polygrahic machines Soma Flex Casings and Soma Cut Puresheet excels with a clear and logically constructed design concept based on precise manufacturing technology and ergonomics. Although these are two entirely different structures based on different functional properties, they are interconnected through design attributes, color, and graphics. The product image thus links individual elements into a matured and emotional expression unprecedented in this group of products.

Balloon Burner IGNIS and Balloon Basket
Design Ladislav Křenek, Ivan Kubíček
Producer Balóny Kubíček, s.r.o., Brno
Jury statement: The design of the balloon burner Ignis features a clear and cohesive composition of the body divided by the color and surface treatment of individual functional parts. The ergonomics of the controls and flame regulation create a significant organic element of the technical whole. It pleasantly contrasts with the traditional concept of the basket.

Vertical Machining Center MCV 1210
Design Ondřej Slováček
Producer TAJMAC – ZPS, a.s., Zlín-Malenovice
Jury statement: The vertical machining center MCV 1210 for machining complex spatial shapes in three or five axes is a cultivated product, whose design follows the traditions of successful solutions from this company. The simple, lapidary form of the object architecturally enhances the machine, giving it a timeless elegance. The sober color emphasizes the importance of the control panel elements and focuses attention on the production area’s functional aggregates. The commission appreciates the conceptual solutions of two other machines (TMZ 642 and H 50) from the same manufacturer that were submitted for the VVR 2007 competition. They demonstrate the effort to create a company identity based on quality and sophisticated design.

BLATA 125 Motorcycle
Design Stanislav Hanuš, Pavel Blata
Producer Blata, s.r.o., Blansko
Jury statement: The BLATA 125 motorcycle designed in three categories (Enduro, Motard, and City Bike) is aimed at young riders from the age of 16. It surpasses the existing global production of 125 cc motorcycles with modern and imaginative design that meets the demands of young riders and an original, well-thought-out construction solution. Compared to the top production of Japanese and European manufacturers, the structural advantages of this motorcycle play a significant role in gaining positions in global markets. The BLATA 125 motorcycle is a good example of quality Czech design and the engineering industry in our country.

TOM 5 Streeter Special Children’s Medical Stroller
Design Jiří Kotík
Producer Manufacturer PATRON Bohemia, s.r.o., Mělník
Jury statement: The TOM 5 Streeter stroller for disabled children represents a base type of a new generation of transport vehicles equipped with a rich range of functional accessories. The lightweight construction concept offers high dimensional and shape flexibility. The civil approach to design frees the user of this product from the stigma of being disabled.

Fuel Dispenser Stands Adamov V-line
Design Martin Tvarůžek
Producer ADAMOV – SYSTEMS, a.s., Adamov
Jury statement: The complete device built on a system of unified parts features a refined style of shape execution. The form-defining element of the profiled parts excellently combines functionality with aesthetic quality.

Irradiation Set TERABALT
Design David John / FaktumDesign
Producer: UJP Praha, a.s.
Jury statement: The technological solution of the Terabalt irradiation set represents a new modern generation in megavoltage cobalt radiotherapy. The generously shaped device possesses a bold emotional form that helps the operating personnel to present this medical technology
positively to the patient.

Good Design 2007

Compact Circuit Breaker Modeion BC 160 Series
Design Alexius Appl
Producer OEZ, s.r.o., Letohrad

Light Guide System LIGHTWAY CRYSTAL HP
Design Jakub Brandalík, Petr Lukšan
Producer Lightway, s.r.o., Prague

Machining Center H50
Design Ondřej Slováček
Producer TAJMAC-ZPS, a.s., Zlín-Malenovice

ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT
Design Design Department of ŠKODA AUTO, a.s., led by Jens Manske
Producer ŠKODA AUTO, a.s., Mladá Boleslav

Interior of Tram 14T for the Prague Public Transit Company
Design František Pelikán, Ladislav Müller, Jaroslav Kulhánek
Producer ŠKODA TRANSPORTATION, s.r.o., Plzeň

GSM Desktop Phone GDP – 04
Design Jan Tuček
Producer JabloCOM, s.r.o., Jablonec nad Nisou

Sterilizer STERIVAP®HP
Design Petr Šebela
Producer BMT, a.s., Brno

Multi-Spindle Turning Automatic MORI-SAY TMZ 642 CNC
Design Miloslav Hirš
Producer TAJMAC – ZPS, a.s., Zlín-Malenovice

Series of Portal Machining Centers FVC 100-160
Portal Machining Center FVC 120 CNC Kyklop
Design František Pelikán, Libor Bělohoubek – construction cooperation
Producer STROJÍRNA TYC, s.r.o., Mýto

Series of Tractors Zetor Forterra
Design Petr Dubjak, Jaroslav Vašulín, Stanislav Klíma
Producer ZETOR TRACTORS, a.s., Brno

Machining Center MCU630V-5X
Design Filip Fremer, Jan Hrbek
Producer KOVOSVIT MAS, a.s., Sezimovo Ústí

Multi-Functional Terminal AVJH
Design Michal Horáček (Exact technology)
Producer Manufacturer Mikroelektronika, spol s r.o., Vysoké Mýto

Special Awards:

Award for Significant Contribution to the Development of Design
The Design Center of the Czech Republic awards the Award for Significant Contribution to the Development of Design to Professor Ing. Arch. František Crhák for significantly influencing several generations of industrial designers in Czechoslovakia through his lifelong systematic work as a university educator. The focus of his experimental activity lies in the area of general morphology. He was able to create a systematic artistic methodology of analytical thinking and the development of object forms and structures. He systematically developed it from elementary relationships of linear and planar elements through the profiling of rigid paper and metal kinetic structures to playful visual combinatorics. In addition, he taught spatial perspective representation, both in linear geometry and in the graphic perspective representation of specific industrial products.
He is the author of two successful textbook publications titled Space and Perspective and Artistic Geometry for Secondary Schools. Currently, he is preparing a summary of his findings in a book titled Continuity – the Relation of Geometry to Design Creation. He conducted his own design activity as a specific complement to his teaching work. These were always interesting creative tasks for him, by which he measured his ability to design the shape of a quality functional object depending on a specific assignment. He is the author of many successfully realized products for Tesla Valašské Meziříčí, Česká Zbrojovka in Uherský Brod, and other manufacturers.

Award for Journalism
The Award for Journalism was given to PhDr. Alena Adlerová for her lifelong merits in promoting quality design and artistic craftsmanship and for her tireless research and journalistic activities focused on 20th-century design. The expertise and professional refinement of Alena Adlerová have significantly and formatively influenced the development of opinions on the history of the field, which she convincingly demonstrated, especially in the fourth volume of the fundamental compendium of Czech art literature, titled History of Czech Visual Arts 1890-1938, in which she summarized the results of her lifelong research efforts.

Award for the Promotion of Design
The Design Center of the Czech Republic awards the Award for the Promotion of Design to Jana Pauly, who has significantly contributed to Czech industrial design in her role as the founder, head of the department, and chief curator of the Industrial Design Collection of the National Technical Museum in Prague. Thanks to her efforts, an extensive collection of industrial design of technical products was created at the NTM, which for the first time connected the traditionally purely technical and purely aesthetic museum interests in design within the Czech context. Jana Pauly led the department from its establishment in 1994 for the next ten years and continues to be active as its curator. Due to her conceptual foresight and high work performance, Jana Pauly, together with her colleagues, built a collection that today contains over 1000 inventory items, including original models, prototypes, sketches, technical drawings, competition results, student works, and the professional legacies of many designers. During this time, Pauly prepared an extensive series of professional exhibitions thematizing Czech products, manufacturers, and designers, as well as a large number of seminars and conferences on topics covering the history and current state of Czech industrial design. The extensive publication series From the History of Industrial Design, which Jana Pauly initiated within the NTM, documents the contributions of participants from previous conferences. Concurrently with this activity, Pauly also taught at the Technical University of Liberec.

Awards for Ecological Design 2007:
Light Guide System LIGHTWAY CRYSTAL HP
Design Jakub Brandalík, Petr Lukšan
Producer Lightway, s.r.o., Prague
Jury statement
The Lightway Crystal HP light guide system brings natural daylight into the interior spaces of buildings whose layout prevents direct penetration of light through the façade. These insulated interiors are thus illuminated during the day without any energy demands. The original shape and technical solution ensures the product's high efficiency even under poor lighting conditions.

Air-water Heat Pump
Design Martin Tvarůžek
Producer PZP KOMPLET a.s., Dobruška-Semechnice
Jury statement
The Design Center of the Czech Republic awards the Award for Ecological Design to PZP KOMPLET for a long-term consistent approach to the production of heat pumps and for the systemic application of design in the development of a new generation of air-water pumps. This qualitative step has not only strengthened the position of the Czech manufacturer in the domestic market but has also allowed it to significantly assert itself in Western European markets.

Awards for Managerial Achievement in the Field of Design 2007:
Visual Style and Packaging Design for NOVÉ VINAŘSTVÍ a.s., Měřín
Design Jindřich Dušek, Tono Stano, Marek Špalek
Client NOVÉ VINAŘSTVÍ, a.s., Měřín
Jury statement
In the collection of visual style and packaging design of Nové vinařství, a.s., the wine labels stand out prominently for their execution. They are of high artistic quality, appear noble, contemporary, and cultivated. Finally, a company emerges that pays appropriate attention and care to this issue. The bottles are complemented by a tasteful closure.

Nanospider
Design Alexius Appl
Producer ELMARCO, s.r.o., Liberec
Jury statement
The Award for Managerial Achievement in the Field of Design was awarded to the Nanospider™ project for successfully launching the production of textile nanofiber materials into industrial manufacturing. The implementation of this new and progressive technology, addressed with support from the attributes of the corporate style, is exceptional in the dimensions of the global market.

Special Children’s Medical Stroller TOM 5 Streeter
Design Jiří Kotík
Producer Manufacturer PATRON Bohemia, s.r.o., Mělník
Jury statement
The Design Center of the Czech Republic awards the Award for Managerial Achievement to PATRON Bohemia, s.r.o., for the development and realization of a unique strategic product based on a demanding, progressive, and highly humane concept. It is a stroller for disabled children TOM5 Streeter, which, through its technical, usability parameters and range of accessories, ranks into the highest class in its product category. The goal of bringing the design of this special stroller closer to contemporary designs for strollers for healthy children has also been successfully achieved.