IBO’s 2016 Industrial Design Awards for lab equipment recognize nonanalytical systems, defined as products used in a laboratory that are electrical and are operational for at least one year. Due to the technologies’ maturity, lab equipment is often characterized by a standard industrial design, depending on the type of system. This year’s winners evolve the standard design of their respective equipment types, and provide an eye catching alternative for users that communicate key product features.

Gold Award

The winner of the 2016 Gold Award for lab equipment industrial design is Miele Professional’s Flex Series (available in four models) of undercounter glassware washers. Dimensions differ depending on the model. The smallest model, the PG 8583, measures 23.6 x 32.9 x 23.6 in ( 600 x 835 x 600 mm) with lid. Design features include a higher capacity than previous models, modular baskets that can be reconfigured depending on the type of glassware being washed, and an autoclose door.

The Flex Series is a further advancement of lab washer design. The products’ minimalist stainless steel exterior presents a sleek, modern appearance, communicating technical sophistication and approachability. Touch controls and a simple text display signal ease of use and efficiency.

As Deborah Ruriani, manager of Miele’s Project & Construction Business, told IBO, “By using a specific design, a product becomes a language, and can express attributes like hygiene, efficiency and intuitiveness, and thus emphasizes the product’s core functions.”

The industrial design made possible new capabilities for the company’s lab washers. “From a technical and physical perspective, the priorities were a new chamber concept offering higher capacity per cycle, and a new cleaning performance technology for better results,” said Ms. Ruriani. “Starting with the external appearance, one priority was the new design and the user interface.”

Ms. Ruriani explained that design models and concepts were tested early in development. ”Thus, we could analyze if the design really fits the requirements of the product users. As a result, the Flex Series features a very hygienic, clean and stringent design, while focusing the attention on the central element, which is the combination of door handle and controls.”

Product usage guided the industrial design. “When looking at our target applications, we are facing large quantities of laboratory glassware of different types, and finely tuned and fast work cycles,” said Ms. Ruriani. “It was essential to focus on an intuitive user interface, high capacity, flexibility, ergonomics and efficiency. Before Miele launched the Flex Series, several prototypes were installed by customers with the intention to let them evaluate the daily work with the new washers and the new accessories.”

Silver Award

The winner of the 2016 Silver Design Award for lab equipment is Xcell Biosciences’ Avatar System for controlling the microenviroments of cells, including hydrostatic pressure, oxygen, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. Consequently, it expands capabilities to culture samples.

The novel design visually signals the system’s new approach to cell growth and maintenance. The Avatar System offers a fresh update of standard incubators, utilizing a playful circular door configuration, glossy black finish, and bold shapes and color contrasts. The circular door slides up, and large digital displays provide a prominent read out of environmental conditions.

Designed by Juggernaut Design, the Avatar measures 13.5 x 13.1 x 12 in (34.3 x 33.3 x 30.5 cm) and weighs 63 lb (28.6 kg). It has a chamber capacity of 3.7 L.

According to Martin Pieprzyk, executive vice president at Xcell, “The priorities for the design were ease of use [and a] small stackable design, which enabled users to place the instruments into labs with limited space and cell culture hoods. We also focused on user friendly setup and installation, as well as a clean and modern design.”

Bronze Award

The Bronze Award winner of IBO’s 2016 Lab Equipment Design Awards is Sartorius’ arium mini ultrapure water system, which integrates the company’s Bagtank system. Measuring 11 x 20.1 x 20.9 in (280 x 509.4 x 530.7 mm) with an operating weight of 50.7 lb (23 kg), the arium is among the most compact lab water systems ever designed. The easy-to-use interface provides for a simple interaction, as the touch display can be operated with gloves on and a light pulsates during dispensing. The yellow line guides users to the interface, and the large screen promotes visibility.