Modern Atlanta

Last November, the Design Management Europe (DME) Award was presented at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany. Three Flemish companies were selected among more than 140 entrants from all over Europe. Dark and Extremis took first and second place in the “small business” category, respectively. Jaga received an honorable mention from the specialist panel in the “large business” category.

With these three success stories, Flanders has actually stolen a march on traditional “design” countries such as Italy and the Netherlands. The Flemish design industry has now gained European recognition of its coming of age.

The DME Award designmanagementeurope.com

The DME Award is not allocated to individual products; it rewards the drive and application of business managers who are willing to employ design as a strategic tool. Indeed, design has become an important factor for economic growth. European policy also sees innovation, creativity and design as the prerequisites for a healthy, competitive economy. Consequently, the panel looked at the hard figures—the quantifiable operating results. Turnover and growth were among the deciding factors. Prizes are awarded in six categories, four according to business size, plus “newcomers” and “non-profit.” The DME Award is an initiative of the Design Management Europe Network. This European research project uses case studies to assess the current state of affairs and aims to set up guidelines for the use of design in European SMEs. Design Flanders, along with Design Region Kortrijk, is an important partner in the DME Network.

Dark Design

The three winners in each category demonstrate excellent design management, and serve as examples of European businesses worthy of repetition.

Behind the winning Flemish companies, there are strong personalities, business managers with a clear-cut vision of design. For example, lighting company Dark has shown that success can be obtained without compromising on originality. Business manager Marnick Smessaert aims to set the trends, and, in order to do, does not shirk a calculated risk or a decision based on “gut feeling.” http://www.dark.be/

Extremis

For Extremis, the linchpin of the company is sustainable enterprise. Dirk Wynants sees companies as having social responsibility. Every new product must signify a valuable addition to the company’s existing range. Also, their “tools for togetherness” are designed to improve the quality of life and social cohesion of the end users. Learn more about Extremis by visiting Domus-Atlanta. http://extremis.be/

Jaga heatwave

Jan Kriekels also resolutely opts for a differentiation strategy; Jaga distances itself far from the competition with heart-warming and sensually stimulating radiators. The company also devotes a great deal of attention to the environmental aspect. http://jaga.be/

The three Flemish companies were represented at the prize-giving ceremony in Essen. After the ceremony, a travelling exhibition, in which all the winning companies illustrate their design strategies, opened in the Red Dot Design Museum. A “book of winners” is also published.