• DI 10 Retrospective
  
  

• Latest DI Mag out Now
  
  

• The Ultimate Guide to Local Designers out now!
  
  

Condom Applicator comes first

Roelf Mulder of  …XYZ Design, a Cape Town product design consultancy, designed the applicator.

The judge was Jurgen Bey, a leading Dutch product designer and a speaker at the Design Indaba Conference  (21-23 February) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The condom applicator has been described by Design Indaba Expo curator Bernard George Smith, of the CSIR in Pretoria, as "one of those rare products that bridges the divide between social, cultural, economic and international barriers by solving a problem common to all. (it is) a small product that could have one of the biggest impacts on our social, cultural and economic future."

Designer Roelf Mulder said, when the curator panel first selected the applicator: "It has taken years of work to develop this product and I am really gratified that it has been chosen. Many people have been enthusiastic about the idea, but developing a design that fulfils all criteria and attracts investors has been a lonely road.

"This accolade reflects a mature response to design – it acknowledges that not only the physical appearance of a product is important, but also takes into account its social and economic potential.  These are all vital parts of the mix that add up to a beautiful product."

The initial design for the condom applicator is already in production, and Mulder is confident that the second, more refined model – which will be on display and demonstrated at the Expo by an anti-Aids educational forum - will shortly also receive financial backing.

The retail price is R28-R30 for a package of three condoms and applicators.

The condom applicator is one of 15 objects exhibited in the central area of the Expo, carrying Department of Arts and Culture branding.

Expo content manager Lauren Shantall explains: "A high-profile curator panel made up of leading South African designers, critics, stylists and editors evaluates all exhibitors before they may show their designs at the Expo. Each curator was asked to name the particular object at the Expo they considered the most beautiful."

At   least 112 top retail buyers – 66 from overseas – will enjoy a private morning viewing of the Expo tomorrow (Friday).  They will be sourcing stunning SA furniture, lighting, jewellery, fashion, ceramics and other products for their stores.

About 20 000 members of the public are also expected to view and buy local designs at the Expo.

Expo public opening hours are: Friday 23 February  (11:00 – 20:00); Saturday 24 February (10:00 – 19:00) and Sunday 25 February (10:00 – 18:00).

No pre-booking is necessary. Tickets will be available at the door at a cost of
R40 for adults, R20 for students and pensioners, R15 for children under 18, while children under five enter free of charge.

To view and download an image of the condom applicator sees:http://www.designindaba.com/media/mboisa.htm

For further information: