red dot gala 2024 at the aalto theater in essen
The Red Dot Design Award Gala on June 24, 2024, brought together international design luminaries in Essen, Germany, to celebrate the year’s best in product design. The event kicked off at the Aalto Theatre, followed by an after-show party at the Red Dot Design Museum, located on the site of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. Chief designers from renowned global brands like Fiskars, Hilti, Ducati, Philips, LIXIL, Thule, and Logitech attended the event, honoring exceptional design and their creators.
the Red Dot Gala on June 24, 2024, celebrates the best in product design | all images courtesy of Red Dot
a trophy for the best of the best
Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award (see more here) is one of the most esteemed accolades in the design industry, recognized globally as a mark of quality and innovation. The award is divided into three competitions: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept. Each year, these document and celebrate the most prominent trends worldwide, showcasing the best of the best.
The 2024 Gala welcomed around 1,300 guests, celebrating manufacturers and designers from 20 nations which were delighted to receive the special honor of the Red Dot Trophy. The event was highlighted by the ‘In-Between’ performance from the Aalto Ballet and speeches from notable figures like Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot, and Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen. The after-show party at the Red Dot Design Museum featured exhibitions of award-winning products, live DJ performances, and a 50 meter long display of exclusive vehicles like the Ferrari Roma Spider and Ducati Diavel V4, creating an special evening of design and culture.
exclusively for the night, award-winning vehicles from all classes were presented
red dot: design team of the year 2024
The pinnacle of the ceremony was the recognition of the Thule Design Team as the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2024. This honor reflects Thule’s dedication to functional design and a deep understanding of customer needs. Founded in 1942 in Hillerstorp, Sweden, the company has evolved from producing fishing gear to becoming a global leader in outdoor products, including sports and cargo carriers.
Thule’s design identity, deeply rooted in their Småland origins and known for a profound connection to nature, encourages users to embrace their passions, whether it’s skiing, biking, running, or simply living life to the fullest. The company’s commitment to consumer-centric design has earned Thule numerous accolades since their debut in the Red Dot Design Award in 2011, winning distinctions for products ranging from backpacks to strollers.
Thule wins Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2024
Guests of the Red Dot Gala 2024 had the opportunity to explore the special exhibition ‘Thule Design Team – Designing for an active life,’ curated by the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year. This exhibition provides insights into the team’s work and the company’s products and will be open until September 15, 2024.
The ‘Milestones in Contemporary Design’ and ‘Design on Stage’ displays showcase the award-winning products of 2024, along with 1,500 other designs on five floors of the Red Dot Museum. They will remain open to the public until June 1, 2025, offering a comprehensive view of the best in contemporary design.
Thule Outset Towbar mounted tent
Thule Elm toddler car seat
Thule Allax car dog crate
Red Dot’s Best of the Best: Thule Urban Glide 4-wheel all-terrain stroller
previous participants:
A’ DESIGN AWARD AND COMPETITION / ALF DAFRÈ / ANTONIOLUPI / ANTRAX IT / AXOR / BLOOMBERG CONNECTS / BMW / BROSS / CORIAN® / DASSAULT SYSTEMES / DE VORM / DOIMO CUCINE / GOOD DESIGN AWARD / EFFE PERFECT WELLNESS / ETHIMO / FLEXFORM / FLORIM / FRIEDMAN BENDA / GAGGENAU / GHIDINI1961 / HÄSTENS / iF DESIGN AWARD / IRIS CERAMICA GROUP / ISTITUTO MARANGONI / JCP UNIVERSE / LAPITEC / LASKASAS / LAUFEN / MINI / NATUZZI ITALIA / NEOLITH / NTCRI / OPPO / PEDRALI / PRADA / RESSENCE / SCHOTT CERAN / SHERPA WATCHES / TON / VITRA / VOLA / WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL VALENCIA
TO LEARN MORE about how to be featured in A WEEK WITH designboom, please contact <[email protected]>