residential fire extinguisher wins GOOD DESIGN good focus award 2019

the residential fire extinguisher by japanese disaster prevention brand + maffs has been awarded the 2019 GOOD DESIGN good focus award [disaster prevention & recovery design], which celebrates outstanding works designed for the prevention of and recovery from natural disasters. the concept behind the project centers around the phrase ‘take bosai (disaster preparedness) into your lifestyle’, with the aim of holistically integrating the device into the home. +maffs, a maker of firefighting equipment for 129 years, developed two new colors that defy convention and harmonize with a variety of living spaces, encouraging consumers to place the extinguisher out in the open to use quickly if needed. this fire prevention product unifies style and function.

image courtesy of morita miyata corporation

‘the simple modification of changing the color of the fire extinguisher to black and white is a big step forward in creating harmony with the living space,’ the GOOD DESIGN award 2019 jury evaluation states. ‘there has been a preconceived notion that fire extinguishers must be red in order to grab visual attention. I feel like we have just accepted fire extinguishers to be red because that is the way they are. maybe an innovation like this can happen in other areas. the fact that the development of this product could lead to changing many other preconceptions we have was another factor for the award.’

image courtesy of morita miyata corporation

+ maffs understands that in the event of an emergency, it is important to extinguish the fire as soon as possible. the minimal and attractive design of the residential fire extinguisher allows it to be placed in a visible place in the home, without the usual harsh ‘red’ color interrupting the home environment. also, users are asked to participate in the experience of entering the device’s expiration date on the accompanying ‘memory tag’, naturally raising disaster prevention awareness. consumers are prompted to enter the date of purchase and the date of expiry directly on the fire extinguisher’s body.

image courtesy of morita miyata corporation

home fire extinguisher exhibited at tokyo midtown hall
image © designboom

project info:

award-winning item: fire extinguisher [+ home fire extinguisher]
business owner: morita miyata corporation
category: 05-04 emergency supplies
company: morita miyata corporation (japan)
producer: ken kitazato, new business development division, morita miyata corporation
director: noriko shimizu, corporate department marketing division/ kana miki, new business development division, morita miyata corporation
designer: naho imajo, technical department fire protection division, morita miyata corporation
already on the market: 2019/1

the GOOD DESIGN award was founded in 1957 by the japanese ministry of international trade and industry and is hosted by the japan institute for design promotion. the ‘g mark’ emblem reflects comprehensive design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society.