METS is the world's largest trade fair for boat accessories of all kinds and is open exclusively to trade visitors. This year, 58 products made it to the final round of the 33rd edition of the DAME Design Awards.
Nominated products for the DAME Award 2024
The nominations cover a broad spectrum, ranging from AI-supported regatta autopilots, life jackets and an innovative marking balloon to new deck coverings and deck fittings. As a rule, the products are innovations that are only presented at the trade fair. The information available in advance is therefore limited. We have worked through the already published list of nominees and compiled the 12 most exciting new products. Whether our selection matches that of the jury will be revealed on 19 November. The winners are traditionally announced on the first day of the fair.
The official selection process
Manufacturers can usually register their new products for the DAME Award at the beginning of September for a fee of 150 euros. A jury of designers and industry experts then assesses the products according to the following criteria:
- Styling - the aesthetics of the product, even if it is to be installed in a hidden location such as a cupboard or machine room.
- Construction - how well a product has been designed and manufactured to facilitate production and installation.
- Functionality - the ability of the product to fulfil its purpose effectively.
- Intended use - how the product fulfils the advertising promise.
- Environment - how well the product minimises the impact on the environment and improves sustainability.
- Ease of use - how intuitive and safe the product is to use.
The selection process is multi-stage and mainly takes place online, with the final review taking two days. This year, a total of 114 new products were registered, 58 of which were selected for nomination. The winner of the DAME Design Award will be selected from the nominees. The winners of the eight DAME categories and the winner of the Environmental Design Award will also be chosen.
These are the categories of the DAME Award
The winners are selected from nominated products in the following categories:
- Personal equipment
- Comfort & entertainment
- Navigation & Communication
- Electronic & electrical systems
- Drive & dynamics
- Equipment on deck
- Safety & protection
- Shore-side equipment & materials
In addition, an environmental design prize will be awarded if an exemplary product is found that demonstrates clear benefits in terms of environmental impact.
The jury of the DAME Award
The majority of the jury are renowned yacht designers, many of whom have been active at DAME for several years.
- Andre Hoek (Chair), yacht designer
- Olaf Bouwens, product designer
- Davide Cipriani, yacht designer
- Rory Coase, yacht designer
- Ben Stein, Editor
- Arjen Jansen, industrial designer
- Amy Munroe, sustainability consultant
- Olivier Racoupeau, yacht designer
- Klaus Roeder, yacht designer
