The Dame Award has set a new record. The international jury nominated 67 products, which will be presented during the leading equipment trade fair in November.
This high level of participation emphasises the continued importance of the award for the maritime industry. The international jury, consisting of eleven leading design and user experts, had the challenging task of evaluating all submissions and selecting the nominees.
Focus on creativity and innovation
Following an initial online assessment, the Dame Award jury met in Amsterdam for a hands-on assessment and detailed discussions over two intensive days. From the 146 products submitted, the jury finally selected 67 nominated products - the highest number of nominated products since 2016.
Jury Vice President Patrick Hemp emphasised the positive development in the industry: "It has been a very intense but rewarding time, with encouraging product entries in all categories. The level of creativity and development on show was a clear indicator that the marine equipment sector is overcoming the challenges of the earlier part of this decade and returning its focus fully to improving the design of the products it supplies to boat builders and end users."
Dame Award for the first round chart plotter
The 4-inch touch display in a round format combines state-of-the-art technology with a stylish retro look and is currently the only round chart plotter on the market. As a fully-fledged all-in-one dashboard, the E360 Navigation charts, engine data and audio control in a single, compact device. With the E360, manufacturer LXNAV from Slovenia is redefining the requirements for modern marine electronics. The round touchscreen plotter is not only technically groundbreaking, but also a visual highlight. In contrast to conventional rectangular displays, its shape and elegant design create a striking accent on any dashboard. But its greatest trump card is its versatility: as the central control element, the E360 provides everything that modern boat owners expect - in a compact, tidy form. Focus on user-friendliness
The interface of the E360 is designed for intuitive operation - similar to modern smartphones and tablets. Important functions, settings and shortcuts can be accessed quickly via a structured menu. Even in choppy seas, the logical menu navigation ensures safe operation. In addition, the display can be customised - depending on requirements and personal preferences.
For conditions in which touch operation reaches its limits, LXNAV offers an optional jog wheel. This allows the E360 to be controlled reliably even in rough seas or from the helm - with a simple turning movement and click function. A useful addition that increases operating comfort and precision.
Jury of eleven experts at the Dame Award
This year's international Dame Award jury consisted of eleven leading design and user experts with a wide range of perspectives covering key activities in the leisure boating and superyacht sectors. From Germany, designer and valuer Klaus Roeder was present. For the second year running, a visiting student was part of the jury - this year recently graduated product designer Scarlett Harris. Alexandra Foineau Oakley, who benefits from her broad experience in equipment sales, manufacturing and boat product management, also strengthened the jury's expertise.
The Dame Design Awards recognise the need for a holistic approach to design in the development of marine equipment, from aesthetics to functionality, from integration to packaging, and from price efficiency to life cycle management. The Dame Award promotes continuous improvement and allows Mets exhibitors from around the world to have their efforts evaluated by experts and benchmarked against the market.
This year's participation fees for the Dame Design Awards will be donated to the Ocean Conservation Trust, a global charity organisation dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine nature.
