When we are designing mission-critical equipment we really do listen to our customers. So it's them we should thank when we get recognised for product design excellence. And we've received lots of recognition recently with seven new awards so far this year for superior product design. These cover our new Video Speaker Microphone, TETRA radios and accessories, and even a novel consumer radio.

Our solutions were recognised by two global design awards programs: Red Dot and iF. These German-based organisations have recognised product design excellence for more than 50 years. In each competition, our solutions were among more than 5,000 submitted from organisations around the world.

“We’ve been very successful in design awards competitions because of our user-centred, purpose-built design approach,” said Chief Technology Office (CTO) Design Director LanTing Garra “We solve tough problems and big challenges for our customers with beautifully designed product solutions.”

We received awards for four solutions:

Si300/Si500 video speaker microphones (Red Dot award). Combining a body-worn video camera with a radio remote speaker microphone, the Si300/Si500 uses innovative design to reduce the number of devices first responders wear in the field. It features a high-resolution camera, rugged display and wireless connectivity that allows it to interact with other devices. The Si500 uses a simplified, touch-based user interface and serves as an applications platform.

MTP8000Ex TETRA two-way radio (Red Dot and iF awards). Built for the unique conditions present in firefighting, petroleum and other hazardous, explosion-prone environments, this series of TETRA radios was recognized for its ATEX-certified rugged design, which includes an ergonomic T-shaped form factor with a dual display (front and top) and textured push-to-talk button that makes use easier when wearing heavy gloves.

ATEX active noise-cancelling (ANC) remote speaker microphone (RSM) (Red Dot and iF awards). The ANC RSM provides enhanced audio with “wind porting” that allows a user’s voice to be heard while eliminating surrounding noise. It also features exaggerated controls that are easy to use while wearing protective gear and a rugged housing for emergency and volume controls, which are large for quick access but protected to avoid accidental activation or adjustment. The ATEX rating means it can be used in hazardous environments.

TALKABOUT T480 emergency radio for consumers (Red Dot and iF awards). The T480 includes a built-in flashlight, FM radio and weatherproof design in a device that allows families to get weather alerts and communicate during an emergency, power outage or mobile phone disruption.

These awards are the result of collaboration between the CTO and Products & Services, Garra explained. “Our products have been recognized in international design competitions for more than 20 years,” she said, “and close collaboration between the CTO and the Devices organization is a key factor in our success. Our partnership brings innovation to reality.”

Find out more about the Red Dot Awards here and the iF awards here.

Well done team and thank-you customers!

Danielle Doo is a Solutions Marketing Manager at Motorola Solutions.

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