Judges' Comment
We have received comments from the judges after the screening. Please take a look.
Masayuki Fujii
I saw many interesting ideas this time. Among them, we focused on ideas that made the most of the characteristics of iron and that would become attached to the product as it is used for a long time. Unfortunately, among the entries that were not selected for the award, there were many that I would like to realize after further refinement. If you have an idea that you think is too good to be left as it is, we may be able to discuss it directly with the manufacturer.
Miyuki Tamai
This year's AWARD was for designs using the new STEEL value material, ARTSTEEL, and many designs were submitted under the theme of "Wabi Sabi" and we were able to see a very wide range of ideas.
Overall, many of the entries were unique in their themes of attachment and change, due to the characteristics of ARTSTEEL. Among them, the three award-winning works this time were all different in their approaches and created original value.
There were many interesting ideas, but I wanted them to be realized in the real world and sincerely appreciated by people, so this time I deliberately focused on two important points: "Does the idea add value to people's lives?
Nevertheless, I felt that many of the ideas that did not win awards this year could be realized by brushing up and expanding the possibilities of ARTSTEEL.
Takahiro Shibata
This year's "AWARD" attracted a greater number of entries than expected, regardless of age, gender, or national borders. This is surely an indication that "ARTSTEEL" is a unique material that stimulates creators' imagination and has further possibilities. The judging process this time included the following questions: "Does it make the best use of the material's characteristics? Does the idea add value to people's lives? I personally was also asked to consider the weight of the product. Personally, I also considered the weight of the product as a key point in the judging. This may sound a bit negative, but steel is inevitably heavier than wood and other materials, no matter what you make. As a consumer, not just a juror, I thought this was a point of view that I could not miss when proposing the incorporation of iron into our daily lives through FRONT's products. Personally, I was impressed by the "Sabichari," which won the Special Award. I thought it was a wonderful idea to lead to a positive solution to a social issue that is hidden in our daily lives. Overall, I would have liked to see more designs like "Sabichari" that have an attitude of social engagement and social significance.
Masaki Oda
I particularly valued the perspective of how the material ARTSTEEL can enrich the lives of consumers. There were many new discoveries that I could not have come up with on my own. This time, I especially felt the influence of the demerits as well as the merits of the materials. Even if the concept and design were good, when I imagined how consumers would use them, one disadvantage inevitably bothered me in some ideas. Among them, we evaluated ideas that were well-balanced and would enrich our lives and minds.
