STRICTLY CLASSIFIED

Yes, actually, it’s under embargo, so I can’t tell you exactly what was the outcome of today’s Dutch Design Awards International Jury verdict day, but I will tell you how fun/funny/inspiring it was to actually be a fly on the wall today.

Today I had the immense privilege to sit with a motley band of design, literature, and fashion gurus for 8 hours asserting why they found certain ideas beautiful/functional/inventive/poetic – or not. While there was no blood shed, there were votes re-cast and minds changed … and then some! Thank goodness we had the politically practiced guidance of the chair, member of the Second Chamber, Mr Frans Timmermans. Tomorrow you’ll find out who the winners are in the categories of Product, Communication and Spatial Design as well as the Golden Eye and the RADO Young Designer of the Year. Many of the decisions were fairly tough given the quality of the entries, and it was very eye-opening to see how final conclusions were made. Arg! So frustrating not to be able to say anything more! But the one secret I will reveal is that the best way to diffuse situations where people have strong opposing opinions is laughter and teasing. It worked a treat today.

Come to the glass paned Greenhouse at the Stadhuisplein in Eindhoven and see the entries for yourself starting tomorrow. Entry is €3 and doors open at 11am. You can also vote for the People’s Choice (public award). For information on these finalists, click here.