Appliance Design - May 2008 - (Page 42)

IHHS HIGHLIGHTS ognition by Boomers that they aren’t going to live forever after all and they better fix a few things before they go.” In an online survey of more than 1,500 consumers, AIM found that 39 percent said “green” is very important to them. Another 39 percent said it was somewhat important and it “probably” should be more important to them; and 4 percent said it is “critical” to all of their decision-making. To address these concerns, exhibitors showcased a range of energy efficient, environmentally responsible products. The show, too, made an effort to educate the attendees of the extent of this new environmental consciousness. Show organizers scheduled 19 presentations by top product designers and consumer researchers and of those, 11 focused on green and sustainability, with topics ranging from embedding sustainable design into new products, corporate sustainability reporting and defining what consumers really want to know about “green” product production. JohnPaul Kusz of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise at the Illinois Institute of Technology, said in his presentation, Inventing a Sustainable Future, that “we can extend the design brief to include the engagement of the end user in a dialogue with the product and its maker that creates a relationship of shared responsibility and stewardship,” he says. “By doing so, we can move from simply designing artifacts to designing and developing comprehensive business and system models that bring more value to the brands we create.” Another element of an effective sustainability movement is cutting through the hype and zeroing in on what consumers want to hear as “green” becomes the buzzword of the early 21st century. Suzanne Shelton, CEO of the Shelton Group, produces “Energy Pulse,” a national consumer study on energy use, energy conservation and purchase propensities for green products and services. In its third year as of 2007, the survey has shown that while today’s consumers embrace the concept of green home products, they also believe “green” may have more to do with the color of money they’ll shell out than saving the planet. Shelton discussed “Cutting Through the Green Clutter – What Consumers Really Want to Hear.” The following is a sampling of the products — some patently green, some not, but all innovative — that were exhibited at the show. Next year, the 2009 International Home + Housewares Show is scheduled for March 22 - March 24 in Chicago.  Breville The die-cast 2-Slice and 4-Slice Smart Toasters feature a one-touch autolowering system that uses an internal microchip to lower the bread with a single touch. The die-cast Smart Toasters also feature Breville’s patented Lift and Look technology that allows the user to check on the bread without interrupting the toasting cycle. Additionally, the first ever “A Bit More” function adds 30 extra seconds to achieve browning perfection. In addition to the Intelligent one-touch, auto-lowering feature, which makes the system effective against jamming, the unit also has a toasting-progress lighted indicator and timer, and a variable browning control. The 4-Slice Smart Toaster also features dual, independent toast controls that allow each pair of slots to work independently and toast to different preferences. iCubed International The iWave Cube, is a 1 cu.ft. portable microwave that the company calls the world’s smallest portable microwave appliance. According to the company, it can be used in a number of places such as the bathroom to heat towels, paraffin waxes, lotions and more. In the bedroom, it can heat gel packs to soothe aches and pains, or heat that morning coffee or tea without a trip downstairs. It can be used where space is at a premium and features a built-in carry handle for easy handling. It plugs into standard outlets, measures 10 in. x 10.5 in. x 12 in. and weighs 12 lbs. The iWave Cube power rating is 600 W. 42 applianceDESIGN May 2008 www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

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Appliance Design - May 2008 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch New and Notable Displays & Indicators Elastomers Quality & Standards Indoor Air Quality IHHS Highlights New Products Classifieds Design Marts Advertiser’s Index Association Report: PSMA

Appliance Design - May 2008

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