UC-designed trampoline wins international award
05 July 2011
A trampoline designed by a University of Canterbury academic has been recognised in an international design competition.
Associate Professor Keith Alexander
A trampoline designed by a University of Canterbury academic has been recognised in an international design competition.
The Springfree Trampoline has been awarded a Silver International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) by the Industrial Designers Society of America.
The trampoline was designed by Associate Professor Keith Alexander (Mechanical Engineering). Launched in 2003, its aim is to prevent trampoline-related injuries by removing components of traditionally-designed trampolines that cause injury.
Professor Alexander said he was delighted by the recognition “because the IDEA competition is a celebration of the year’s most inventive and creative products”.
“This award reflects the innovative and revolutionary design of Springfree Trampoline and recognises many years of hard work and commitment by our team. Springfree Trampoline is the benchmark by which all other trampolines should be measured.”
Steven Holmes, President and CEO of Springfree Trampoline, said the company was “proud to stand alongside other 2011 IDEA award-winners, which include some of the world’s most established consumer product brands who have demonstrated innovation in their respective fields”.
“Innovative design is the foundation of our business and this award inspires us to constantly strive for new design solutions to keep families safe.”
The IDEA awards programme was set up by the designers’ society to foster business and public understanding about the impact of design excellence on the quality of life and the economy. The Springfree trampoline will join other winners on permanent display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan in the United States.
For more information please contact:
Associate Professor Keith Alexander
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2987 ext 7385
keith.alexander@canterbury.ac.nz
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