The intelligent otoscope “Oto” convinces the Red Dot Jury

Designer Joe Slatter was able to convince the Red Dot Jury with his entry in the Red Dot Award: Product Design. He was one of the 50 young talents who were drawn by lot during the Young Professionals Application Day and thus received the chance to participate in the competition free of charge.

Interview with Young Professionals Application Day winner Joe Slatter

Oto’s designer Joe Slatter talks about the philosophy and challenges of designing medical devices. He shares his views on Oto’s key design elements, the influence of medical professionals on the project, and his excitement about the Red Dot Design Museum Essen.

Red Dot: What philosophies do you embrace when designing a project like Oto, which was awarded a Red Dot?

Joe Slatter: I tend to adopt a problem-first mindset, where I identify the project’s “enemies” (the core challenges that need to be addressed). These can range from broad issues, like Oto’s primary focus on tackling inaccurate ear infection diagnoses and the subsequent impact on antibiotic resistance, to more granular obstacles such as incorrect handling of the device or difficulties in uploading observations onto patient notes. By breaking the problems down into smaller components, I’m able to think broadly about the solutions rather than rushing into preconceived design outcomes.

How has participating in the Red Dot Award: Product Design influenced your career as a young professional?

Participating in the Red Dot Award has been an honour, especially going through the Young Professionals' program, it levels the playing field between emerging designers like myself and established international companies.

What were your thoughts on the Red Dot Design Museum when you came for the award ceremony?

I was incredibly impressed by the care and attention to detail that had gone in behind the scenes of all the products on display in the museum. This was my first visit, and in contrast to other large design expos where I often feel overwhelmed by the consumerist need to produce more and more stuff, the atmosphere at the Red Dot Museum left me feeling uplifted and inspired. It was clear that the large number of design teams that had invested significant time, effort, and attention into each product was fantastic to see.

The full interview can be downloaded in the attachment.

Save the Date: Young Professionals Application Day on 27 November 2024

The 2024 Young Professionals Application Day is just around the corner. On 27 November, young designers will have 24 hours to enter a draw for one of 50 free registration spots for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025.

Eligible participants are designers who graduated no more than five years ago, with products that have been or will be manufactured in an industrial production process. The product must have been launched between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2025. To enter the draw, a brief product description, up to five images of the product, and a scan of the degree certificate are required.

The selected talents will have their products evaluated by the Red Dot Jury. If awarded, they will receive the extensive benefits of the Winner Package “Regular”, which will communicate their success in the award on an international scale – free of charge.

The application portal will open at midnight on 27 November for 24 hours. Interested individuals should mark the date and seize this unique opportunity to advance their careers as Young Professionals.

Further information: www.red-dot.org/ypad