The URBANITE series of headphones was named "Winner" in the Entertainment category at the German Design Awards 2016, while the SP 10 ML / SP 20 ML Speakerphone series received the prize for best product in the Computer & Communication category.
Sennheiser's MOMENTUM Wireless headphones and EZX 70 Bluetooth headset received "Special Mention" commendations in the Lifestyle & Fashion and Computer & Communication categories respectively.
The highly respected German Design Award is the international premium prize of the German Design Council. The annual awards, judged by an international panel of industry experts, aim to discover, showcase and award unique and ground-breaking trends in communications and product design from around the world. For the 2016 German Design Award, there were 3,400 entries, more than half of which were submitted to be considered in the Excellent Product Design category.
Robust urban design
"A great product, impressive in both form and function", the jury stated as Sennheiser's URBANITE series took home the "Winner" award in the Entertainment category – a fitting award for a headphone that delivers a club-like experience on the move through its intense bass. Alongside big sound, the On-Ear model URBANITE and the Over-Ear variant URBANITE XL feature bold urban styling with colour-coordinated, fabric-covered headbands, premium stainless-steel hinges, a robust folding and sliding mechanism and super soft ear pads, combining great durability with maximum comfort. Sennheiser's URBANITE range was designed in collaboration with creative agency designaffairs.
An elegant user experience for effortless calls on the go
Winning the award for the Computer & Communication products, Sennheiser's SP 10 ML and SP 20 ML Speakerphone series lets business professionals easily make personal and small group conference calls using a PC or mobile/tablet device from any location. They deliver Sennheiser's renowned high-definition audio quality and superior voice clarity through a low-profile speakerphone with an iconic, eye-catching design. Designed in collaboration with agency Brandis Industrial Design, Sennheiser's SP 10 ML / SP 20 ML Speakerphone series pairs elegant looks with 'plug in and talk' simplicity.
Timeless design meets uncompromised performance
Sennheiser's MOMENTUM Wireless headphones received a 'Special Mention' in the Lifestyle & Fashion category for their design quality. Adding the freedom of wireless Bluetooth connectivity to Sennheiser's acclaimed MOMENTUM range, the foldable MOMENTUM Wireless combines uncompromised sound quality and pure, minimalist design. For excellent wearing comfort and timeless style, the MOMENTUM Wireless features lightweight stainless steel sliders, as well as genuine leather on their headband and soft earcups. Sennheiser's global design team designed the MOMENTUM Wireless in collaboration with Berlin-based nr21 DESIGN.
The perfect hands-free smartphone companion on the road
The Sennheiser EZX 70 Bluetooth® mono headset received another 'Special Mention' in the Computer & Communication category, which was won by Sennheiser's own SP10 / SP20. Designed in collaboration with Brandis Industrial Design, the slim and lightweight headset was created to be a perfect match for smartphones: it enables easy calls and safer conversation while driving and features HD voice and sound, voice prompts and A2DP streaming for enjoying mobile content in-between calls.
A Golden Year for Sennheiser
The German Design Award wins conclude a golden year for Sennheiser, and for the URBANITE in particular. The company also received prestigious Red Dot Awards in April for its SPORTS and RS headphone ranges as well as for the URBANITE series. The RS and URBANITE series also took home prizes for outstanding product design at the iF?Design Award in February.
Ralf Kittmann, Senior Design Manager at Sennheiser, notes that the accolades come at an important time in the company's history: "This year Sennheiser is celebrating its 70th anniversary. We have a proud history of continual innovation, of reimagining what is possible, and of tirelessly pushing for the highest performance, as well as the best build quality. Yet, technology needs to be complemented by design that delights and makes products fit perfectly into people's lives – matching their personalities and personal style. We are very proud to receive this recognition by the German Design Award as a reflection of our determination to continue to push boundaries."