With its Force 10 ski poles, the intention of Swix has been to develop the world’s best ski poles for cross-country racing. Attention has been given to ergonomics, aerodynamic shape, strength, stiffness and low weight. The product’s graphic design shall accentuate its innovative elements at the same time as the manufacturer’s name must be highly visible during television broadcasts of skiing from competitions.

The jury’s verdict:
With the launch of its Force 10 ski poles, Swix has succeeded in developing an innovative ski pole that represents an improvement on its competitors’ efforts, both in terms of weight, strength, ergonomics, wind resistance and movement. While traditional ski poles are made from round tubing, Force 10 ski poles have a wing-shaped profile that reduces wind resistance. The pole’s ergonomic grip provides good balance and transfer of power, and the pole is extremely lightweight, which means less loss of energy. Force 10 has a visual expression that signalises a sense of uncompromising aggressiveness and technology, which is highly important for professional sports equipment. The product’s graphic design harmonises well with the pole’s shape, and the use of colour signalises that this is a pole from Swix.

Nominated for the Honours Award for Design Excellence

Company: Swix Sport AS

Project group company: Per Erik Vold (Project Engineer) and Svein Pedersen (Category Product Manager)www.swixsport.co

Design: Formel Industridesign AS

Project group design company: Geir Eide and Sigbjørn Windingstadwww.formel.no

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2007

Category: Industrial design