Olivetti launches the first edition of Olivetti Design Contest, the industrial design contest addressing undergraduates of some of the most prestigious Italian academies and universities such as ISIA (Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche ) of Rome, RUFA (Rome University of Fine Arts), Domus Academy and NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) of Milan and Politecnico di Torino (DAD - Dipartimento di Architettura e Design).
The initiative renews the tradition of close attention paid to design, which Olivetti has promoted for over a century alongside innovation and experimentation, in the belief that beauty is a crucial driver for industry too. The great importance granted to the youngsters and the significant experiences of collaboration in industrial design evidence such commitment, together with the precious contribution made over the years by renowned artists and designers such as, for instance, Ettore Sottsass, Marcello Nizzoli, Mario Bellini, Michele De Lucchi and Jean-Michel Folon. Rooting itself in the Company’s traditions, the visual contest is inspired by the works of Giovanni Pintori, one of the most representative artists of the great illustration tradition of Olivetti.
The Contest intends to award the projects, submitted by March 1st , which will make an unprecedented contribution to the design of a cash register to be used in neighbourhood stores throughout Italy such as cafés, retailers and small grocery shops. In addition to integrating what is required by the current tax regulations, the cash register will have to be connected to the Internet to enable subsequent functional upgrades serving the supply of advanced services.
The projects will be evaluated by a jury made up of leading figures in the world of art and culture, who will also assess them according to their consistency with the value system that has always characterised Olivetti, i.e. focus on the customer, innovation, experience, excellence and pro-activity. The top three projects will be awarded money prize (worth 2,000 euros for the project ranking first, 1,500 euros for the second and 1,000 euros for the third). Participants (individuals or teams) shortlisted as finalists will also have the opportunity to contribute to the production of the prototypes of the designed products.
The 2016 Olivetti Design Contest application is available for download at the website www.olivetti.it and at all the partner websites.
Rome, 19 January 2016
