2nd DAME Award for Zhik
Australian sailwear manufacturer Zhik won its 2nd consecutive DAME Award at METS 2017. The prize goes to the Isotak X watch jacket, designed in partnership with the Dongfeng Race Team and Team Akzo Nobel for the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018. The equipment manufacturer's objective was to offer a unique jacket that adapts to all sailing conditions.
Comfort and modularity
Bart Milczarczyk, design manager at Zhik, insists on the 4 points developed by the team:
- Study of new joints for the neck and wrists in Reziseal, a material developed by Zhik for its waterproofness and durability
- A waterproof hood with a rigid polycarbonate visor for good sea and wind protection and optimum visibility when sailing
- The modularity thanks to a system of zippers allowing to change hood and accessories according to the weather conditions
- Safety, through reflective strips positioned at strategic points of the human body for better location in low light conditions.
Innovate on a current product
The jury of the DAME Award was delighted with an innovation in a field that has already been the subject of many experiments. "This is an excellent example of how products that we all take for granted can be redesigned to provide a better user experience," the jurors rejoiced.
The Isotak X jacket is already sold in Australia and should be available in Europe in February 2018.
