Product Reports 2004.

The article discusses issues related to a well-designed product. The aim of designers at the company Record is to feature products that are useful, timeless, and address a problem in a new way. This tireless group donates a day from their busy schedules to pore over product submissions, images, and samples, to find products that answer a well known or recently created demand in the market. Products are chosen not only for their aesthetics, but also for their sustainability, durability, ease of maintenance, and a range of other qualities that push them a step beyond the standard. The jury has a different relationship with the product manufacturers than our editors do, and while lead times, customer service, and price points are not part of the criteria for judging, the jury can't help but let these issues factor into their choices. INSET: Our 2004 Product Reports Jury.