Design Distinction

Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages Interlocking Pods

Johnson & Johnson earned a nod for its "pods," which contain the complete line of Band-Aids, sorted and sub-divided for easy access, and meant to be restocked rather than discarded. Smith loved the idea of improving something as simple and common as Band-Aids. "iPhones and beer and Ping-Pong paddles are luxury items," he said, "but Band-Aids are a first-aid product that everyone needs in their homes, and that elevates them above a purely beautiful object. Just to be able to find the actual Band-Aid you're looking for is a huge deal." The jurors were especially impressed by the product's reusability, recyclability, and utility (the pods can be divided and stored individually as needed). "It's a huge improvement," Smith said.

Design Johnson & Johnson (New York): Elysha Huntington and Elan Cole,
designers; Chris Hacker, principal
Materials Injection-molded polypropylene, paper
Software SolidWorks