LAKE FOREST, Calif.,
June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in
state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC)
systems, was recognized for design leadership and innovation
yesterday, when two of its most revolutionary IFEC solutions were
selected for International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA®).
Panasonic's Integrated Smart Monitor, a seatback hardware
solution, and Panasonic's neXperience (formerly called
"FlightPath"), an interactive passenger experience platform,
collected design awards in three categories.
The Integrated Smart Monitor, created with industrial design
firm Teague, earned a bronze IDEA in the transportation category
and a silver IDEA in design research. neXperience, conceived
with the assistance of design agency Artefact, was named a bronze
IDEA winner in the interactive product experiences category.
"We recognize that cutting edge technology alone does not make a
great product. Great products are equally dependent on great
design," said Paul Margis, Chief
Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "We take
design very seriously and are proud to have our efforts recognized.
To have two different solutions honored with IDEAs in the same year
is incredibly gratifying. It reinforces our commitment to
creating the best possible IFEC solutions for our customers."
Established in 1980, the IDEAs are sponsored by the Industrial
Designers Society of America (IDSA) to recognize the most
groundbreaking concepts in products, ecodesign, interaction design,
packaging, strategy, research and concepts. Entries are
judged on innovation, benefit, aesthetics, usability and design
strategy.
The Integrated Smart Monitor, now in production, is the airline
industry's first fully integrated IFEC seat solution, in which the
smart monitor and passenger seat are purpose-built for one another.
Unlike other IFEC systems, which often require customization
to the seats, the monitors or both, Panasonic's Integrated Smart
Monitor was designed holistically to address the seat-IFEC
challenge from scratch. Collaborating with Teague and seat
vendor Weber Aircraft, Panasonic worked from the ground up to
create an integrated IFEC solution that would eliminate the weight,
space and power draw issues that previously led airlines to resist
seatback IFEC solutions for economy class. The result was a
next-generation, touch-screen monitor seamlessly integrated with an
ultra-thin, lightweight economy seat that transforms the passenger
experience.
"We set the standard in collaboration and design," said Marshal
H. Perlman, Director, Product
Management at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Other IFEC
suppliers are now following suit because we've demonstrated that
everyone wins when we design a solution with the passenger – and
airlines – in mind."
Panasonic neXperience, a concept interactive business platform,
works with the aircraft's IFEC system to offer an event-driven,
location-aware and content-rich seatback environment.
Content, including in-flight promotional offers and
newsfeeds, can be customized to each passenger's preferences, and
is presented within a visual in-flight timeline to the destination.
For airlines, neXperience can offer new revenue opportunities,
particularly when coupled with real-time broadband connectivity.
For example, passengers can receive targeted advertising and
shopping opportunities, based on location, destination, activity or
preferences.
"neXperience keeps passengers engaged, improves the workflow for
the cabin crew and offers enhanced revenue or branding
opportunities for airlines," said Steve
Gladstone, Director, Product Management at Panasonic
Avionics Corporation. "It is the ultimate in-flight
application."
IDEA was formerly known as the Industrial Design Excellence
Awards. The name changed in 2007 to emphasize the
international reach and influence of the competition. IDEA is
co-sponsored by Fast Company and IDSA.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier
of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The
company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional
maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling
airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich
variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality
communication systems and solutions, and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S.
corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of
North America, the principal North
American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
Headquartered in Lake Forest,
California with over 2,600 employees and operations in 50
locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and
provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional
information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.
SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation