Smart Washing Machine Design – 2026 iF Design Award for a joint project by Vestel and KURZ
Fürth/Germany, May 27, 2026: The Vestel NEXT Washing Machine concept by the Turkish electronic appliance manufacturer Vestel, developed with the support of surface decoration specialist LEONHARD KURZ, is one of this year's winners of the iF Design Award 2026. The jury honored the concept in the Product Design | Household Appliances category, recognizing the interplay of design, operating concept and material strategy.
Household appliances rethought: intelligent, reduced, integrated
The NEXT Washing Machine blends seamlessly into modern living environments. The design of this washing machine concept is clear, minimalist and creates a purist overall effect. The focus is on the idea of largely automated operation, which could make everyday life easier for users: Integrated sensors in the concept record parameters such as weight, type of textile, color and degree of soiling of the laundry and thus form the basis for an intelligently controlled washing process.
A characteristic feature is the design of the front of the appliance for intuitive operation: When not in use, it appears as a closed, homogeneous surface. Control elements are only displayed when activated. An integrated touch display with a hidden-til-lit surface and program-specific ambient lighting make controls and information visible depending on the usage situation.
Surfaces for decorative and functional applications
KURZ contributed its expertise in decorative and functional surface technologies to the project. Processes such as hot stamping and In-Mold Decoration (IMD) were used. The innovative thin-film technology enables a particularly thin material thickness without compromising the recyclability or durability of the product. It reduces the installation depth, creates a seamless surface without physical buttons and thus reduces both the number of production steps and the number of individual components. At the same time, decor and sensor technology can also be realized on recycled materials. With these applications, even complex design requirements can be implemented cost-efficiently and as industrial mass production. This results in different design options - from series solutions to individualized variants. Integrated PolyTC® touch sensors also enable a seamless capacitive user interface without visible operating elements.
Sustainable approach thanks to mono-material concept
Aspects of recyclability were also taken into account during development. The mono-material design ensures that the materials used are separated and processed according to type, thereby improving recyclability. Efficient production processes such as the In-Mold Decoration process (IMD), which combines several process steps in a single work step, can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 70% compared to electroplating, for example. The application of the wafer-thin transfer products is dry and emission-free; it is also possible to use recyclates such as ocean bound plastic and bio-based materials. The result is an overall concept that combines design, functionality and environmental aspects.
“Winning the iF Design Award confirms our approach of combining innovative surface technologies with intuitive product design. The project demonstrates the importance of close collaboration between design and technology from the earliest stages of pre-development onward. For us, the focus is on creating clear perspectives for the home appliance industry of tomorrow. Visionary concepts emerge through close collaboration with our partners. Together, we develop solutions that seamlessly integrate innovative technologies and intelligent functionalities into product designs aligned with our customers’ visions – while taking a holistic approach to design and materiality,” emphasizes Raimund Fritsch, Head of Business Area Plastic Decoration Sales & Marketing, LEONHARD KURZ.
About the iF Design Award
The iF Design Award is one of the most internationally established design awards. It has been awarded annually by iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hanover since 1954. An independent jury evaluates submissions from all over the world on the basis of criteria such as idea, form, function and sustainability. Design achievements in various disciplines are honored, including product design, communication, packaging, architecture and user experience.
