Taipei, May 15, 2008 (CENS)--International Forum Design (iF) of Germany, a globally renowned independent institution for its decisive mediating role between design and industry, will for the first time tie up with Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to jointly hold the first Computex Taipei Design & Innovation Award.

Computex Taipei is one of the world`s top-three information technology (IT) trade shows, according to organizer TAITRA. This year, a total of 143 products took part in the design competition and 17 entries have been short-listed as finalists, which will be announced on June 2.

The iF organizes many famous design competitions, including the so-called "Design Oscar"--iF Product Design Award every year. Ever since 1953 the name "iF" has stood for competent and reputable services involving the interface between design services and business. Six iF design competitions--including product design, communication design, material, packaging and concept (for students only), and iF Design Award China--have helped iF become one of the world`s biggest and best-known design centers. The iF seal of fine design quality has become an internationally recognized trademark, serving as a buyer guidance tool in the world`s markets.

Apart from its iF-series competitions, iF also organizes many projects under the "organized by iF" label by consulting on competition development and organization plus a range of issues involving design services and industry.

Product categories in the first Computex Taipei Design & Innovation Award include communication products, components & parts, computer systems, peripherals, data storage device/media, optoelectronic display product, and digital audio /video.

Many famous jurors were invited to select outstanding and innovative designs, including Christoph Boninger of Germany, a European design master who designed the world`s first notebook PC; James Irvine, globally famous industry designer, Kris Verstockt, managing director of Cre8 design; Hsieh Jun-ya, managing director of Duck Image Co., Ltd. etc.
(by Quincy Liang)