Playworld's PlayForm 7 Is a Top IDSA International Design Excellence Award(R) (IDEA(R)) 2016 Winner

LEWISBURG, PA--(Marketwired - Jul 7, 2016) -  Playworld, a leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer committed to saving outdoor unstructured play, has been named a top winner in the 36th annual International Design Excellence Awards® (IDEA®) conducted by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). PlayForm 7 is among more than 1,700 designs projects from 30-plus countries that competed in IDEA 2016.

PlayForm 7 is a piece of play sculpture designed to get people thinking, talking, sharing ideas and engaging in outdoor spaces in new and meaningful ways. It incorporates a unique play experience with the appeal of art.

"It is an incredible honor having PlayForm 7 recognized by our peers in the world of design," said Michael Laris, chief product officer for Playworld. "It's critical that the playground equipment industry further its efforts in designing aesthetically pleasing, evocative structures that support open ended play and deliver an experience of wonder for the whole community. Because, play unites us. We're beyond excited for the recognition PlayForm 7 is receiving."

The visually appealing PlayForm 7 provides a strong design impact and is inspired by landscapes with peaks and valleys, inviting exploration. It offers tactile, sensory and motion play experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Hammock-style areas are perfect for rest and relaxation and an open design allows access from every angle and supports over 60 kids at a time.

Jury Chair Cameron Campbell, IDSA, led a team of global design experts to judge more than 600 finalists from June 3 to 6 at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. The panel declared 26 Gold; 47 Silver; and 63 Bronze IDEA winners. "I value the critical discussions with my peers from diverse disciplines in defining the best of design," said Campbell.

Whether or not PlayForm 7 won Gold or Silver will be revealed on August 17 in a grand IDEA 2016 ceremony at The Henry Ford Museum. Several other awards will be announced during the ceremony including People Choice's (voting is open through August 12, 2016) and Best in Show. A selection of IDEA 2016 winners will be showcased in an exhibit that opens July 11 at the museum. IDEA 2016 winners span a wide range of 21 categories such as social impact; medical and scientific innovations; transportation; home and garden; office; personal accessories; children's products; sporting goods; and much more.

IDSA Board of Directors Chair John Barratt hails the competition as "the authority on design," showcasing new designs in products that are used every day, and products featuring first-of-a-kind innovations.

About Playworld
Playworld believes The World Needs Play^®. Play is vital to everyone's health and well-being. It's something you are never too young or too old to enjoy. We develop playground environments where creativity is king, belly laughs are welcome and children make the rules. Playworld equipment is designed to unleash the transformational power of play so bodies grow stronger and imagination can take flight. For 45 years, Playworld has created innovative, inclusive and meaningful outdoor play experiences for all ages and abilities. Come play with us.

About IDSA
Founded in 1965, the nonprofit IDSA is one of the oldest and largest membership associations for industrial design professionals, with thousands of members in dozens of Professional Chapters, Student Chapters and Special Interest Sections in the United States and internationally. IDSA sponsors IDEA®, the world's most prestigious and rigorous design competition. The Society hosts events including an annual International Design Conference, five District Design Conferences and a Medical Design Conference -- bringing together some of the biggest names and brightest minds in industrial design and related fields. Global outreach includes designUpdate and designBytes e-newsletters; INNOVATION magazine; and the Yearbook of Design Excellence featuring IDEA, IDSA Award and Student Merit Award winners. IDSA Ambassadors support and promote industrial design with research and thought leadership.