The German Design Council has crowned Schott’s Jade reading light as the 2021 winner of the Excellent Product Design award in the Aviation, Maritime and Railway category. It recognises Jade as a product that plays a “pioneering role within the international design landscape”.

The jury statement notes that the reading light stands out thanks to its “clear, minimalist design and intuitive user interface. The modern and contemporary design looks refined and promises a pleasant lighting atmosphere in the booth”.

Commenting on the accolade, Schott sales director of aviation & automotive Philip Fischer noted: “We feel very honoured that our Jade reading light has been recognised for its excellent product design by the German Design Council. I would like to congratulate the Schott Aviation seat lighting team, as well as our design partner PriestmanGoode on this fantastic achievement – a great recognition of our dedicated teamwork.”

PriestmanGoode director Ben Rowan added: “This award is testament to the value of collaboration. The Jade reading light is the result of a great partnership that has combined Schott’s expertise in speciality glass technology with PriestmanGoode’s expertise in designing user-focused, bespoke products for a wealth of clients in the transport industries. Congratulations to both teams for this great recognition.”

A blend of design and functionality

Jade is the first aviation light made from glass, bringing haptic and optical aesthetics to aircraft seats. Designed by PriestmanGoode, the integrated ambient light features a sleek glass cover that is as intuitive to use as a smartphone – and as easy and effective to clean, according to the manufacturer, Mainz, Germany-based Schott.

Modern sensor technology allows passengers to adjust light position and brightness by swiping. The light can be printed with any décor for unlimited design options. The light can be certified for all relevant aviation and OEM requirements.

Schott introduced the light earlier this year: instead of relying on bulky optical lenses for light transport, the product powers thin fiber-optic light guides with white LEDs. Thanks to the spatial separation of LED and light guides as well as the flexibility of fiber optics, Jade boasts a compact design of 0.5’’ installation depth, allowing for a strong integration into the seat and offering easy front installation and de-installation.

For more information visit schott.com