SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Sept. 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Although GadShaananDESIGN created the concept of the Spider Boot to protect soldiers, peacekeepers and civilians against land mines in difficult terrain, its next mission will be in a far more urban location: New York City.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1928
GadShaananDESIGN today announced that the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) selected the Spider Boot for inclusion in its upcoming "SAFE: Design Takes On Risk" exhibit, showing Oct. 16, 2005 through Jan. 2, 2006. This exhibition features approximately 300 products and prototypes designed to protect the body and mind from dangerous or stressful conditions, respond to emergency situations, ensure clarity of information, and provide a sense of comfort and safety.
The original Spider Boot design, created by GadShaananDESIGN on behalf of Med-Eng Systems, protects wearers' feet and legs against blast-type anti-personnel (AP) mines. It can be worn in difficult terrains during reconnaissance, detection and removal, and victim-assistance operations. Several NATO and other military organizations, as well as international humanitarian demining agencies have issued the Spider Boot to personnel for use in operations.
"We are particularly proud of the Spider Boot and thankful to receive acknowledgment from MoMA," said Gad Shaanan, chief executive officer, GadShaananDESIGN. "It illustrates how our firm follows the 'inventing opportunities' approach to design. When Med-Eng asked us to assist in finding a solution, we saw the opportunity to invent a product that furthered Med-Eng's mission, while alleviating certain tragedies of war and conflict. We adopted the physical principles by Med-Eng relating to the blast threat and invented a device that makes obvious sense and saves lives."
"We recognize GadShaananDESIGN for innovating the Spider Boot and designing it to be remarkably simple, yet thoroughly effective," said Dr. Aris Makris, CTO, Med-Eng Systems, the world leader in the research, design and manufacture of personal protective systems. "By applying our knowledge of blast physics, materials and protective equipment design, GadShaananDESIGN conceived the Spider Boot to elevate the foot from the blast to disperse blast energy and deflect fragments from the wearer's foot. Residual blast energy and fragments are absorbed by the hull, greatly reducing risk of injury, amputation or death."
About GadShaananDESIGN
GadShaananDESIGN is an international, full-service marketing research, analysis and product development firm with offices in California and Montreal. The company specializes in developing customized marketing strategies for specific client needs. Its unique data analysis framework, Inventing Opportunities, converts research data into actionable product positioning and design strategies. Its diverse portfolio of clients include Amtrak, Copco, Hoover, HP Hughes, IBM, Kyocera, LifeScan, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Sunbeam, Qualcomm, Verizon, Wahl and other FORTUNE 500 companies. Since its inception in 1981, the firm has won numerous awards for industrial design and product innovation. Visit www.inventingopportunities.com for company information.
Photo is also available at NewsCom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
