Interdisciplinary cooperation receives distinction

Together with designer Ingo Aurin, Peter von Maydell, Professor of Interfacedesign at the University of the Arts Bremen, was recently awarded the German Design Award and the NY Product Design Award for the design of a children's accordion commissioned by HOHNER Musikinstrumente GmbH. The long-established company is particularly well known for its harmonicas. 

The children's accordion was developed for the four to seven age group. It is an outstanding example of interdisciplinary cooperation between the ‘Art and Design’ and ‘Music’ departments at the HfK Bremen. Prof. Barbara Stiller from the Music department and her team at the Institute for Musical Education in Childhood provided valuable expertise on both the ergonomic and musical aspects of playing the accordion. Children from the Amadeo music kindergarten were also involved as the direct target group. The result is the HOHNER XS, which weighs 2.9 kilograms, around 60 per cent less than standard models for children. Despite its light weight and compact size, the accordion has an excellent sound.

Its child-friendly ergonomics are particularly noteworthy: "The ergonomic back panel made of breathable material ensures the ideal distance from the body. The angle supports a natural wrist and elbow position – for healthy music-making right from the start," according to the NY Product Design Awards website. In addition to ergonomics and health aspects, other criteria included intuitive design, functionality and child-friendliness, sound, materials and sustainability.

The 44-member international jury of the German Design Awards presented the award in the category ‘Excellent Product Design / Sport, Outdoor Activities and Leisure’. They commented on the HOHNER XS as follows: "A characterful instrument that is specially designed to meet the needs of children: the HOHNER XS impresses with its ergonomic design and consistently user-friendly operation. The harmonious interplay of clear design language, modern materials and a well-thought-out carrying system creates a fascinating introduction to music. Particularly impressive is how functionality and design merge at a high level, enabling lasting enthusiasm for movement and music-making."