Seiko Epson Corporation has been named Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026, recognized for its design work across printing solutions, projectors, industrial robotics, and wearable and sensing technologies. The company said that it is only the second Japanese company to receive this honor since 2000 when Sony received the honor.
The title, awarded annually since 1988 as part of the Red Dot Award: Product Design, goes to a design team that “demonstrates exceptional innovative strength, creative excellence and outstanding design quality.” With the recognition, Epson Design joins the Red Dot Hall of Fame alongside Ferrari, Logitech, and BRP.
“With exceptional clarity and consistency, Epson has created a remarkably broad portfolio and translates technological innovation with great assurance into accessible, human-centred solutions – precise and carefully composed in their expression,” said Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot.
“The design approach is defined by a strong sense of harmony – between form and function and between technological precision and user experience. Driven by a strategically embedded design culture, this results in internationally successful products with a clear identity. The title ‘Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026’ recognises this outstanding achievement. Congratulations to the whole team.”
The company traces its design approach to its origins in Japan’s Shinshu region, now known as Nagano Prefecture, where a tradition of precision engineering and watchmaking shaped its commitment to accuracy and technological innovation.
“Culturally, our roots lie in the Shinshu region, where a beautiful yet harsh natural environment has fostered an awareness of careful resource use and the importance of balance with the surrounding environment,” said Tetsu Nakayama, Design Strategy Manager, Seiko Epson Corporation.
Hideki Kato, Head of Product Design, Printing Products, described the company’s design thinking as rooted in principles of clarity, restraint, and quality.
“Japanese design is not just about reducing elements. It is also about harmony within a larger system, consideration for the user, precision in detail, and a mindset of creating value through relationships,” he said.
Epson’s designs are grounded in a “Sho-Sho-Sei” design philosophy – an approach that emphasizes efficient, compact, and precise innovation.
At the core lies a guiding design principle, described as “Sho-Sho-Sei” — efficient, compact, and precise — that informs its approach to product and UX development.
“We strive to reduce unnecessary waste through thoughtful, aesthetic design that is close to people. At the same time, we aim to create intuitive and inspiring value with careful consideration of environmental aspects,” said Takaaki Ishikawa, Head of Product & UX Design, Visual Products.
Hiroyuki Ochiai, Product Design Manager, Wearable Products, added: “Epson is not solely a company producing rigid business products. From addressing societal challenges to enriching individual lifestyles, Epson is a uniquely human-centred company, and we aim to convey this through design.”
“I hope people will recognise the sense of balance in Epson design – the ability to embody a strong impact within a framework of simplicity,” added Yosuke Wakamiya, Head of UX Design, Printing Products.
The official award ceremony will take place on July 7, 2026, at the Aalto Theater in Essen as part of the Red Dot Gala. Epson Design will also have the opportunity to present its work and methods at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.
Hall of Fame: All award-winning design teams since 1988
2026 Epson Design
2025 BRP Design & Innovation Team
2024 Thule Design Team
2023 Logitech Design
2022 Philips Experience Design Team led by Sean Carney
2021 Studio F. A. Porsche
2020 Fiskars Design Team led by Petteri Masalin
2019 Flavio Manzoni & Ferrari Design Team
2018 Phoenix Design Team
2017 Canyon Design Team
2016 Blackmagic Industrial Design Team led by Simon Kidd
2015 Robert Sachon & Bosch Home Appliances Design Team
2014 Veryday
2013 Lenovo Design & User Experience Team
2012 Michael Mauer & Style Porsche
2011 The Grohe Design Team led by Paul Flowers
2010 Stephan Niehaus & Hilti Design Team
2009 Susan Perkins & Tupperware World Wide Design Team
2008 Michael Laude & Bose Design Team
2007 Chris Bangle & Design Team BMW Group
2006 LG Corporate Design Center
2005 Adidas Design Team
2004 Pininfarina Design Team
2003 Nokia Design Team
2002 Apple Industrial Design Team
2001 Festo Design Team
2000 Sony Design Team
1999 Audi Design Team
1998 Philips Design Team
1997 Michele De Lucchi Design Team
1996 Bill Moggridge & Ideo Design Team
1995 Herbert Schultes & Siemens Design Team
1994 Bruno Sacco & Mercedes-Benz Design Team
1993 Hartmut Esslinger & Frogdesign
1992 Alexander Neumeister & Neumeister Design
1991 Reiner Moll & Partner & .molldesign
1990 Slany Design Team
1989 Braun Design Team
1988 Leybold AG Design Team
