This growing market has been the driving force behind many products and services created to meet the changing and diverse needs of consumers in this part of the world. From apparel and accessories, through communications and interiors, the unique characteristics of Asian consumers are becoming important design considerations.

In short, good design enriches our lives and the Design for Asia Award seeks to recognise that contribution.

The awards are divided into three categories - the grand award, the award for best design from Greater China and the special merit award. The judges were drawn from a range of backgrounds and organisations, from professors to managing directors working and living in countries such as Germany, South Korea, the United States, Japan and Hong Kong.

According to the organisers, there were two rounds of assessments and entries were judged using the following criteria.

Good design The judging panels assessed each entry based on its creativity, originality, innovation, usability and ergonomics, as well as aesthetics, workmanship, choice of materials and application of technology. Environmental-friendliness and ecological responsibility were also key points of consideration. For the communication design category, assessment was based on effectiveness, clarity, structuring and presentation of information. For interior/spatial design, space planning, concept and fidelity to the client's brief were of importance.

Impact on Asian lifestyle and influence in Asia The judges were looking for forward-thinking and innovative designs that would have an impact on Asian lifestyles. Judges also considered whether the designs set a trend in the field and influenced its peers.

Commercial success The judges assessed whether designs were key to the product's business success - an increase in sales and market share, better market penetration, a broadening of the consumer base and opening-up of new markets. Designs were also judged on whether they improved the corporate image and helped achieve business objectives.

Gary Chang, managing director of the Edge Design Institute and a judge on the final selection panel, said there were a few surprises from the entries. 'I couldn't pick enough entries to be shortlisted in the second round. I would love to see more alternative efforts and innovations from the region other than just the big names in future,' he said.

Also on the final judging panel was Hong Kong-based Henry Steiner, founder of Steiner & Co. He said there had been an improvement in the quality of entries since he was on the jury two years ago. But he said it was discouraging to see the persistent disconnection between those who understood design as making something that worked and those who thought it was something colourful, trendy and decorative.

'One of the best examples of the potential of branding was where some independent manufacturers in a small town got together to co-ordinate their products and sell them together under the umbrella identity of that town - a lesson Hong Kong has yet to learn,' he said.

Mr Steiner said it was time for designers in the region to think beyond the 'made in the east' label as customers were much more demanding. 'I think the 'exotic Asia' gimmick is wearing thin with an increasingly sophisticated and discerning market. Quality of concept and production count for more today,' he said.