With over 3900 entries from 57 countries, the German Design Council's German Design Award is one of the most prestigious international prizes for design. We are all the more delighted to receive the "Winner" award in the "Excellent Product Design - Industry" category for our Gen8 Evo project from Hunkeler.

hunkeler / GEN8 EVO

GEN8 EVO sets new standards in paper processing. Ergonomically designed acrylic glass hoods ensure a clear view of the internal work processes. Continuous handle strips enable convenient opening in any position - even at the desired angle thanks to the integrated rotation mechanism. Edge illumination creates a striking light gradient on the hoods, which displays the status of the individual modules in color and is visually coordinated with the sliding main display: The interface informs the user about necessary measures, while the light guides him to the appropriate position.

The highlight of the GEN8 EVO is the illumination of the acrylic glass hoods. The lighting as a signpost is, so to speak, the main inspiration for the entire design concept. The targeted introduction of LED light into the edge of the hood creates a light pattern that communicates to the user that the machine is ready for use. A laser-engraved dot structure in the acrylic glass creates a soft gradient of light. When the machine is switched on, the modules initially light up in white - the light color changes depending on the status.

As soon as production starts, a blue light signals that everything is running smoothly. Individual modules stand out visually - their increased light intensity indicates that they are currently being adjusted or set up. Gradually, all modules change to green, confirming that they are ready for use. Maintenance requirements are communicated at an early stage - for example on the UW8 module, which signals with a yellow light that oil needs to be topped up soon. In the event of a fault, all modules automatically switch to red and stop operation. The module causing the fault stands out clearly with a more intense light, enabling a quick and targeted response. The visual feedback concept creates transparency, reduces response times and makes complex processes immediately understandable - directly at the machine.

The horizontally movable HMI serves as the central control element of the GEN8 EVO. Operators can configure modules, monitor processes and access detailed process data via the touchscreen. When user intervention is required, the user interface provides clear instructions, while the synchronized LED lighting on the respective modules visually highlights the exact location. This combination enables intuitive navigation, precise interventions and minimized downtime in complex finishing processes.

The matching brand of the Hunkeler logo can be found both in the door design and as a communication element on the upper edge of the door, which marks the opening point. This subtle integration transfers the brand identity to the product and visually emphasizes Hunkeler's core values: precision, reliability and continuity.