For many people, the smartphone’s alarm function is an important reason for having the phone next to their pillow. Circa offers a better alternative. This smart alarm clock functions completely independently and supports a good night’s sleep. White noise, breathing exercises and sensors to measure sleep cycles help you wake up fitter and more rested. If you’d prefer no white noise, why not listen to digital radio or Spotify on the Circa. And, as an added benefit, this alarm clock is much more visually appealing than average consumer technology: the designers used textile and large buttons to create a tactile, friendly product.

Developing a ‘connected product’ requires close collaboration between industrial and interaction design, software and hardware development. With industrial designer Robert Bronwasser on board, initiators Hans Brouwer (entrepreneur) and Yannick Brouwer (interaction designer, no relation) arrived at a holistic solution. The jury is enthusiastic about the design and relevance of the theme: an alternative to being connected 24/7 through your smartphone. The jury also appreciates the fact that it is an entirely Dutch/European-produced product.