10 best Red Dot Award winners: picked by our product designer

When it comes to great design, the Red Dot Award is a big deal. It’s one of the most respected design competitions in the world, spotlighting products that combine form, function, and innovation in exceptional ways.

This year, we’re proud to say that the MOO Twist Pen has joined the list. That makes it our second Red Dot win (shoutout to the MOO Water Bottle).

To celebrate, we asked Felix, the designer behind the Twist Pen, to round up ten of his favourite Red Dot-winning products. From clever kitchen tools to iconic furniture, it’s a list full of thoughtful design, beautiful details, and objects that make everyday life feel a bit more special.

Scroll on for Felix’s top picks and a reminder that great design is everywhere (including in your pencil case).

1. Illan Pendant Lamp (Red Dot 2021)

A floating sculpture of light. The Illan Lamp is made from ultra-light, flexible plywood, and it expands like a paper lantern when installed. It’s beautiful, simple, sustainable, and smartly designed to pack flat. 

“Proof that great design can be both elegant and efficient,” said Felix. 

2. The Pot (Red Dot 2017)

Designed by iconic Japanese brand Balmuda, this minimalist pour-over kettle has a precise gooseneck spout and an ergonomic handle. Giving you total control—no spills, no stress, no guesswork.

“As a pour-over coffee lover, I’m picky about kettles. This one hits all the right notes, functional, compact, and incredibly well-balanced in the hand,” said Felix. 

3. Ortwo Pepper Mill (Red Dot 2019)

This innovative pepper mill by Dreamfarm, allows both one-handed and two-handed grinding. It’s got a ceramic mechanism, six adjustable grind settings, and a wide glass jar that’s easy to refill (without spilling half the peppercorns on the counter). It even handles salt, seeds, and spices like a pro.

“Simple but seriously smart. It’s the kind of object that makes you wonder why all grinders weren’t designed like this from the start,” he said.

4. Nest Learning Thermostat (Red Dot 2012)

The Nest Thermostat learns how you like your home temperature and adjusts itself automatically, no complicated programming needed. It even knows when you’re away, saving energy without you having to set it up.

“While I usually lean toward analog tools, this digital product gets it right. It learns your preferences and saves energy, without making you read a manual,” said Felix.

5. Fiskars Norden Outdoor Cooking Collection (Red Dot 2018)

Inspired by Nordic traditions, this outdoor cooking set features birch, oak, stainless steel, and cast iron. It looks as good as it performs, designed to age beautifully with each use. “Cooking outdoors is one of my favorite things. This set respects that ritual with quality materials and solid design,” said Felix.

6. Masters Chair by Kartell (Red Dot 2013)

Masters is a tribute to three classic chairs: Series 7 by Arne Jacobsen, the Tulip Armchair by Eero Saarinen and the Eiffel Chair by Charles Eames. 

“A fusion of classic silhouettes, this chair stands on the shoulders of giants.  It offers a contemporary twist on traditional forms and looks,” said Felix.

7. Neva Light Chair (Red Dot 2016)

Continuing the chair theme… this chair is made from natural wood with smooth, flowing lines, making it light, ergonomic, and expertly crafted. Modern manufacturing methods mean even the most complex parts of the chair can be produced at scale.

“I love how it combines modern manufacturing methods to enable the mass production of even the complex parts of the chair and reinforces traditional wooden joints at the right points,” he told us.

8. Harmony Cello Stand (Red Dot 2023)

This collapsible cello stand is handcrafted from raw polished brass, bent steel, and felt-lined hand-stitched leather. It elegantly supports a cello, combining minimal construction with protective details and a patina that evolves over time. 

“I don’t play any instruments… but the precision milling, combination of materials, simplicity, and handcrafted finish make my knees go wobbly,” he said.

9. Braun BN0278 Watch (Red Dot 2021)

A limited-edition timepiece celebrating Braun’s 100th anniversary, featuring iconic design cues like the yellow second hand and red date marker, echoing the brand’s celebrated design legacy. 

“It’s a perfect example of Braun’s design philosophy, simple, functional, and quietly beautiful. Products like the CJ 3050 embodied the Dieter Rams legacy: minimal yet intuitive, with every element there for a reason. That clarity and honesty in design left a lasting impression on me.”

10. MOO Twist Pen (Red Dot 2025)

We couldn’t leave this one out. With a satisfying twist mechanism, weighted metal barrel, and smooth refill, the MOO Twist Pen was designed to make every word feel intentional. It’s modern, minimalist, and durable. It’s also cleverly shaped to stay put, so it never rolls away when you put it down.

“I’m both proud and grateful that the Red Dot award acknowledges the care we put into every detail, from the expressive, joyful design to the quality of the finish and craftsmanship. The Twist Pen is all about getting the small things just right, and having that noticed is a real testament to the entire team who brought it to life,” said Felix.

Game-changing design

Whether it’s a lamp that folds like paper or a pepper mill that rethinks the basics, great design changes how we experience the everyday.

At MOO, we’re honored to join the roster of inspiring, beautifully made products with our MOO Twist Pen. And with a MOO Business Plan, our expert design team can help you create custom-branded merch and print that stand out and make a lasting impression. To get started, fill out this short form, and one of our team members will get in touch shortly.