Vortex Aquatic Structures International, a leading player in the aquatic play industry, has won four International Design Awards for its new Water Journey products at the International Design Awards (IDA).

Vortex took Bronze in the Children Products, Toddler Products, Outdoor and Leisure Fun Games, and Designs for Social Impact categories.

The Water Journey products are centred on creating new experiences for youngsters. These new experiences are known as Pico, Alto, and Hop and cater for children aged 2 to 5 years old.

Vortex felt this age group was largely unaccounted for in the aquatic play sphere. Their new Water Journey designs are aimed at developing preschoolers’ cognitive, social, and motor skills through open-ended play.

On accepting the awards, Stephen Hamelin, President of Vortex International said:

“We at Vortex firmly believe that true innovation happens when creativity builds on solidly-researched foundations to design products that users enjoy and appreciate.

“We make sure to wrap meaningful play and learning experiences in refreshing fun, and we are delighted that the IDA jury shares our vision of innovation with the expansion of our Water Journey collection.”

Pico, Alto, and Hop made their debut in September 2018 at the NRPA Annual Conference. The water play products now join the ranks of award-winning Vortex International playscapes.

The original Water Journey family also received several design awards, including Most Valuable Product by Aquatics International Magazine in 2016, meaning the company has now won a total of five IDA Awards for its innovative designs.

The International Design Awards were founded in 2007 by a coalition of designers and entrepreneurs with the aim of recognizing, celebrating and promoting design visionaries and to uncover emerging talent in the fields of architecture, interior, product, graphic and fashion design.