Design Indaba update: a condom applicator designed to help AIDS prevention has been named the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa by Dutch designer Jurgen Bey.
Bey, who was in Cape Town to speak at the Design Indaba conference last week, selected the product from a shortlist of 15 products at the Design Indaba Expo.
The applicator, invented by Willem van Rensburg and designed by industrial designer Roelf Mulder of South Africa’s XYZ Design, allows a condom to be put on easily and rapidly.
The user holds the device with the thumb and forefinger of both hands, pulling the condom down over the penis in a single rapid movement. See video demonstrations of the product here and here.
It is hoped the design will encourage the use of condoms, thereby helping reduce the spread of AIDS.
The applicator, which was selected for the SAFE exhibition at MoMA in New York two years ago and is in the museum’s permanent collection is now being marketed and sold under the Pronto brand.
>> see more news from Design Indaba here
>> see Matali Crasset’s new sex toy here
March 5th, 2007 at 4:50 am
Pronto – for those that need one quick
March 5th, 2007 at 5:51 am
I am moved by the product, which would help in the race against HIV. Since I have been in Africa couple of years back, I can see how it would help.
best wishes
Chetan
March 5th, 2007 at 5:57 am
This might be the Best invention to fight AIDS. If only people accept it??!!!!
And I hope it is within reach of every one in the world and doesn’t cost too much.
March 5th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Most Beautiful Object? Hmmm.. I don’t think so =)
March 5th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Isn’t a large part of the HIV/AIDS-problem caused by people *not using* condoms in the first place?
This product probably decreases chances of punctured condoms, but will it really make *more* people use condoms? That’s an attitude problem, not a usability problem IMHO.
March 5th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Hey we need a couple of those over in Hanoi, Vietnam (what with the Vietnam AIDS problem) as well. Send a couple of them over!
March 5th, 2007 at 11:38 am
@Willem
I think it makes *more* people use condoms because it’ll be easier to use. Apparently people are lazy or something.
March 5th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
It doesn’t make me want to use condoms any more than usual. It’s a nifty invention but i doubt it will have any effect on the AIDS crisis.
March 5th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
It seems pretty handy, let’s just hope people will catch on. Condoms ain’t that easy to apply you know, especially under the influence.. And they’re so small & slippery, too! Thank god (not literally) for birth control pills!
March 5th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
COOL CONDOM! do they send samples of that? i wanna try those things… leave a message in my mail to know where can i get a sample. thanks!
March 5th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I assume the panel of judges engaged in rigorous field testing of the winning device. Such testing must be done on actual subjects by qualified persons, and all testing should have been carefully monitored for fairness.
Thus, I would very much like to see a video posted of the testing process.
-dwvr
March 5th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Many people struggle putting on condoms, whether due to psychological or physical issues. I think this product will help all parts of the world, especially it’s demographic.
So, where can I buy this?! (New safe speed trials for quickies are about to be set.)
March 5th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Go South Africa!
March 5th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I think this invention is amazing. such a small thing making such a difference. I just wish there could be a way to make this gadget alluring for youngsters. Would it be possible to make it more “jewellery” like or even collectible?? to be gathered on a chain or something. in different colors? ins´t that what youngster sex is often about. achievments…??
March 5th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
power of the technology has brought this wonderful device to me in new york city. first a link from a another Elderblogger–in paris. then here, now have seen the great adverts by Pronto–with a sense of humor.
greatest idea for promoting Safe Sex (see my blog) since my own Condom Amulets. i’d love to meet the designer. MOMA does not impact much on the larger world: design award needed to be accompanied by political commitment to introduction in u.s.
thanks from a worried grandmother, naomi
March 5th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Willem,
You are right the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa is primarily a sexual attitude problem; however, it is possible that devices such as these will bring more attention to condoms, perhaps making it even more acceptable to use them,… more attention can’t hurt the problem. It can only help it by making it more and more visible and easier to talk about. JMO.
March 5th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I hope to see this as a new Olympic event in the next round of competitions. Think of the worldwide appeal! They could award them in bronze, silver and gold. Instead of placing them around athletes necks, just drop trou’ and slap these puppies on…
March 5th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
looks kinda small to me. do people really have trouble putting on condoms without this awkward gizmo? i doubt it. practice makes perfect!
March 5th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
if people weren’t screwing around with people willy nilly, aids cases would not be growing so rapidy. telling someone to wear a helmet while they jump in front of a speeding train isn’t good policy.
March 5th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
they aren’t so easy to apply, even under the influence? my dear, the problem isn’t the lack of condom, maybe it’s the fact that someone is out drunk and looking for a quickie. the decision should be made before you leave the house to keep it in your pants, and keep your mind clear.
March 5th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
..if it prevents ONE person from getting AIDS – then do the math…WOW! One Pronto can save a lot of lives…
March 5th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Ok, for people too dumb to get it. Here’s why this is helpful.
Typical dude using regular condom….. It’s his first time with the girl, and he really likes her, so he’s nervous. He struggles to open the package, finally gets it open, then puts it on backwards. Oops. Pulls it off, reverses it, doesn’t quite unroll correctly. Struggles. Shit. Nervous. Oh damn now I’ve lost my hardon. Girl is humiliated and yells at him. Guy swears to never use a condom again.
March 5th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
This device is totally cool. And then neatly packed with a condom already in it, is very good. Once you are all worked up, then haveing to stop for half a minute to get your condom, tear the pack, then clumsily apply it kills the spirit. This is the way to go!
March 5th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Tenemos en Mexico. Tenemos AIDS aqui!! Porque Africa?
March 5th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
does the person behind this’invention’ seriously think it’s going to have a huge impact on the world?
what a joke. this thing sounds as handy as a dildo in a swordfight. (how exactly is it adding an extra step to the process of putting on a condom making it any less of a hussle?!)
March 5th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I got nothing…I wanted to leave a well-crafted, witty comment, but I have nothing. Thank you condoms.
March 5th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
looks like goatse
March 5th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
If you really want to slow HIV/AIDS in Africa, try treating the lower-level STDs first. The reason AIDS spreads so quickly in Africa is because the untreated STDs make passing the disease so easy. It’s a hell of a lot cheaper to treat gonorrhea and the like, and there will be faster results than solely going after HIV/AIDS.
March 5th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I’m curious about the environmental impact that thousands of plastic condom applicators will have…?
I think the pronto condom is a novel idea and may increase condom use for a while simply due to its cool factor. However, getting guys to wear condoms in order to decrease the transmission of HIV/AIDS and pregnancy (for heteros) is going to be achieved through health education efforts. Gimmicks work for a while, but long term change can only be affected by immense educational efforts.
March 5th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I can see how this’ll make it easier to use a condom esp. in the dark. Beyond that, I don’t see how this makes it compelling to use a condom in S. Africa, where application is not the issue!
March 5th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
For sheer utility purposes, this applicator is a great example of design for public good. My question is this: how affordable is this going to be? Is it going to be something that can be easily replaced by someone in a low income bracket if it is lost?
March 6th, 2007 at 12:03 am
The applicator comes in the package, you just snap it and slide it on..its no extra steps or anything, watch the video. Its neat.
March 6th, 2007 at 4:28 am
You’re supposed to squeeze the tip of the condom to get the air out of it. If you just use this applicator, there will probably be a lot of air left in the tip of the condom, and the semen could possibly leak out of the other end of the condom. Couldn’t it?
March 6th, 2007 at 5:14 am
Good! i like it.
March 6th, 2007 at 5:34 am
is it really that difficult to put on a condom?? not really rocket science now is it?? and further more, im sure a piece of plastic will promote safe sex
March 6th, 2007 at 9:07 am
does it come in different colours ?
March 6th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I agree, it does look hard to put on and won’t the plastic possible damage the condom?
March 6th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
What a waste of an invention. It is as useful as an inflatable dart board.
March 6th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
If you can’t put a condom on without one of these, you shouldn’t be having sex.
March 6th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Waar kun je hem kopen??? Dikke kusss…
March 6th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
HAVE YOU GUYS SEEN THE COOL ADS?
They’re funny
It makes fun of Jacob Zuma – ex vice-President of SA who testified at his rape trial that he thought having a shower after having unprotected sex with an HIV+ woman, will prevent his chances of getting AIDS
and Manto Tsabalala-Msimang – SA health minister who claims eating garlic, beetroot and “the African potato” to be better AIDS medication than ARVs).
It also illustrates HOW quick it can be applied.
Here is a link:
http://medgadget.com/archives/2006/11/pronto_condom.html
March 6th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
This device makes putting on condoms easier despite what some of you may think. Have a look at the video links above. This can easily be applied in the dark… for sure easier than standard condoms.
Eric Stoller makes an excellent point that extra plastic applicators could have an environmental impact. I hope they are easily recyclable.
Btw, for those of you who are whining about having a hard time putting condoms on:
If you are unrolling the condom in the dark, first lightly grab the sides of the condom with your thumb and index and middle fingers. Then pull slightly on the loop/open end (the part that unrolls). If it starts to unroll immediately without much force, you have it in the right direction and can apply it immediately…
Also many condom manufacturers will package their condoms in a standard manner. That means that the correct end for application is usually with the package face (top side).
Practice makes perfect! Just accept it.
Tip:
If you get an erection just before your lover arrives, put it on right away. That way when you start doing foreplay, you’re all ready to go!
March 6th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
re: figuring out the right direction for condom application
I forgot to mention above that you need to hold the tip of the condom between thumb and index finger while grabbing the open end with the other hand’s thumb and index/third fingers.
March 7th, 2007 at 2:20 am
This is, without question, one of the most amazing things tht I have ever seen in my life. As stupid as it sounds, I watched both demos about 30 times. CLICK, CLACK, ZOOOOOOP, SNAP. . . BAM! AIDS IS BLOCKED, BABY!!
Well I hope that whomever designed this makes more money than they can ever hope to spend and they give the surplus to AIDS research. . .
Damn, this is just brilliant. I want them, and I want them NOW.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Seriously – all that this will do is eliminate that awkwardness of your hand being too slippery to open the pack / being so anxious that you break it or put it on inside out / losing the feeling because of stupid fumbling.
Fight aids – what a crock.
Publicity grabber? Think so.
10 points for the ad though.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
The first video at lesst showed it with some room at the tip, but on the carrot she’d pulled it all the way on. This is the most common mistake, leading to soooo many broken condoms. Always pinch the tip to leave room at the top for semen! Any condom demonstration should include that tidbit. People in Africa can’t even afford regular condoms, why would they spend the money on this? Not to mention the size issue, which I think is far more important. I have seen firsthand what happens when tiny condoms are sold to men who can barely squeeze into them. It’s heartbreaking. Will these tricky new condoms be sold in multiple sizes?
March 8th, 2007 at 4:18 am
What is so good about this shit, it’s just a condom. If your going to fuck why do you need a frkin thing with it, a condom works just fine…
March 8th, 2007 at 5:07 am
This gear is to make atmosphere for couple non-stop
And i think if gear to sell in Thailand then i buy it
Thank God tosend it for civilization
March 8th, 2007 at 7:42 am
oh!!!!!!!! yes!!!!! oh!!!!! yes!!!!!
March 8th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
It make using condoms alot cooler will definately have an ipact in the fight against aids
March 8th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Dear Sir,
Hope you’re doing well.
We are interesting this impressive condom and intend to buy 20pcs for trial order. If the testing is acceptable, we will place official order to you. Therefore, please give us a quote at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
Stone
March 9th, 2007 at 6:40 am
well I someone for test and if this condom is ok where can I get if? (for in Thailand)
March 9th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Wonderfull idea
didn’t see them in store jet, but if they are not too expensive, I think teh design and use is very handy!
good job, and keep designing!
March 16th, 2007 at 3:12 am
Nice !!
Hope it becomes available in a store near me.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
BRILLIANT !!!! In my experience 95% of the “nuisance” in using condoms is the awkwardness of putting them on and how that can spoil the “mood” of the moment. Lets hope this will increase condom use with 95%. Congratulations Willem !!!!
April 18th, 2007 at 10:14 am
I was about to say this is a useless invention as I didn’t realise the applicator was actually in the packet itself… Having watched the video, this is a very good invention, although I have to say I’ve never seen what’s so hard about putting on a condom in the first place… As someone said, if it saves just one life, brilliant… But the main thrust (excuse the pun) should be put on educating people to use these condoms in the first place.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
well I someone for test and if this condom is ok where can I get if? (for in Thailand)? realy?
May 25th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
condoms are sexy
and this makes it even more sexy…..
May 29th, 2007 at 5:04 am
Since when have condoms EVER been hard to put on? You unwrap and unroll on yourself.
Are people so dumb that they need an APPLICATOR?
July 1st, 2007 at 7:05 pm
i think that a product like this is not safe at all as there are too many variables around using the applicator,like everyone has a different anatomy, and the incorrect application could cause problems.
are these condoms tested like the government condoms?
how do you promote your quality against the other products on the market??
please answer my questions!!!
August 15th, 2007 at 6:56 am
If you can’t put a condom on without one of these, you shouldn’t be having sex.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:25 am
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cooler gadget in my life. What woman wouldn’t swoon at the sight of a man strapping one of these babies on?
February 20th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I think that this is a really neat idea Amazing!!
It will defiantly increase the amount of people using condoms. As a beginner at using condoms, anything to make it easier is beneficial.
As a business student and a user of condoms, this product only makes sense! Good job marketing the product by the way
March 1st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
FAB!
are they going to distribute it in the UK?
April 18th, 2008 at 3:37 am
soy estudiante de diseño industrial en argentina, me parece fabuloso estas ideas. mis felicitaciones para el creador. ARRIBA EL DISEÑO SOCIAL! un saludo para el mundo entero
May 26th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh my god!
May 31st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I think the real problem with condom usage in Africa is you have all those Christian missionary’s who, are for the most part doing a good job to help these people. But their religion doesn’t let them use condoms and they push that on the people in Africa.
Don’t create new condom toys, just ban Christians…
June 7th, 2008 at 5:19 am
Interesting idea, maybe make it bigger and use it to put socks on, I always have trouble in the wee hours of the morning putting socks on.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:00 am
If you’re interested in both design and condoms you should check out OneCondoms.com the circular wrappers feature vivid images and clever “One Liners”- phrases that make use of the brand’s name in describing the picture.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:56 am
This device is totally cool. And then neatly packed with a condom already in it, is very good. Once you are all worked up, then haveing to stop for half a minute to get your condom, tear the pack, then clumsily apply it kills the spirit. This is the way to go!
August 29th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’ve used the pronto condoms… and I don’t use em anymore. the applicator makes it MUCH easier to get air trapped in the condom. I’ve had 2 blowouts (no pun intended) and will never use them again!!
So yeah, great idea, but still flawed.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
One Condoms has delivered 56,300 condoms (one for every person who will infected with HIV this year) to the campaign headquarters of Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. The message is simple – demonstrate your support for comprehensive health education for all American, including the use of condoms. The estimated number of HIV infections in the United States increased over 16,000 people this year…something needs to be done and this company is hoping to make the presidential candidates realize this.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I agree, it does look hard to put on and won’t the plastic possible damage the condom?
September 19th, 2008 at 2:44 am
this is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo grooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooss
October 7th, 2008 at 4:34 am
OMG!!!! Where the hell can i find these!!!!!! its so simple… you wouldnt have to do *TRAMPOLINE* or look like a tard trying to put it on your guy when your raring and fumbling around! oh i wants them.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:42 am
@ Paige – Using design innovation to promote healthy and responsible practices. How could this be gross? Or do I need to include more ooo’s?
November 17th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I believe this is called research…
These are really tempting, and difficult to get the eyes off…
Thanks for sharing, I liked the post and the comments as well.
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Great idea!!!! Hopes this helps people to use condoms!!
December 16th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
If you don’t know how to put on a condom, let me know and I will show you.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:02 am
If people are too lazy to put on a condom, what the hell makes you think they’ll take an extra step and use some slick applicator? Come on people.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Yeah, I can see how a region so poor that millions are starving to death there can now more easily use condoms that will cost TWICE AS MUCH because they have an ‘applicator’ !
This isn’t for use in Africa.
This is for selling to American teenagers.
The ‘we’re helping Africa’ whine is just to make you feel good about spending money on their product.
January 10th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Fits a Quickie for sure
January 12th, 2009 at 2:44 am
How hard is it to just put a condom on? It’s just one of those ‘why’ products.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am
perhaps the introduction of a “gadget” in condom application will make the use of condoms seem more manly and less “dirty”.a prestige could be attached to the use of a high-tech condom and improve the image of the venerable rubber. make sure to keep the price relatively low so all can afford them but make them more costly to assure that premium image. let’s face it, the image is the issue. as for kit’s point – those people starving to death need more help than a condom alone can provide regardless of its style. it’s a huge social issue and a lot of attitudes have to change, particularly about manliness, virility and modern health care. at least one less infection or unwanted pregnancy is worthwhile wherever it takes place.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:33 am
This is:
1) Nowhere near the most beautiful design (especially in South Africa!)
2) Won’t help the AIDS crisis, because as many other people have said – this won’t make anyone more eager to use a condom
3) Condoms are not that difficult to use as it is, if you are too much of an idiot to read and follow the instructions – you are way too dumb to be procreating.
4) If they can’t read aforementioned condom packaging, what makes anyone think they can read the packing information on this new design?
5) Not to mention, this is highly environmentally unfriendly with the rise in plastic use that will ultimately be thrown in a landfill instead of recycled (not that recycling plastic is all the enviro-friendly)
6) Make condoms “more manly” – that’s also effin ridiculous and needs to be categorized with ‘Those Who Ought Not Procreate”
April 1st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Wow haha that look pretty funky… would be much easier when drunk..
June 26th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I don’t think it is the application time involved that keeps people from using a condom. Simple it just feels better. I personally use one but if I had a known clean girl on birth control would I use one …… hell no!
July 10th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Muito Bom!
July 10th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
nice i’d use this but the funny thing is when i saw this i googled beautiful
February 19th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Wow! What will they think of next? Now they should invent something that will make people actually use condoms.
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Yeah, this is the real game changer. ;]