March 2nd, 2007

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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.

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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.

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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



Posted by Marcus Fairs

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65 Responses to “Condom device wins Most Beautiful award”

  1. March Madness Says:

    Pronto - for those that need one quick

  2. Chetan Says:

    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

  3. Zak Says:

    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.

  4. Alex Says:

    Most Beautiful Object? Hmmm.. I don’t think so =)

  5. Willem Says:

    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.

  6. Thong Says:

    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!

  7. Jon Says:

    @Willem

    I think it makes *more* people use condoms because it’ll be easier to use. Apparently people are lazy or something.

  8. roscoe Says:

    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.

  9. Arto Says:

    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!

  10. Benzi Says:

    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!

  11. Dan Van Riper Says:

    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

  12. Greg Says:

    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.)

  13. Megan-Mae Musgrove Says:

    Go South Africa!

  14. hannah Says:

    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…??

  15. naomi dagen bloom Says:

    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

  16. Rachel Says:

    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.

  17. Kimrod Says:

    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…

  18. jake taylor Says:

    looks kinda small to me. do people really have trouble putting on condoms without this awkward gizmo? i doubt it. practice makes perfect!

  19. niki Says:

    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.

  20. niki Says:

    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.

  21. ag Says:

    ..if it prevents ONE person from getting AIDS - then do the math…WOW! One Pronto can save a lot of lives…

  22. joebob Says:

    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.

  23. Dimitrios Pop Art Says:

    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!

  24. carlos Says:

    Tenemos en Mexico. Tenemos AIDS aqui!! Porque Africa?

  25. marta miare Says:

    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?!)

  26. The Average White Guy Says:

    I got nothing…I wanted to leave a well-crafted, witty comment, but I have nothing. Thank you condoms.

  27. lol Says:

    looks like goatse

  28. Dan Says:

    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.

  29. Eric Stoller Says:

    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.

  30. Divya Says:

    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!

  31. Sameer Vasta Says:

    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?

  32. Chris Says:

    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.

  33. John Says:

    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?

  34. Jim Says:

    Good! i like it.

  35. andy Says:

    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

  36. F.Libessart Says:

    does it come in different colours ?

  37. Dean Says:

    I agree, it does look hard to put on and won’t the plastic possible damage the condom?

  38. No BULLSHIT Blog Says:

    What a waste of an invention. It is as useful as an inflatable dart board.

  39. jp Says:

    If you can’t put a condom on without one of these, you shouldn’t be having sex.

  40. Bianka Says:

    Waar kun je hem kopen??? Dikke kusss…

  41. Marcelle Says:

    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

  42. Max Says:

    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!

  43. Max Says:

    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.

  44. Rustin Says:

    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.

  45. *woman Says:

    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.

  46. Suz Says:

    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?

  47. Don Miq Says:

    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…

  48. Chang Says:

    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

  49. max Says:

    oh!!!!!!!! yes!!!!! oh!!!!! yes!!!!!

  50. Phalatse Says:

    It make using condoms alot cooler will definately have an ipact in the fight against aids

  51. Stone Lo Says:

    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

  52. nutt Says:

    well I someone for test and if this condom is ok where can I get if? (for in Thailand)

  53. Thomas H Says:

    Wonderfull idea :D 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!

  54. DocZayus Says:

    Nice !!

    Hope it becomes available in a store near me.

  55. Vim Kruger Says:

    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 !!!!

  56. Nick Simpson Says:

    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.

  57. minikbarbie Says:

    well I someone for test and if this condom is ok where can I get if? (for in Thailand)? realy?

  58. Johnny J. Says:

    condoms are sexy
    and this makes it even more sexy…..

  59. Mitch Strand Says:

    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?

  60. mike Says:

    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!!!

  61. rowery Says:

    If you can’t put a condom on without one of these, you shouldn’t be having sex.

  62. Buy Condoms! Says:

    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?

  63. j.w. Says:

    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 :)

  64. adb Says:

    FAB!

    are they going to distribute it in the UK?

  65. juan Says:

    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

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