The Compasso d’Oro award (see website) was the brainchild of Gio Ponti and Alberto Roselli whose original idea inspired the company La Rinascente to start presenting it in 1954, celebrating quality in the field of industrial designs made in Italy.
Over the years, jurors have included Cino Boeri, Achille Castiglioni and Richard Sapper.
Since its inception, approximately 300 designs have been honored with the award, covering a wide range of products including racing bikes, portable sewing machines, desks and sofas.
Additional categories have been introduced in recent years like the Lifetime Achievement Award, International Awards and Product Lifetime Achievement Awards, dedicated to 3 objects still in production after many years.