Össur and KD (Kinneir Dufort) win 2019 iF DESIGN AWARD for RHEO KNEE® XC

REYKJAVIK, Iceland and BRISTOL, UK - January 31, 2019 - Össur, the global medical technology leader renowned for its advanced prosthetic and orthopaedic innovations, announced today that it, along with Innovation and Product Development consultancy KD (Kinneir Dufort), has won a 2019 iF DESIGN AWARD, a world-renowned design prize.

Össur’s RHEO KNEE® XC won this prestigious award in the Medicine/Health category. RHEO KNEE XC, which is a flagship product in Össur’s award-winning Bionic line of prosthetic technologies for lower-limb amputees, features a distinctive weatherproof design cover that was created by the British design firm KD. The technology won over the 67-member jury, which was comprised of independent experts from all over the world.

Each year, the world’s oldest independent design organization, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organizes the iF DESIGN AWARD. The competition for the design accolades was intense: over 6,400 entries were submitted from 50 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of quality.

“For over 40 years, Össur has been committed to developing innovations to help more people, particularly those with limb loss and limb difference, live a life without limitations,” said Össur President and CEO Jon Sigurdsson. “It is an honor to receive an iF Design Award along with KD for our RHEO KNEE XC, which is a wonderful affirmation of our dedication to our mission and acknowledgment of an important technology that has helped countless amputees around the world.”

“KD are delighted to receive this iF design award alongside Össur,” adds Chief Design Officer at KD, Craig Wightman. “At the core of both our businesses is a desire to help improve the lives of patients, and the RHEO KNEE XC is an excellent example of how a combination of technology, engineering and design can address compelling human needs, significantly improve the lives of amputees and deliver commercial success. It has been a great pleasure for KD to work with the Össur team, who continue to lead the field in pioneering advanced prosthetics, and we look forward to continuing our successful working partnership.”

About RHEO KNEE XC From Össur

The first weatherproof, high-impact microprocessor prosthetic knee designed specifically for more demanding above-knee amputees who want to engage in increasingly ambitious activity levels, RHEO KNEE XC features highly responsive magnetorheologic (MR) technology, which utilizes electromagnetic force to rapidly alter the viscosity of magnetic fluid in the knee. This makes the RHEO KNEE XC capable of shifting almost instantaneously from the high resistance required for stability in stance phase, to the low resistance needed for a dynamic, free swing phase, creating a a virtual “zero lag” experience that simulates the natural function of a physiological knee joint.

In addition, RHEO KNEE XC is capable of sensing its position in the environment relative to its user’s body, and to enact a fast, accurate responses to changes in direction, speed and terrain. RHEO KNEE XC also communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth with the user’s smart phone or tablet, so knee status and battery charge levels can be checked with ease.

KD‘s latest design of the outer covers combines strength with aesthetic design, creating a sleek, premium feel that appeals to a range of target audiences. Through clever technical engineering and rigorous testing, the casing is weatherproof and reliable.

Additional information about RHEO KNEE XC can be found in the “Design Excellence” section of the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE.

About Össur

Össur (NASDAQ OMX: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that help people live a life without limitations. Its business is focused on improving people’s mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies within the fields of Prosthetics and Bracing & Supports. A recognized “Technology Pioneer,” Össur invests significantly in research and product development—its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position in the market. Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered via Össur’s educational programs and business solutions. Headquartered in Iceland, Össur has major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with additional distributors worldwide.

About KD

KD is a user-centered innovation and product development consultancy. We focus on designing a better world; creating value through tomorrow’s products and experiences. We fuse creative excellence, technical know-how and user experience expertise, enabling ambitious and progressive companies to deliver successful products and brand experiences globally.

About the iF DESIGN AWARD

For 66 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design prizes in the world. Submissions are awarded in the following disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication and Service Design/UX, Architecture and Interior Architecture as well as Professional Concept. All awarded entries are featured on the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE, in the iF design app and are displayed at the iF design exhibition Hamburg.

For more information, please contact:

For Össur: Edda H. Geirsdottir, VP Branding & Corporate PR, [email protected]

For KD: Clare Gosling, Events & Communications Manager, [email protected]