At this year’s Red Dot Award for product design, the spotlight was on a topic that has previously been evaluated primarily on the basis of technical features: video surveillance. In 2025, there will be a clear shift in the industry – away from purely functional devices and towards well-designed solutions that are compatible with architecture. The award-winning cameras impress not only with their technical capabilities, but also with their choice of materials, design language and integration into modern environments. This is a significant step for system integrators, planners, architects and security managers: Security solutions are increasingly becoming visible components of buildings, cities and infrastructure – and must therefore also meet design requirements.
Focus on architectural compatibility
The Ajax Bulletcam is a prime example of this trend. It combines robust technology with a clear, industrial housing design that is neither obtrusive nor out of place.
The cylindrical design with defined transitions between the camera body and lens exudes technical precision – a design concept that works equally well in modern residential areas and commercial environments. Verkada goes one step further with two award-winning products – Fisheye and Dome.
At first glance, the cameras do not look like classic surveillance units. Their understated design, discreet aluminium housing and lack of visible mountings make them architecturally integrable elements – particularly suitable for educational institutions, offices or public buildings. The clear geometry conveys technical clarity without being dominant.
System integration and technical understatement
The L6A Enterprise camera was awarded for applications with an infrastructural character, such as traffic monitoring or urban checkpoints. Its compact form with a clearly defined lens section looks both professional and functional. The combination of video surveillance and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) reduces the complexity of installations while enabling a visually uniform design of technical infrastructure.
In the field of smart home solutions, the Philips Home Safety Spotlight Camera impressed in combination with a matching solar panel. In addition to technical efficiency, the focus here is on formal integration: the housing is triangular at the front for optimal sensor placement and round at the rear for flexible alignment. This combination results in a slim, architecturally unobtrusive profile that blends well into narrow façade areas – an example of usage-oriented product design in a private environment.
Technology meets perfection
Particularly noteworthy is the Meraki MV52, a camera with a telephoto lens and an elegant housing finish. Its gently rounded lines, satin finish and flush lens area create an impression that is more reminiscent of consumer electronics than security technology. At the same time, it offers high resolution, zoom and IR functionality – all packaged in a visually appealing design.
The AI Surveillance Camera with Drop-Free Glass (DFG) takes a completely different approach to design. Its geometrically striking design with angular polygonal surfaces is reminiscent of the design language of stealth technology. The aluminium-polycarbonate composite used gives it a modern look with high technical standards. The integrated self-cleaning function provided by electroactive glass underlines the high-tech level – here, design becomes an expression of functional innovation.
Minimalism for the entrance area
Nest also scored points with a deliberately minimalist design. The Nest Cam with Floodlight combines an LED floodlight with a centrally mounted camera that can be freely aligned via a ball joint. Its clear, symmetrical lines and magnetic adjustability make it particularly easy to install – especially in residential architecture, where security components must be discreetly integrated into the overall appearance.
Modularity and integration into the environment
Finally, Dallmeier impressed with its Domera system. The camera has a modular design, allowing its function and form to be flexibly adapted. Another design element is the almost invisible integration of the lighting under a semi-transparent cover. This means that the camera does not look like a technical device, but rather like an integral part of the building envelope. This understated design makes it particularly attractive for prestigious façades, listed buildings or public interiors.
Technical precision translated into design
The Red Dot Awards 2025 impressively demonstrate that video surveillance is no longer measured solely by performance data. The design quality, choice of materials and architectural compatibility of products are becoming increasingly important. This opens up a new range of solutions for specialist planners, architects and operators that harmoniously combine security and design – and can therefore also be used in design-oriented environments without compromising on functionality.
