The Awards have garnered over 200 entries across 12 categories, with winners due to be selected in May next year.

Rode Podcaster microphone

Shortlisted products include a ceramic electric kettle from Sunbeam, a centrifugal juicer from Breville, a digital photo display from Philips, the Victa Vac and the Rode Podcaster broadcast quality USB microphone.

"This year we have seen a real concentration of new products and technologies designed specifically to deal with uniquely Australian concerns," said Awards Manager Stephanie Watson.

All the designs aren't necessarily even electric or electronic. One of the shortlisted products is a mild-mannered clothes peg…or so it seems. The "Clever Peg" by Rimm Industries is actually able to work on both ends. So it can join a pair of pants to an already pegged t-shirt.

Clever Peg

This is also the last year the awards will be presented in their current format. The 2008 Awards will cater for all products sold on the Australian market, regardless of where they were designed.

See: www.designawards.com.au