Artek.fi, created and implemented by Valve, has won the red dot award in the category of communication design 2009.

The red dot design award is the leading and largest design competition worldwide with 12.000 entries from 60 countries. The red dot seal of quality is valued around the world and stands for the best in the design business.

Artek.fi is a bold move for the brand’s internet presence. Artek’s high quality product catalogue is at the heart of the new design concept supported by a stunning selection of interior design showcases. The dynamic and contemporary feel of the site appears to have been achieved using Flash-based technologies. However, Valve’s developers implemented the site with pure CSS and HTML coding. This enabling use of technologies resulted in user experience benefits and excellent search engine optimization.

At the red dot gala on 9th December, Artek.fi will compete for the “best of the best” and “grand prix” prizes, with the elite from the communications design community.

To guide the next phase of development of Finland’s most awarded digital agency, Valve has announced the appointment of Timo Julkunen as CEO. In a fiercely competitive marketplace Valve is proud to have secured the appointment of a talented leader with a strong history of creating value for global brands.

Timo was previously at Satama, Hasan & Partners, and most recently at Taivas as Managing Director. On joining Valve, he said “this was an opportunity I could not miss. As the financial climate accelerates the migration of marketing communications to the internet, Valve has the strategic, technical and creative competence to stand out. The way brands are built and engaged is evolving, new types of agencies are appearing, and consumer behaviour is rapidly changing…” Timo sees preserving and developing Valve’s strategic leadership as key in a market where “so many agencies are entering the field and claiming expertise.”

All at Valve are pleased to welcome Timo on board. You can contact him at timo.julkunen@valve.fi +358 40 549 043