One of the things I always tell my clients is that a printer shouldn’t just be “hidden under a desk.” If a machine is designed well, it works with you, not against you. In my years of taking these things apart, I’ve noticed that Brother machines consistently have a logical layout—not just for the user, but for the technician too.
It seems the design world agrees. Brother Industries, Ltd. has just secured the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 for its latest inkjet printer. In a field of over 10,000 entries from 68 countries, standing out to a panel of 129 international experts is no small feat.
Why the iF DESIGN AWARD Matters
The iF Design Award isn’t just a “beauty contest” for electronics. Since 1953, it has been one of the most rigorous benchmarks in the industry. To win, a product must excel in three core areas:
- Aesthetics: Does it look clean and modern?
- User Interface (UI): Is it actually easy to use without a manual?
- Environmental Impact: How sustainable is the manufacturing and the lifecycle of the device?
This marks 19 consecutive years that Brother has taken home a trophy, bringing their total count to 96 awards since their first win in 1982.
Merging Form with Functionality
Brother’s “customer-centric” approach is something I see reflected in the field every day. Their latest inkjet designs focus on making maintenance—like replacing ink—as seamless as possible. This design philosophy is becoming the new gold standard in 2026.
While Brother wins on design, we see other manufacturers focusing on different aspects of excellence. For example, while Brother masters the user interface, Canon is doubling down on sustainability with its recent launch of MFP remanufacturing in the USA.
Furthermore, as printers become more sleek and connected, security becomes a bigger part of the “design” itself. Companies are constantly defending these award-winning machines against new threats, as noted in the HP Wolf Security report on AI-driven cyberattacks in 2026.
The Technician’s Verdict
Design is about more than just a pretty plastic shell. When a company like Brother wins an iF award, it usually means the machine is built with high-quality tolerances and thoughtful engineering. For an office manager, this translates to fewer jams and a more intuitive experience. For me, it means a machine that is easier to service and built to last.
In an era where Kyocera is providing 10-year warranty guides, the industry is clearly shifting toward hardware that isn’t just beautiful, but incredibly durable.