The Student Design Competition, sponsored by the International Housewares Association (IHA), began in 1993 and is recognized by design practitioners and professors as a valuable contribution to industrial
design education. This rigorous competition is judged by 10 design professionals and managers at housewares companies. Each entry receives two written evaluations and top winners come to Chicago to exhibit their product concepts at the International Home + Housewares Show.
Not only do the winning students get praise and time in the spotlight in front of 1000’s of Housewares Manufacturers and Retailers, they can earn cash prizes totaling $12,000 and cash grants for their schools.
A few Student Design Competition winners of the past had this to say about the competition:
“Attending the Housewares Show in 2003 gave me real insight into professional industry. As a student designer, it was so encouraging to be recognized for a product concept that addressed accessibility issues for wheelchair users. While still in school, I applied for my first and only ID position with nothing but my housewares design project–it worked, I’m still here! ”
Joni Saylor
IBM Industrial Design
2003 Second Place, Arizona State University
“The Housewares Show was the icing on the cake, regarding my college career. It gave me the opportunity to display the talents and perspectives I’d gained over 5 years of class work and internships to perspective employers, clients and peers. Ultimately, my participation at IHA directly led to my first full-time position at one of the world’s top design firms (IDEO). The Housewares Show is a great barometer for young design talent. I would encourage any student looking for exposure and experience to enter a concept and visit the Show.”
Geoffrey Baldwin
Lunar
2006 Second Place, University of Cincinnati
Checkout the 2010 Student Design Competition Winners
Or watch the video of the Student Designers display at the International Home + Housewares Show:
