IDEA 2013 FAQs

Topics

ENTERING

Do I need to send the actual product? When?
For the first round of judging, we only accept an entry form, images and video to be submitted, and all applications must be made online. Once the judges have made an initial assessment based on these materials, they will select Finalists to participate in the next round of judging. At this time, you will be invited to send your actual product (or scale model / prototype) if it meets certain weight/size restrictions. Sending a sample or mockup is not a requirement for the final round of judging, but it is highly recommended. If you are unable to send a 3D sample of your design, you will be able to submit longer videos and mounted storyboards to aid in the presentation of your entry.

Please note, products submitted for the second round of judging will become part of The Henry Ford Museum's permanent collection.

What do you mean by technical specs / production method?
Technical specs would be a more detailed description of product features than you would put in the size/dimension or What is it? fields. For instance, if you’re entering a car the specs might be engine size, horsepower, etc. Production method would include things like injection molding, extrusion, thermal forming etc. If you feel the specific question doesn’t make sense for your category, just leave it as n/a.

What is a "design credit"?
This is where you list all the individual names (or teams if you prefer) of the people that contributed to the design you are submitting on their behalf.

How should I list the design credits if the design team is in-house?
You should list the company as a design credit and also as the client/manufacturer.

Our design team is in-house. Is it still ok for the manufacturer’s name and logo to appear in the entry?
Yes, names or logos of manufacturing companies/clients may appear if they are inherent to the product. If the design team has its own identity though, you may NOT include its name or logo. Also, don’t refer in the entry form to “the in-house design team.” Just use “design team.”

I am a student, which entry form should I use?
Students should use the general entry form.

How do I know if my design should be entered as a concept or a product category?
If your design is scheduled for production, you cannot enter it as a concept. If it doesn’t meet the distribution requirements because it’s not yet in production, you must wait and enter it the following year.

What does “in distribution” mean?
In distribution means it’s available for purchase through normal sales channels. For the most part, this means the general public should be able to find it and purchase it. Certain items like planes, expensive medical equipment, etc. will be considered in distribution if orders have been taken from the end client.

Is it ok to include text on the images?
Yes, except on the glamour shot. You will also be able to provide image captions in the software online. Also consider creating a PDF storyboard instead.

Can I enter the same design in more than one category?
Yes, but you must pay separate entry fees.

Can the same design win in more than one category?
Yes, but not in two product categories (i.e. not in both Entertainment and Personal Accessories). The same design can win in a product category as well as Research, Strategy, Ecodesign, and Interactive Product Experiences.

Can I enter a family of products as one entry?
Yes! Make sure the whole family is in the glamour shot.

PAYMENT

How do I pay late fees?
If you submit a late entry, the online entry software will automatically add the late fee to your account and you will be responsible for settling your account prior to the final deadline.

Other than entry fees, what fees will winners be obligated to pay?
None! View the list of additional winner benefits and note that there are many optional ways of maximizing your award's exposure in the form of advertising but we do not require winners to pay anything extra for Yearbook inclusion, certificates, ceremony attendance, logos, etc.

Do I have to pay before I can enter?
You can create your online account and upload all your entry materials in advance of paying. As long as the payment is received and entry submitted before the regular deadline, no late fees will be assessed.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, M/C, Amex, Check drawn in US funds, and Wire/Bank transfer.

 

JUDGING

How are judges selected for IDEA?
IDSA works with the jury chair, appointed each year by IDSA's President, to craft a diverse and international team of experts across industries. If you wish to nominate yourself or someone for participation on a future jury, please email your recommendations to idea@idsa.org.

CEREMONY

When/where is the IDEA ceremony and party?
IDEA 2013 winners will be honored at a ceremony and gala following the conclusion of the annual IDSA International Conference in Chicago, IL in August, 2013.

Who can attend the awards ceremony, design gallery, and awards party? Is it free?
All winners and their guests can attend the ceremony for free, but all travel and accomodations costs are your responsibility. If you wish to register for the conference or attend the after-ceremony awards gala, you must purchase tickets. Conference registration and party tickets will be available for purchase online or in person.

 

YEARBOOK

When and where can I purchase copies of the Yearbook?
These will be available for purchase online when the Yearbook is published in September. Winners receive a discount off the regular price. Copies of past Yearbooks can be ordered directly from IDSA or call 703.707.6000.

 

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS

When can I issue a press release about my award?
You must wait until the day after our media sponsor has announced the winners in its print magazine and web site.

 

EXHIBITING

Which entries are displayed in the design gallery at the international conference?
Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners are all invited to display their award-winning design as long as space permits. If you sent a product sample or scale model/prototype for the final round of judging, IDSA will transport these to the exhibit for you. Otherwise, your only cost to display your winning product is for shipping and handling through the designated conference exhibition services company.

Do I need to attend the conference or be present in the gallery in order for my design to be on display?
No, your design can be on display whether or not you attend.

 

TROPHY & CERTIFICATES

 

When will I receive my certificates?
These will be mailed to you after the conference.

Who is entitled to receive a trophy?
One trophy is given to each Gold-winning team. Gold winners have the option of purchasing extra trophies. You will receive an order form with your winner's packet. Please fill it out in it's entirety and email to idea@idsa.org.

How many certificates will I receive?
You will receive one per designer name listed on the certificate, plus a few extras to hang in your or your client's lobby. 

Can I Request a Refund?
If you submit payment for an entry and then decide not to enter the competition or miss the entry deadlines, IDSA cannot issue a refund. Any other refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.


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Submitted by rachelw on October 26, 2011 - 3:52pm