IDSA Awards-6 copy

IDSA Awards

IDSA Awards-6 copy

IDSA Awards

Honoring individuals and organizations that drive innovation, elevate the profession, and shape the future of industrial design.

About IDSA Awards

IDSA Awards is a collection of awards presented in recognition of significant contribution to the Society or the industrial design profession, excellence in academic advancement, or personal achievement. This tradition and long standing practice is one that dates back to the earliest days of our organization. Past recipients of these distinguished recognitions are some of the most celebrated industrial designers of all time and have made an indelible mark through their personal and professional successes. 

Deserving candidates are nominated by their peers through an open submission period each year. In this way, our community members help identify those who have, or currently are, creating a positive impact in the field of industrial design.

After you nominate a colleague, they will receive an email prompting them to enter in information about themselves and their work. The nominator will then be asked to provide at least three (3) letters of recommendation for their nominee. If you or your nominee have any questions about the award process, please contact the IDSA Awards team.

2026 IDSA Awards Timeline

Call for Nominations

March 12 – April 17

Juror Review Period

April 23 – May 8

Applicants Notified

By June 1

Awards Ceremony

August 21

Awards Categories

Recognizes IDSA members or non-members whose sustained individual achievement has made a valued contribution to the profession of industrial design.

Recognizes individuals, organizations, or special projects for their creativity, innovation, passion, advocacy or achievement in the field of industrial design.

Recognizes significant, distinguished, and long-term contributions of career or tenured faculty IDSA members to the field of industrial design academia.

Recognizes junior faculty, non-tenured, or tenure-track IDSA member educators who have made a noteworthy impact on industrial design education within the early years of their academic career.

IDSA’s Board Chair may provide special acknowledgement to individuals whose work in service of the Society is deserving of a spotlight. (Active: 2012-2015)

Recognizes IDSA members who have earned the respect and affection of our community through distinguished service to the society and to the profession as a whole.

Awards Evaluation Criteria

The IDSA Awards Committee will evaluate nominations based on the following applicable criteria (note – criteria for each award varies slightly based on their description):

  1. Career / Professional Experience
  2. IDSA Service
  3. Impact to IDSA
  4. Impact to the Profession
  5. Impact on Academia

2024 Jury Chair

2023 Ceremony

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