Each year, IDSA recognizes exceptional student design talent through our Student Merit Awards program. The competition highlights the very best creativity, problem solving and design brilliance in each of IDSA's five North American Districts. Two winners are selected from each District for this prestigious distinction, one at the Undergraduate (SMA) level and one at the Graduate (GSMA) level.
Both the SMA and GSMA program operate through IDSA’s online awards platform. A jury panel of design leaders and educators representing a cross-section of professional practice and design academia is assembled annually to review and select winners. This ensures the highest level of quality and rigor is achieved throughout all stages of the process.
Student Merit Award winners benefit from massive media exposure through IDSA's extensive reach and high-level industry recognition. These individuals receive an online profile, a print feature in INNOVATION magazine, a trophy and special distinction at the annual International Design Conference. IDSA is proud to witness the incredible acceleration that winning an SMA provides in the professional success of those who participate. Previous winners are quickly becoming some of the most celebrated designers practicing today.
New SMA winner prizes for 2021
All 2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Student Merit Award District Winners will receive a $250 voucher courtesy of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing!
The voucher, redeemable for a value of up to $250, can be used to create a prototype of your design with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing services, with capabilities including: FDM, PolyJet, Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, Multi Jet Fusion, DMLS, Urethane Casting, CNC Machining and Injection Molding.
Undergraduate Student Merit Awards (SMA)
The SMA competition consists of two separate rounds. Round 1 (January 1 - March 8) is conducted independently by the schools and determines a single Student Finalist for that school. Round 2 (March 8 - April 5) is conducted entirely online by IDSA and determines the five SMA District Winners. One winner is selected from each District for this prestigious distinction. There is no fee to enter; however, participants must be a current IDSA student member. The entry window for SMA 2021 has closed. Good luck to all the SMA School Finalists!
Winners for the 2021 program will be announced in early May 2021.
Graduate Student Merit Awards (GSMA)
The GSMA competition consists of a single round. Graduate-level industrial design students are encouraged to submit their work through our online platform in order to enter the GSMA competition. There is no fee to enter; however, participants must be a current IDSA student member. Multiple students from a school can submit their work for consideration. The entry window for GSMA 2021 has closed. Good luck to all the applicants!
Winners for the 2021 program will be announced in early May 2021.
A Winner's Perspective
2020
Graduate SMA Winners
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2019
Graduate SMA Winners
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2018
Graduate SMA Winners
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2017
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2016
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2015
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2014
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2013
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2012
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2011
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2010
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2009
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2008
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2007
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2006
Undergraduate SMA Winners
2005
Undergraduate SMA Winners
If you have questions on either program, please contact Rachel Winter, IDSA's Program Manager.