Design News

MD Steps Up for Design

The Indsutrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) has joined the movement to create the Maryland Design Excellence Commission. IDSA Executive Director Daniel Martinage has submitted a letter to the chair and vice chair of the Maryland General Assembly's Senate Finance Committee, asking lawmakers to pass SB581/HB1084 as "an important investment by the State of Maryland in the current and future quality of life for all Maryland citizens that will bring a return on this investment in multiple ways."

"IDSA, headquartered in the National Capital region, proudly is marking its 50th year," writes Martinage. "The Society represents thousands of members around the world and across the country including designers in Maryland via the IDSA Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Indeed, awareness and support of the design field is growing; March 5 was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record this year as the first National Industrial Design Day."

IDSA believes establishment of the Maryland Design Excellence Commission "will develop design-driven innovation programs and outcomes fostering sustainable economic development, competitive job growth, effective government services and livable communities for all Maryland citizens."

 

Strengthening Global Ties

For the first time, a Cuban ambassador to Germany has visited one of that country’s leading design schools, helping to mark its 100th anniversary. On Feb. 10, Cuban Ambassador to Germany Rene Mujica Cantelar toured the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle, Germany to assess its longtime collaboration with two Cuban schools.

Pioneer of Modern Japanese ID Passes

Kenji Ekuan, I/IDSA, considered one of the pioneers of modern Japanese industrial design, has died at the age of 85. His office reports Ekuan died Feb. 8 at a Tokyo hospital from "sick sinus syndrome," a collection of heart rhythm disorders.

Ekuan perhaps was best known for designing the iconic Kikkoman soy sauce bottle in 1961. The teardrop-shaped bottle with a red plastic, anti-drip top is still made today. One is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Showcasing Innovation in Seattle

Minnesota-based Proto Labs says it's looking forward to showcasing the winners of its latest $250,000 Cool Idea! Award at IDSA’s International Conference in Seattle this summer. "We hope the innovative products will spur discussion and inspire attendees to come up with their own designs to help create a better future," says Sarah Ekenberg Braun, marketing program manager at Proto Labs.

Young Minds with Bright Ideas

A new video is focusing on what happens when dozens of undergraduate students from 21 top higher education institutions in the country—from Cornell to Stanford—come together to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges. The Design for America (DFA) Leadership Studio met at the Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center at Northwestern University

China (Shenzhen) International Industrial Design Fair

China (Shenzhen) International Industrial Design Fair (SZIDF) is the first Chinese design fair introducing the expert review mechanism. Hosted by Ministry of Industry and information Technology of PRC, and People’s Government of Shenzhen Municipality, organized by Shenzhen Industrial Design Profession Association, endorsed by Icsid, SZIDF is a modern design trade exhibition presenting the latest products, technologies, materials, services for industrial designers, branding manufacturers, retailers and specifiers.

NEA Launches New, FREE Webinar Series

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has launched a new FREE webinar series highlighting international design initiatives that serve as emerging case studies in successful design models. They delivered the first presentation of the new Learning from Abroad series on Mar. 19, and it featured a conversation with finalists of the 2013-2014 World Design Impact Prize. You can play it back here: http://arts.gov/video/nea-design-learning-abroad-webinar-series-march-2014

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