Design News

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 50^th 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."

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.

In the last two decades, the art of drawing by hand has all but disappeared in many of the design professions. Computers and software have created a useful bridge between inspiration and production. Unfortunately, in fields such as architecture, automotive design, industrial design and even typography fewer and fewer practitioners take hand to paper to sketch and resolve ideas.