A Strategic Vision for the Future of Design
The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) is entering a pivotal new era—one defined by transformation, bold leadership, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of design.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, where design thinking drives innovation across industries, IDSA is developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the organization toward greater impact, relevance, and authority. This plan is more than a roadmap. It’s a vision for how IDSA can lead, inspire, and empower the design community—today and in the years ahead.
Why Now?
Design is evolving. So are the needs of the designers we serve. IDSA’s strategic plan is an intentional step forward—an opportunity to elevate the organization from an essential player in the design community to a recognized leader in design education, advocacy, and professional excellence.
Our Strategic Priorities
Expand Learning & Professional Development
We’re reimagining how we deliver education—offering new learning formats, growing our content library, and exploring digital platforms and partnerships to ensure every designer has access to the tools and insights they need to thrive.
Explore Certification & Accreditation
IDSA is evaluating the feasibility of industry certification and program accreditation to set standards of excellence, support career growth, and reinforce the value of design expertise in a competitive global market.
Evolve the International Design Conference (IDC)
Our flagship event is evolving to meet the moment—becoming more engaging, more relevant, and more reflective of where design is headed. The goal: to create a future-facing experience that educates, inspires, and challenges.
Strengthen Chapter & Community Connections
Our chapters are the heartbeat of IDSA. We’re building stronger, more connected relationships with regional leaders and volunteers to ensure that value is felt—and delivered—at the local level.
Shaping Culture, Not Just Strategy
This is more than a plan—it’s a cultural shift. IDSA is committed to becoming a more inclusive, innovative, and collaborative organization, welcoming new ideas and new voices to shape the future of industrial design.
Join the Journey
The success of this plan depends on our community—our members, partners, and volunteers. We invite you to stay connected, share your insights, and help us build the future of design together.