celebrating 25 years of young design talent...25 th anniversary iha’s student design competition...

anniversary1993 - 2018

th

Sponsored by History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Design & Innovation . . . . . . . . . 7

1st Place Winners . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Winners at the Show . . . . . . . . 16

Where Are They Now?. . . . 17-22

Schools & Educators . . . . . 23-24

Judges & Corporate . . . . . 25-29

Fun Facts & Photos. . . . . . . 30-31

Celebrating 25 Years ofYoung Design TalentHonoring Design in the Housewares Industry

HISTORY

IHA Student DesignCompetitionIHA introduced the winners of its first

student competition at the January

1994 International Housewares

Show. Created to invigorate the

housewares industry with the fresh

ideas and youthful energy of

talented student designers, the

competition also aimed to

encourage young people to

consider careers in the industry.

The results of the competition are

featured in a special display at the

industry’s premier marketplace, the

International Home + Housewares

Show, held annually at Chicago’s

McCormick Place Complex.

The 25-year history of this program

demonstrates that these goals have

been achieved. Many past winners

were hired by IHA member

companies, retailers and design

firms servicing housewares

marketers. Some winners became

design managers at leading

corporations in varied industries,

while others matured as educators

and entrepreneurs. Each year at the

Show’s student display, the winners

meet industry leaders, retail

professionals and news media and

their product concepts inspire new

thinking. Some of these product

concepts were licensed and

patented and have been dev-

eloped into marketable products.

The competition’s rigorous require-

ments mirror real-world design ex-

pectations and have become

embedded in the academic pro-

grams of many U.S. universities. Its

educational value is recognized by

the design profession, as all entrants

receive judges’ written feedback, a

key benefit for all participants. The

program’s unique judging process

keeps the names of entrants anony-

mous so that the work is evaluated

totally on merit.

More than 220 design managers

and practitioners have served as

judges, many for multiple years. They

volunteered their time

and shared their

professional experience

to review top talent from

schools across the U.S.

and from other

countries.

During its 25 years, the

competition received

5,479 entries from 105

universities. It propelled

the careers of 163 top winners and

inspired more than 400 students who

merited honorable mentions. The

program encouraged countless

students, and their instructors, to

engage with the housewares

industry.

IHA’s competition is unique in the

U.S. as the longest-running, industry-

sponsored, merit-recognition

program for industrial design

students. It has evolved along with

changes in design education, and

the program has been administered

by one individual, an IHA staff

member, since its inception.

25th ANNIVERSARYIHA’s student design

competition impacts the

lives of young designers

and influences design in

the housewares world.

1994: The first student competitionwinners at the Design Oasis.

2017: Winners and judges with IHA president, Phil Brandl

2 1993 to 2018 Student Design Competition

Celebrating 25 Years of Young Design Talent

One ScholarshipIn 1990, the NHMA Board of Directors

established a scholarship to

recognize the talents of industrial

design students and to encourage

their interest in the housewares

industry. Norma Ragir, CEO of Selfix,

Inc., served on the Board from 1983

to 1990 and spearheaded the

establishment of this scholarship.

Martin Zorn and Murray Jay were

also Board members during the

1980s. Norma and her husband,

Meyer, owned Selfix, a Chicago-

based maker of plastic storage and

organization products, and

employed a designer who

connected the Ragirs to the

Industrial Designers Society of

America (IDSA). The single

scholarship winner was selected by

the IDSA’s designer members who

reviewed student portfolios. NHMA

awarded $2,500 and paid for travel

and lodging for this student to

attend the annual January Show in

Chicago and the Ambiente Fair in

February in Frankfurt, Germany.

For the 1993 International

Housewares Show, NHMA created

the Design Oasis, an exhibit

featuring past, present and future

housewares products, to bring

attention to design as an ingredient

of manufacturing and market

success. The exhibit was a joint effort

of NHMA, the University of Illinois at

Chicago (UIC), the IDSA and

Richard Bugner and Jennifer

O’Leary, Chicago collectors of

antique housewares. The

Bugner/O’Leary collection

contributed small household

products and kitchen appliances

dating from 1900 to 1960. The IDSA

provided products that won

Industrial Design Excellence Awards

(IDEA), its recently established

program with Business Week

magazine. The NHMA scholarship

winner’s product concept was

included in this exhibit, along with

products for the future conceived

by UIC students that were

represented by drawings and

models. UIC students and faculty

designed and set the displays,

guided by NHMA staff.

HISTORY

1996: Winners and IHA Board Chairman, Charles Goetz,president of Stylette.

1996: Standing room only at an educational session in theDesign Oasis.

Celebrating 25 Years of Young Design Talent 3

1994: Winners of the first competition withVicki Matranga, design programscoordinator.

In the Beginning1990-1993

Competition CreatedIn May 1993, the scholarship, named

in memory of NHMA Board members

Murray Jay, Martin F. Zorn and Meyer

J. Ragir, expanded its scope to

become a national competition

endorsed by the IDSA. With the start

of the fall academic year, junior and

senior level undergraduates at 42

IDSA-affiliated schools were invited

to participate.

The new competition required

students to design a housewares

product in any of the Housewares

Show categories. Entrants had to

complete a detailed submission

form, based on IDSA design

guidelines, which required the

student to consider market,

technical, manufacturing and social

issues of the product concept. A jury

chosen by NHMA would select

winners to appear at the January

1994 Show in Chicago.

The first year, 183 entries from

students representing 20 U. S.

colleges were received. The entries

included product concepts for

appliances, along with outdoor,

storage, cleaning, pet care,

decorative and juvenile products,

hand tools and furniture. The entries

were numbered and the names of

students and universities were

unknown to the judges. Norma Ragir

served on the first jury. Five judges

reviewed the entries to select six

winning projects and 16 honorable

mentions. Cash awards totaled

$10,500: $3,500 for the single first

place and $2,000 each for two

second place and $1,000 each for

three third place winners. Sixteen

Honorable Mentions were named.

Debut at the ShowIn addition to the cash awards,

NHMA paid for travel and lodging to

host the first winners in Chicago. The

winners came on stage to receive

their awards during the Industry

Breakfast on opening day. They

explained their product concept

models while stationed at a small

display on the Lakeside Center

exhibitor floor. The same display

included Strategic Design: American

Innovations for the Mass Market, a

presentation of housewares

HISTORY2009: Jessica Jurca, Third Place,

Cleveland Institute of Art, explainsher Enrich Bread Maker.


continued

2010: Emily Maskey, Second Place, University of Illinoisat Urbana-Champaign, surrounded by visitors.

2005: First Place Dan DeBrunner, Columbus College of Art & Design,exchanges business cards with guests.


products designed by 16 noted

designers in the U.S. The

competition’s first place winner and

the display of designers and their

products, named Design from

America, traveled to Germany for

Ambiente the following month.

Over the YearsAnnually the competition received

200-300 entries and reached 324 in

2016. Participants were primarily

from U.S. universities, with most

entries submitted by schools with

strong IDSA involvement and that

embraced the competition’s

educational value. The Milwaukee

Institute of Art & Design and San

Jose State University have

participated for 25 years. In 2007,

the first entries arrived from a

Canadian university, resulting in a

top award for a student from that

school. While international students

studying in the U.S. occasionally

earned top awards, the growth of

the internet allowed students in

distant countries to learn of the

program. Entries were submitted

from universities in Mexico, European

and Asian countries as well as Israel

and Turkey. The first entries arrived

from Mexico in 2006, Australia and

Germany in 2009, China in 2015 and

from India in 2016.

Cash awards to winners were

increased to $12,000 and in 2007

began to include small cash awards

for the honorable mentions. In

recognition of the instructors’ efforts

in guiding students, in 2013 IHA

added grants to the schools

represented by the top winners,

totaling $3,000 in 2018.

The Past for the FutureThe archive for the IHA Student

Design Competition is maintained

by the library of Milwaukee Institute

of Art & Design (MIAD). The archive

HISTORY

BY THE NUMBERS

5,400+Entries Received

1998: Judges (seated) and winners (standing). 2012: Jeannette Ralyea, Second Place, Milwaukee Institute of Art& Design, explains her Visio Home Safety Guides.


1995: Winners with Tom Conley, IHA president 1996: First Place Jennifer Nemec demonstrates Noodlini.

HISTORY

files contain more than 5,400 entries

from 1993 to 2018, indexed in a

searchable database. In addition to

entry booklets and evaluations,

archive files also contain publicity

materials, slides and discs. Since the

industrial designers who created

and entered their work maintain

copyright over their designs, the

archive is not accessible via the

Internet.

This archive provides a

unique view of design

education in the U.S.

and is a rare source for

studying the evolution of

skills, practices and problem

solutions. Student projects often

forecasted product types that

appeared in the future and

revealed developing cultural trends

as well.

MIAD students, as well as others from

outside the MIAD community, can

consult the archive by visiting the

library during open hours.

Appointments are required. n

2000: Student Competition winners chat with visitors.2015: First Place Hyunsol Park, Arizona State University,explains his Fermata project.


2007: Jenna Stephens-Wells, SecondPlace, Carleton University (Canada)prepares for TV filming.

2011: Winners (seated) and judges (standing).


continued

BY THE NUMBERS

160+Winners Launched Their

Careers at this Show

Design Inspiration at the ShowAs the Design Oasis, the student

competition display appeared on

the expo floor at the entry to the

Lakeside Building from 1994 to 1996

and added educational

programming. Designers presented

topics in new product development,

illustrating their presentations with

the use of whiteboards and slide

projectors. A small seating area, with

additional standing room,

enhanced visitor traffic to the

display.

As audiences grew for the

educational programming, more

seating was added to create a

small theater area beside the

student display. The Design Oasis

was set in the North Building

Concourse in 1997 and 1998, and

added technology vendors

exhibitors who introduced their

products and services for product

development. The Design Oasis

moved to the Lakeside Center lobby

in 1999, allowing the

theater to expand. The

student display combined

with the Design Theater was

renamed the Housewares

Design Center in 2000.

The Housewares Design

Center in the Lakeside

lobby expanded by adding

trend and innovation

inspiration. In 2002, the

Pantone ColorWatch

display began to educate

Show audiences about the

importance of color in the

housewares industry. Along with the

technology vendors sharing space

with the student competition and

Pantone displays, in 2003 the

Inventors’ Corner was

created. As this program

expanded, the Inventors’

Corner moved to the

Show expo hall several

years later. For eight

years, 2008 to 2015, the

Going Green display

presented exhibitors’

products and education

about the growing

interest in sustainability.

In 2010 and 2011, the

Design Theater was

located in the Lakeside

Center exhibitor expo. Renamed the

Innovation Theater, it moved in 2012

to its current location in Lakeside

E350 for a more comfortable setting

for presenters and seats an

audience of 350. Its program now

offers industry education over four

Show days. In 2012, IHA established

its Innovation Awards for Show

exhibitors’ products, renamed the

gia Global Innovation Awards in

2016.

The student competition display has

remained in the Lakeside Center

lobby area to this day and is now

one of five special displays in the

Hall of Global Innovation. It is an

important annual destination for

industry professionals seeking design

inspiration. n

2006: Design Theater in the round, Lakeside Center.

Design & Innovation

1996: Design Oasis speaker, designer Curt Bailey,Sundberg-Ferar, Detroit.

HISTORY


2000: An overflow crowd listens to session inHousewares Design Center Theater.

1995

Brian LewisSan Jose StateUniversity, junior

Portable Gas Grilla rugged portable grill opens flat like a briefcase toexpose the cooking surface. It has two coolercompartments for storing food to be grilled.


1ST PLACE WINNERS

1st Place Winners Throughout the Years

1994

1996

Erin KathleenGrassie

Arizona StateUniversity, junior

Expandable Mini Microwaveis a lightweight microwave oven with expandable cooking cavity for a cupor a plate, convenient for small households.

JenniferNemec

University of Illinoisat Chicago, senior

Charles Loeb-MunsonCleveland Instituteof Art, senior

The Pizza Pressbrings the speed and efficiency of a fast food vendor forhome cooks using pre-made dough and toppings. Slidingcontrol knobs regulate temperature and crust thickness.

Noodlinia children’s manual pasta maker, establishes healthy eating habitswhile providing a fun parent/child activity. Varied face plates andfins create 16 animal forms and pasta for a family of four.


1ST PLACE WINNERS

1997

1999

1998

2000

Daisy Air PurifierIs an air-filtering device with simple controls and one-step filterchange. Inspired by a flower vase, it is an attractive alternativeto existing appliances and easy to use for young and old.

Manuel SaezUniversity of

Bridgeport, senior

Sabine EimerArizona State University,

seniorExchange student from The

University of Applied Sciences,School of Design, Cologne,

Germany

Patrick MyersUniversity of Kansas,

senior

Solowash Compact Dishwashercan hold dinnerware for three meals.Using a faucet attachment for water,it sits in a kitchen sink or on the

adjacent countertop. The pump and controls are built into thedishwasher’s form.

Robert PerriSan Jose StateUniversity, senior

Cordless Ironing Station is a self-contained set with iron and folding ironing board, andincludes the power-charging base unit and a drawer forsewing supplies.

Shawn L.SinyorkSan Jose StateUniversity, junior

Comfort TouchIs a towel bar that heatstowels or laundry. Itsflexible, timer-controlledheating panels pulldown from the rod likeroller window shades toactivate the heat.

Diener Tablewareallows disabled individuals to eat unassisted. Utensils wraparound either hand and the two-handled cup includes adrinking straw. The rubber pad keeps plate and cup secureand rolls around the cup for storage.

Lefte Facilitative Kitchen Devicehelps disabled users prepare food and wash dishes with onehand. The unit clamps onto a kitchen counter and serves asa cutting board to hold the food, position a knife and collectsliced food. Lefte also grips containers for easy opening.

Mrako ArnaldFenster

Arizona StateUniversity, junior

2002

2003

2001


1ST PLACE WINNERS


Matthew C.BentleySan Jose StateUniversity, senior

Aqua Hand WashingStationscrews onto an outdoorwater spigot with a pump-action soap dispenser.

Erik PetersenSan Jose StateUniversity, junior

Universal Bedpanmore comfortable than plastic ormetal, the two-part pan is easierto clean, and its soft shaperemains stable and allows acaregiver to move a patient moresmoothly.

RaymondAaron MeadClevelandInstitute of Art, senior

ChristopherKimbroCalifornia StateUniversity, senior

SuperSweeper Push Broomuses a compression spring to propelthe broom forward for an easy,comfortable grip.

Jar Openeris a flexible plastic openerwith two adjusting rings thatgrip and twist open jar lids.

continued

Delicato: Hamper/Washer for Fine Hand-Washablesprotects hands from soaps and cold water. Its perforated basket nests in a plasticbin and the lid is operated with a push handle like a salad spinner. It fits into a sink,so the user can empty the basket by uncapping the drain and refill for rinsing.

Alison Anne BarnsleySan Jose State University,

graduate student

2005

2006

2004


1ST PLACE WINNERS

Brad JolitzUniversity of NotreDame, junior

Dan DeBrunnerColumbus College ofArt & Design, senior

Assistincludes a railing, mountedalong stairs or a hallway; abar slides on the railing andprovides support similar to awalker. Accessories includea detachable basket andtray to help carry items andimprove stability.

Pui Yue LamCalifornia StateUniversity, senior

Pet3is a 3-in-1 versatile product thatserves as a bed, carrier and carseat for small dogs or cats.

2005: Selim Nurudeen, University of Notre Dame,demonstrates his second Place Clean Sweep.

Re-Bag is a flat plastic sheet that wraps and locks in place to become asturdy cylinder to hold the trash bag. The user steps on the tab“feet” of the container to remove a full bag and pull up the nextbag at the same time.

2007

Robert SwintonCleveland Institute of Art, senior

Matthew SwintonCleveland Institute ofArt, senior

Hose Wheelis an all-in-onehose that allowsthe user to unrolland rewind thegarden hosewithout having totouch the hose.

Epic Spray Systemis an aerosol spray paint can that combines a paint bag with a refillable CO2 canister.

2010

Teddy LuUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, senior

Trevis KurzThe Ohio State University, junior

Sanas Smoke Alarmallows homeowners to changebatteries in ceiling-mounted smokealarms more safely. Users push anordinary broom handle against arelease button to lower the unit forconvenient reach.

TubTubfits newborns to six-monthold infants and it holdssupplies. When flipped over,it can be used as a parentseat when bathing a child,or as a child’s step stool.

2008

2009


1ST PLACE WINNERS


continued

Escapeis an emergency fire exitladder that provides asafe, quick and easy wayto escape a house fire.

Nora FloodPurdue University, junior

Sarah O’BrienUniversity of Louisiana, senior

Elizabowlfulfills the twofunctions of a bowl:storage and display.

2011

2013


1ST PLACE WINNERS

2012

Heman AuArizona State University,junior

Juan JimenezUniversity of Houston,senior

Smart MeasureIs a pair of double measuring spoons that snap together and slidepast each other to level and measure ingredients and can beused with one hand.

Duo Kitchenwarehelps people with disabilities prepare their own food. The setpairs a rocker knife with a cutting board, shaped to fit a user’sbody, whose edge prevents food/juices from spilling.

Wesley York Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, senior

Mariel Z. Piña University of Houston, senior

Illumine—The Pathway to Safetyis an emergency light system built into an electricaloutlet cover. Hard-wired into fire alarm and smokedetector systems for new construction, it connectswirelessly for existing buildings.

Samuel ChenUniversity of IllinoisUrbana-Champaign,junior

Cyclone Kitchen Fire ExtinguisherIs a kitchen tool that can be used repeatedly.Twisting the utensil’s valve mixes baking soda andvinegar to spray a carbon dioxide foam.

Ambos—A Greater Colanderreduces kitchen clutter and merges functionsof a cheese/food grater and a colander into one product.

2016

2014

2015

Only Paint Brush has an ergonomic grip and iseasy to use, store and clean. Abuilt-cap protects it while stored.

Christopher CrowleyVirginia Polytechnic Instituteand State University, senior


1ST PLACE WINNERS


continued

Hyunsol ParkArizona State University,junior

Fermata foresees futuretechnology thatenhancespersonalrelationships as itimproves eatinghabits for the lonely and elderly bycommunicating movement andcalorie intake to loved ones.

2014: Sara Linginfelter, Third Place, Milwaukee Instituteof Art & Design, explains her Safe Cookware.

Amanda BoltonUniversity ofCincinnati, senior

Matthew BurtonUniversity of Houston,senior

Connect Electrical Outlet Adapterguides users with limited dexterity oreyesight to safely plug cords into anoutlet and offers more plugs than astandard outlet.

B-PAC Kitchenware for Vision-Impairedare products with tactile cues that solveproblems of safety, accuracy andcommunication for low-vision cooks.

20182017


1ST PLACE WINNERS

Outstanding Achievement Award1st + 2nd + 3rd Place

Michael LaudiCleveland Institute ofArt, senior

Rose Plateit assists people with one available hand to cutfood, promoting their independence.

1st

2nd

3rd

Dominic MontanteCleveland Institute of Art, senior

1st: Klima Indoor Climate Systemis an air conditioner/heater that hangs over a window frame, providing a clear view. It monitors electricity usage and adjuststemperatures.

2nd: Kipp Sofa/Tablea space-efficient furniture system that includes threeupholstered chairs and a table that combine into a sofa.

3rd: Scelto One Coffeemakersingle-serve electric coffee maker is designed to reduce waste and production costs.

Ben KaufmannCarleton University, senior

Anastasia MillerArizona State University,senior

Lauren EmmersonArizona State University,senior

BIO Water Distiller Deviceremoves toxins and heavy metals fromcontaminated water. The water vessel can beheated on any type of stove and the distilled waterflows into a standard five-gallon jug.

Domi Care At Home Pap Testallows women to perform the test at home on theirown schedule and reduces the anxiety of a doctorvisit. Users can track the test results and dialoguewith their doctors thru the Domi Care mobile app.

The student winners jump into the world of

business on their first day at the Show.

They witness the final hours of

construction for one of the country’s largest

trade shows and learn about new product

development from presidents and design

directors of key exhibitor companies. Media

training with the IHA press team in

the Show News Center prepares

them for their next four days in the

spotlight with TV, in print and

online journalists.

NEWS CLIPS

Meeting Industry Leaders& Media Recognition

2017: Designer Martin Brady, senior director ofconsumer marketing at Hamilton Beach and pastjudge, explains his work to winners.

2013: Winners learn about the complexity of introducing hundreds of new productseach year from past judge Bill Lazaroff, who directs product development atLifetime Brands Corp.


WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Over the last 23years, I’ve beenhonored by

each of the awardsgiven for my work, butmy first product designaward was from IHA andmeant the most. As ayoung designer, I didn’t yet know myplace in the industry, hadn’t yet learnedthe tricks of the trade or the value ofbuilding relationships and staying true tooneself. When I look back on thatdesign, I see the beginnings ofeverything I’ve become and I’m just asexcited today about our industry as Iwas the day I submitted that entry.

In 2007, my wife and I founded acreative consultancy. We provide everystep of development from the first sketchto packaged products ready for shelves.

Scott Snider, 1995 Second Place, Center for Creative Studies, senior

Owner & Partner, Generator, Inc.,Baltimore

WhereAre They Now?

When I entered the IHA Student Design Competitionin December 2004 as a junior, I had no idea of theimpact it would have on my life. Fourteen years

later, I still receive royalties on the product I designed, and ithelped launch my career in academia. My student project,a prescription pill container opener and label magnifier, islicensed to Jokari, Inc. as the Magnifying Medi-Grip. Theproduct also was an IHA 2009 Design Defined honoree andwon Best in Category at the 2010 Housewares Design Awards. Now myacademic research focuses on emerging technologies and theirinfluence on the barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Michael Elwell, 2005 Third Place, University of Notre Dame, senior

Judge 2019, 2011

Associate Professor and Director of the Product Design Program, Western Michigan University

Founder, co-owner of Benefactory, a manufacturer of high-end gifts for thebenefactors of charities, universities and non-profits.

Winning the student competition helped me gainnational exposure to a wide array of housewarescompanies very early in my career. While a student

I was also working as an intern at Selfix (later Home ProductsInternational Inc.), whose president, Norma Ragir, had beenan early supporter of NHMA student design recognition.After graduating, I began working there full-time for severalyears, and then moved on to larger brands in the homegoods industry, such as Wilton Industries and Martha Stewart LivingOmnimedia. After a decade of varied client experience in consultingwith Gravity Tank, which was acquired by Salesforce, my work continuesto evolve.

Shailesh Patel, 1996 Second Place, University of Illinois at Chicago, senior

Judge 2001, 2002

Innovation Senior Director, Ignite AMER Practice Lead

Salesforce, Chicago


2017: IHA president Phil Brandl awards SecondPlace Nicole Norris, Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Winning the student design competition was anincredible door opener. I made the connectionsthat led to my first two jobs out of school,

spanning nearly six years of work in two countries. I evenhad the opportunity to work under another former winner(Mrako Fenster) in Madison, Wis. While I’ve since madethe jump to UX design, the exposure at the HousewaresShow definitely kickstarted my career, taking it indirections I wouldn’t have imagined. Now I work for a Canadian softwareservice technology company that develops, supports and sells softwareproducts in the field of supply chain management.

Jenna Stephens-Wells, 2007 Second Place, Carleton University, senior

Senior Product Designer, Nulogy, Toronto

This competition is agreat equalizer.Whether an entrant

comes from a well-known design school ora small upstart program,students are judgedsolely for their skills.

Sarah O’Brien, 2008 First Place, 2006Honorable Mention, University of

Louisiana — Lafayette

O’Brien Design, former Kohler designer

Judge 2016, 2017


WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WhereAre They Now?

continued

Winning thecomp-etitiongot me noticed

by a future employerdue to my ideas andinnovations in the smallappliances field. So thatwas very helpful inkicking off my career and helping mefind success! Now I work to maintaindesign quality and consistency for all ofRemington’s products, personal careitems like hair dryers and shaving, andbeauty devices. Industrial design,packaging engineering and colormaterials design all report to me.

Dan Teteak, 2000 Third Place,Milwaukee Institute of

Art & Design, senior

Director, Industrial Design and Package Engineering

Remington Products, Madison, WI

Being recognized in the IHA student competitionmade a profound impact on me as a young designstudent. I distinctly remember that it was the first

time I felt that, as a designer, my point of view matteredand could shape the world around me. It gave meconfidence in my choice to pursue industrial design andconnected me to people who would become closefriends and mentors. I am still actively involved in thehousewares industry today!

Elizabeth Reuter, 2012 Third Place, Purdue University, junior

Primary Industrial Designer, Kenmore Dishwashers and Small Kitchen Appliances

2010: IHA president Phil Brandl congratulates the competition winners.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_chain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_as_a_service

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_as_a_service

Winning the IHA student competition andattending the Show as a junior in college was apivotal moment in my early design career. It

opened doors to think about patents, helped me getfreelance work while I was still in school and ultimatelyhelped land my first job at Bose. The recognition fromdesign leaders and support from the IHA team builtconfidence, not only for my ideas but for myentrepreneurial ambitions. My younger brother came with me to theShow and an exhibitor interested in my product took us all out for dinnerand drinks… Steve and I couldn’t even drink yet — but we were soexcited to be involved and the world of design was opening up to us invery cool ways. After nine years designing consumer electronics at BoseCorporation, I founded Design Museum Foundation, a nonprofit,nomadic design museum focused on educating the public about theimpact of design in our lives.

Sam Aquillano, 2003 Second Place, Rochester Institute of Technology, junior

Founder, Design Museum Foundation, Boston, MA

Winning the firstprize at the IHAstudent design

competition was a greatstart in my career. Atthe moment, thenewness and excitementof being at the Showwas a great reward for the effort I putinto this competition, but what I did notknow then was the long-term impact onmy career. I met people who are stillfriends and I have cultivatedrelationships with people who are nowclients. In many ways it opened doors toan exciting future doing what Ilove: design.

Manuel Saez, 2000 First Place, University of Bridgeport, senior

Judge 2006, 2007

Founder and principal, Brooklyness,New York


Istill the remember that day a very long time ago whenVicki called me to tell me that I had won third place inthe housewares competition. That win opened the

door not only for my first internship but also for my first job.Turned out that my first boss was also a judge the sameyear I won. He remembered my submission and broughtme on board. I’ve been part of the IHA family ever since.I’ve judged the student competition as well as the giaproduct Innovation Awards. I thank you for all that you do and all theopportunities that you open for all of the students around the world.

Sona Patadia-Rao, 1999 Third Place, Arizona State University, junior

Judge 2004, 2005

Design Research Director, LUNAR, Chicago

2004: First Place winner Brad Jolitz from Universityof Notre Dame interviewed by HGTV crew.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

2002: Winners converse with visitors.

Attending the Housewares Show as a competitionwinner led directly to my internship, provided theopportunity to make connections that I have

maintained well in to my career, and gave mereassurance that I wasn't a total impostor in industrialdesign. As if that wasn't enough, the program manager isa champion for the student winners and getting to knowher extends the benefits of winning the competition foryears.

Nora Flood, 2009 First Place, Purdue University, junior

Senior Industrial Designer, Studio One Eleven, Chicago

Being a winner in the IHA Student Design Competitionwas such a fun and important moment in my designcareer. The Show still holds a special place in my heart

because of my work as a designer for KitchenAid, and as ajudge for the competition and a panelist for an InnovationTheater presentation. Now I enjoy working for a renowneddesign consultancy where we see design through a human-centered lens across categories from housewares tomedical equipment.

Kaitlyn Benoit, 2009 Third Place, University of Notre Dame, senior

Judge 2015, 2016, 2017

Senior Industrial Designer

Smart Design, New York

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WhereAre They Now?

continued

On top of learningabout theindustry from

meeting so many greatprofessionals and beingexposed to so manybrands, the mostimportant thing Ilearned from the housewarescompetition was that design is a meansto tell a story to people. I learned thatwhen people see the product theconversation becomes intellectual, butwhen they hear the story theconversation becomes emotional andhumane. I am glad such a greattradition has been kept for 25 years and Ihope it continues to give an eye-opening experience to students formany more years!

Hyunsol Park, 2015 First Place, Arizona State University, junior

Designer at Livin Life Inc., San Francisco

I owe much of my current success to my experience asan IHA student design winner. Being selected toshowcase my product at an international trade show

gave me exposure as an inventor and designer. I learnedhow to pitch my ideas faster and with emotional hooksthat resonated with investors. After receiving a lot ofinterest in bringing my product to market, I beganpursuing other business and invention ideas and offeredmy skills to startups and product developers. I run a small team that workson projects as varied as medical devices and beauty products. Becauseof IHA, I connected with many wonderful people in a wide variety ofindustries with whom I remain in contact. Winning the IHA Student DesignCompetition is a spring board between student and professional life.

Haley Pearson, 2015 Second Place, California State University—Long Beach, senior

Furniture and Lighting Designer

Product Designer - Medical and Consumer Goods, Los Angeles


2013: Breanna Stachowski Third Place, University of Notre Dame, explains her project to Showexhibitors Antony and Richard Joseph, co-founders of the design leader Joseph Joseph.

https://www.linkedin.com/comm/in/haley-pearson-19478a15?trk=eml-msg_di

Winning IHA was absolutely pivotal in my growth as adesigner. Preparing for the competition pushed myprocess and skills beyond what I thought I was

capable of, and winning the competition gave me theopportunity to put my work in front of potential employersand invaluable industry contacts. The skills and connectionsthat I gained from participating in the competition havestayed with me throughout my career—from the early yearsas an intern at fuseproject to design director at Box Clever, and now asan industrial designer at Google X. Additionally, as a professor of designat California College of the Arts in San Francisco, I encourage students toapply to competitions like IHA’s in hopes that the experience will helpthem achieve their career goals as well.

Matt Swinton, 2007 First Place, Cleveland Institute of Art, senior

Industrial Designer, Google X

Adjunct Professor, California College of the Arts

What an experience! I didn’t realize untilmuch later that

responding to IHA’s well-considered competition briefsimulated the professionalenvironment and gave mevery relevant experience todraw upon once I was working as aprofessional. Attending the Show gave me realinsights into the design profession and industry.And meeting the other student winners wasincredibly inspiring and humbling. The wholeexperience helped me to gain confidence asa new professional. As I was seeking my firstjob, my IHA award helped my portfolio standout against many other candidates.

Joni Saylor, 2003 Second Place, Arizona State University, junior

Design Principal, IBM Design Practices

Master Inventor, IBM Studios, Austin, TX

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

2016: Thomas Richardson, Third Place winner from Purdue University,demonstrates his air purifier to the Show media team.

2014: Winners at student competition display.

Being recognized byIHA was the first ofmany great moments

with Ambos. Thecompetition was alaunching pad to travel topromote the product,freelancing contracts, joboffers, valuable connections, and morerecognition, including being included inthe Women in Industrial Design exhibitduring the 2014 San Francisco DesignWeek. My original design, the Amboscolander/grater is now produced by RoyalPrestige (Hycite) and helps to pay my bills.It is grating food without making messes inthe U.S. and Latin America. As the motherof two girls, now 7 and 4, I was drawn toPhoenix to design products for Boon, whichmakes modern products for babies andparents. In 2017 I moved to the UX field,and now bring human-centered design tocybersecurity at a startup backed byMicrosoft and KPBC.

Mariel Piña, 2012 First Place, University of Houston, senior

Product Designer, Trusona, Scottsdale, AZ


Attending theShow in 2016 as astudent winner

changed my life. It wasan amazing Show whereyou meet so many kindand inspirational people.I met Evan Dash, thefounder of StoreBound. Evan shared hisinsights about the housewares industryand aspects of both business and designwith us six students. I learned a lot fromthe conversation and kept in touch withEvan after the Show. He hired me todesign some new products and now Iam the innovation studio director. Ialways knew housewares is the industrywhere I belong and IHA helped merealize my dream.

Yiyang (Joe) Zhang, 2016 SecondPlace, Arizona State University,

graduate student

Director, StoreBound Innovation Studio,New York

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

This award gave me the confidence to work with start-upbusinesses such as Bloom Bras, a Kickstarter-fundedmaker of sports bras, and contribute creative input to

entrepreneurs with great ideas. In the event design industry,I worked for Kehoe Designs where I learned CNCprogramming. I entered the field of interior architecture andfurniture and explored new CNC carving methods, designdevelopment and reverse engineering for NavillusWoodworks. Now I’m returning to product design.

Jeannette Raleya, 2012 Second Place, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Designer, Chicago

The IHA Student Design Award was an invaluableexperience. As a third-year industrial designer, itopened my eyes to the housewares industry. Giving

an elevator pitch a thousand times certainly helped mepractice a necessary skill for our industry. Each winnerwalked away from Chicago with a hundred businesscards and countless leads, one of which led to aninternship the following summer and a job offer monthsbefore graduation day. Serving as a judge after being a student winnerwas a lot of fun. The diverse panel combined decades of experience.The dynamic between professors and housewares professionals creates awell-rounded decision process filled with discussion and debate abouteach project. It was an honor to help choose this year’s winners and Ilook forward to seeing how this competition helps propel them into theirdesign future.

Evan Cincotta, 2015 Third Place, Rochester Institute of Technology, junior

Judge 2018

Product Designer, Casabella Holdings, LLC, New York

Industry veteran Evan Dash, founder of Storebound, explains his approach to productdevelopment to winners during booth construction the day before Show opening.

Iwas lucky enough tobe a winner and alsoa judge. I can say from

the student’sperspective as a winneryou get to present yourwork in front ofthousands of people atthe McCormick center in Chicago,which is an amazing accomplishment.But what you don’t see is how manyjudges there are and how they getinvolved in your work. It’s really excitingto be a judge and present the work ofthe students. It’s an experience that I willever cherish.

Trevis Kurz, 2010 First Place, The OhioState University

Judge 2014, 2015

Senior Designer, TEAGUE, Seattle


Academy of Art University . . . . . 62

Al Salama Institute of Architecture (India) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Appalachian State University . . . 26

Arizona State University . . . . . . . 496

Art Center College of Design . . . 45

Art Institute of California--Orange County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Art Institute of Colorado . . . . . . . . 5

Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. . . 7

Art Institute of Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . 3

Art Institute of Portland . . . . . . . . . 5

Auburn University . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Avni Institute of Art and Design (Israel). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bergische Universitat Wuppertal (Germany). . . . . . . . . . 1

Brigham Young University . . . . . . . 2

California College of the Arts . . . 82

California State University - Long Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

California State University-Northridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Carleton University (Canada) . . 51

Carnegie Mellon University . . . . . 25

China Academy of Art (China) . . 1

Cleveland Institute of Art . . . . . 251

College for Creative Studies. . . . 44

College of ManagementAcademic Studies (Israel) . . . . . . 10

Columbia College Chicago . . . . . 5

Columbus College of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Cranbrook Academy of Art . . . . . 2

Dawson College (Canada) . . . . . 5

Eastern Mediterranean University (Cyprus, Turkey). . . . . . . 2

Edinburgh College of Art, TheUniversity of Edinburgh/Emily Carr (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Griffith University (Australia) . . . . . 1

Georgia Institute of Technology. 31

Humber College (Canada) . . . . . 6

Iowa State University . . . . . . . . . . 46

Illinois Institute Technology/ Institute of Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Instituto Technologio y e Estudios (Mexico). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

International Center for Creativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ITT Technical Institute California . 10

ITT Technical Institute Indiana . . . . 8

ITT Technical Institute SanBernadino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ITT Technical Institute Utah . . . . . . 2

James Madison University . . . . . . . 2

Kansas City Art Institute. . . . . . . . . 1

Kansas State University . . . . . . . . 18

Kean University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Kendall College of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (India) . . . . . 6

Massachusetts College of Art and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Metropolitan State College of Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

MIT Institute of Design (India) . . . . 2

Montclair State University . . . . . . . 5

National Institute of Design (India) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

New Jersey Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

North Carolina State University . . 53

Northern Michigan University . . . 10

Otis College of Art & Design . . . . . 1

Ozyegin University (Turkey) . . . . . . 2

Parsons School of Design . . . . . . 44

Philadelphia University . . . . . . . . 48

Pratt Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

Rigoletti Case e Diseo (Mexico) . . 1

Rochester Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

San Francisco State University . 126

San Jose State University . . . . . . 476

Savannah College of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Sheffield Hallam University (UK) . . 1

Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Syracuse University . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Technical University (Denmark) . . 1

Technical University (Germany) . . 1

The Ohio State University. . . . . . 182

Tufts University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Udelar, Montevideo (Uruguay). . . 1

Universidade de Evora (Portugal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Universitad Maritima (Chile) . . . . . 1

Universidad National Autonoma (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Universitad Politecnica de Madrid (Spain) . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Universidade L usiada do Norte (Portugal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

University for Creative Arts (UK) . . 1

University for the Creative Arts . . . 1

University of Bridgeport . . . . . . . . 54

University of Buea (Cameroon) . . 1

University of Cincinnati . . . . . . . . 32

University of Houston . . . . . . . . . . 24

University of Iowa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

University of Illinois at Chicago . 126

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

University of Kansas . . . . . . . . . . 186

University of Louisiana Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

University of Michigan . . . . . . . . . 15

University of Nebraska - Lincoln . . 1

University of Notre Dame . . . . . 220

University of Oregon . . . . . . . . . . 83

University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . 2

University of the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 3

University of Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

University of Washington . . . . . . . 64

University of Wisconsin - Stout . . 112

Vellore Institute of Technology (India) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Vilnius Academy of Art (Lithuania) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University . . . . . . . . . . 160

Wentworth Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Western Michigan University . . . . 13

Western Washington University . . 46

Schools & EducatorsMaking a Difference Together

Entries by Participating Schools

Total Entries 5,479

Participating Schools & Number of Entries Their Students Submitted

SCHOOLS / EDUCATORS

2006: Judges Mark Steiner, Hamilton Beach, and Joey Nakayama,Herbst, LaZar, Bell, at work.


The IHA competition isin my opinion the bestcompetition for

students, from apedagogical point of view, becauseeach entry is reviewed bytwo jurors who give themwritten feedback and comments.Further, the winners are prominentlyfeatured at the Housewares Show andtheir designs are seen by thousands ofattendees, which can lead to theirbeing hired for design positions.

Pascal Malassigne, FIDSASr. Professor and Chair, Industrial Design

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Competition advisor since 1993

Judge 2009, 2012, 2013

Students show a greatunderstanding of key

user needs and developdesigns that align withtrends in the industry and the high levelof proficiency expected in professionalpractice. The breadth and depth of thesubmissions show potential for innovativesolutions in various product categories. Itis rewarding to see the positive reactionthat manufacturers, employers and thepublic in general have to these studentprojects and their high level ofexecution.

Alex Lobos, Graduate Director of Industrial Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Judge 2013, 2014, 2015


SCHOOLS / EDUCATORS

Schools & EducatorsMaking a Difference Together

continued Participating Schools & Number of Entries

Arizona State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . 14

San Jose State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . 22

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . 12

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . . . . . . . . . . . 357Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 7

Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 8

Cleveland Institute of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . 25

Columbus College of Art & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 5

University of Notre Dame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . 10

University of Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 7

The Ohio State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 5

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. . . . . . 160Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 2

Massachusetts College of Art and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

San Francisco State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 1

University of Illinois at Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 5

University of Wisconsin - Stout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 1

Southern Illinois University Carbondale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 1

Rochester Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 5

University of Oregon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

California College of the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 2

California State University - Long Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Total First, Second and Third Place Winners To Date . . . 4

TOP 20:

Amco Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Arizona State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Belkin International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Betty Baugh Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Beyond Design, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Big Bang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Big Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Black & Decker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2BOLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Brooks Stevens Design Associates . . . . . . . . . 1Carnegie Mellon University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Casabella Holdings LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Chaney Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Christopher White Brand Consultant . . . . . . . 2CL Design Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Coleman Company Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Columbus College of Art + Design. . . . . . . . . 2Continuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Corning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2DeSousa Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Echo Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Eureka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Fitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Fredricks Design, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2General Housewares Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Georgia Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . 4Hamilton Beach Brands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Hattle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Herbst, LaZar, Bell, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Home Products International . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Humanscale Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Ideation Studio Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1IDEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Ignite USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Ingersoll Rand Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Insight Design and Cleveland Institute . . . . . 1Iowa State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Item Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1J.C. Penney Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6JMI USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Kaleidoscope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Kansas State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Kaz, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1KEM Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Kendall College of Art & Design. . . . . . . . . . . 3Leslie Lowe Brown Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Libbey Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Lifetime Brands, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia . . . . . . . . 1Metaphase Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design . . . . . . . . 6Motorola, retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Newell Rubbermaid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1North Carolina State University . . . . . . . . . . . . 2O'Brien Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Optimistic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Pacific Market International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Peggy Howe Design Associates . . . . . . . . . . . 2Perkins Design Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Product Development Technologies . . . . . . . 4Progressive International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Radius Product Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Regal Ware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Rochester Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . 3Rubbermaid Home Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Sears Holdings Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Selfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Smart Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Smith-Celantano Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1SoMA, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Sterilte Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Stratos Product Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Studio One Eleven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Tabletops Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Target Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4TEAMS Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Ohio State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Trudeau Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Umbach Consulting, University of Houston . . 1Umbra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4University of Cincinnati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3University of Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1University of Ilinois at Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . 4University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . . 3University of Notre Dame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3University of Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3University of Wisconsin - Stout . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Verge Research, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Walmart Stores, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Webb Scarlett de Vlam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Whirlpool Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Whitehouse Uprising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Wilson Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Wilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Win + Win Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1World Kitchen LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Yeh Ideology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Judges by Company: Total Years of Service (Top 17 organizations are bolded)

JUDGES / CORPORATE

Judges & Corporate Sponsors Making an Impact

98Employers Supplying Judges

Throughout the Years 225Judges

2015: Judges view a video submitted with an entry.


Judging was such a greatopportunity. It is inspiring to see thework of the different schools and

good to know that materials andmanufacturing are a universal issue. Ienjoyed insights from the colleagues onthe panel who are from many differentindustries. Even though we have diverseexperiences, we come together and agree on thestrongest work. We live in and play in a world of fuzzyproblems, as several of the top projects showed.

Jennifer Astwood, Associate Professor Industrial Design

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Judge 2018


JUDGES / CORPORATE

IHA’s student competition evolved

because of recommendations

from instructors, judges and

students. The administrator built

relationships with professors to

ensure that schools assigned the

competition as part of the

curriculum. Guidelines and

requirements were refined to align

with educational goals. Professors

value the program’s workplace

expectations and how it reinforces

the design process that educators

teach: ideation and sketching, user

research, market research,

opportunity space identification,

mechanical drawing, prototyping

and testing. Visual presentation

combined with a narrative sharpen

students’ story-telling skills, as

students are required to answer

questions and submit booklets

explaining their process.

In the early years, numbered paper

folders with instructions and entry

forms were mailed to instructors to

distribute to their classes. Students

were responsible for mailing in their

entries, which included one 35 mm

slide, by the deadline. These entries

were then sorted and distributed to

the judges, who studied each entry,

identified only by number, to write

the evaluations in the weeks

between the deadline and the

judging meeting. They brought the

entry booklets and their completed

paper evaluation forms to the IHA

office for the meeting, where they

viewed slides of all the entries,

shown on a carousel slide projector,

as they discussed the field and

selected the winners.

From its start, this program was

unique because all entrants

received evaluations written by

design professionals. Instructors also

received copies of the evaluations

of their students’ work to aid in class

discussion. The jury of designers and

product development managers at

IHA member companies was

Professional Evaluations Enhance Educational Value

Norma Ragir was intent on unifyingthe industrial design communitywith the housewares industry and

saw this competition as a way toaccomplish that goal. As evidenced bythe success and growth of this program—her vision has benefitted both.

Nancy Perkins, Perkins Design Ltd.,Bellaforte, PA

NHMA scholarship reviewer,UIC instructor, 1992

Competition judge, 1993

1996: Designer Betty Baugh makes a point to fellow judges.


continued

Many years ago when I was astudent, I entered the IHA designcompetition. I fell in love with

housewares, and am proud to say that Ihave been designing in the industry eversince.

Michael Mastroianni, Industrial Designer,Pampered Chef

Judge 2009


JUDGES / CORPORATE

2017: At the end of a long dayof discussion, judges vote todetermine top winners.

expanded from five to six in 1999 to

share the work load, as each judge

scored a fraction of the total. The

panel grew to 10 in 2002, so that

each entry could receive two

evaluations for a more balanced

perspective for students and their

teachers. As the number of entries

increased, in 2016 the panel grew to

14 members, with each pair

reviewing 1/7 of the total.

Submissions still require one paper

process book, as the judges prefer

to study the physical booklets at the

meeting as the most efficient way to

compare projects for the group

discussion and voting. After the

winners are selected, the names

and schools of the entrants are

revealed to the judges.

In 2012, as more international entries

arrived, the entry process went

digital—for both online entries and

the judges’ digital evaluation form

that is attached to each entry.

Once the winners have been

notified, the entrants and their

teachers are granted access to the

reviews.

The judges volunteer their time and

travel expenses. They estimate that

they spend 20-40 hours on the pre-

meeting

evaluations, plus

travel and the full-

day meeting. IHA

offers a small

honorarium, one

night’s hotel lodging

and all meals.

Despite the intensive work and time

required, the judges invariably laud

the experience and ask to return for

multiple years. Invigorated by the

peer discussion and the view of a

cross-section of young talent, they

often reach out to the students to

offer interviews and encourage

further concept development. If

possible, they come to the Show to

meet the students whose work they

awarded. n

Judging the IHA student competitionwas a very rewarding experience. Iwas impressed with the level of rigor

that was encouraged from the judges.Selecting the winners opened passionatedebate that highlighted different designphilosophies amongst the judges. We tookour jobs seriously, and I think we all workedto give each student a depth of feedback that wouldhelp them as designers. In return, we got to see a broadrange of student work, which is always a terrific windowto the future.

Phil Hague, Senior Design Manager

3M Design, Consumer Business Group, St., Paul, MN.

Judge 2005

Iwish I had known about this competitionwhen I was a student! This competition is great for not only the finalists and

winners but also for all entrants since eachentry gets personalized feedback. As ajudge, I am thankful to IHA for allowing meto be part of the energy and passion thatthe winners have brought to their projects.

Marianne Grisdale, vice president, Creative Director

TEAMS Design USA, Chicago

Judge 2016, 2017

The IHA competition is a challenge for the students as well as forthe judges. I remember receiving boxes of submissions, spendingmultiple weekends reviewing projects while attempting to write

meaningful and constructive comments, and trying to decide whichones were prize-worthy. It’s hard work. The fun part was spendingtime with the other judges as we came together to determine the“best of the best.” I’ve also enjoyed meeting the student winnersevery year at the Show, and having them explain their ideas inperson. It’s an annual reminder that the contest serves to unveil the world oftalented young designers at schools all around the country while providing aforum for them to get exposure to our industry. The contest is Vicki’s brainchild; herdedication to its development and growth displays a remarkable dedication toboth the principles of the IHA and her love and commitment to students. It’s beena privilege to be involved.

Bill Lazaroff

Executive Vice-President

Industrial Design, Engineering & Product Development

Lifetime Brands Corporation

Judge 2009, 2010

28

JUDGES / CORPORATE

Whirlpool Corporation has a long history of valuing design andeducation; I’m honored to be part of the 25th anniversaryfor the IHA Student Design Competition. This competition

has been a great opportunity to get a glimpse of future designersand how they are improving the lives of many people.

Michael Kahwaji, Senior Design Manager, Whirlpool Corporation

Judge 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018

II have worked innumeroushousewares

categories, sojudging was a rareopportunity to reviewand respond to thisbreath of industry-specific student work. Being ajudge gave me a glimpse into thefuture of housewares design and,at the same time, gave me thechance to participate in itscreation—it felt like a truecollaboration with students.

Drew Carlson

Senior industrial designerHamilton Beach Brands

Judge 2017, 2018

BeyondDesign hasbeen

involved with theIHA studentcompetition foryears - byproviding judgesand as an employer of thewinners. The event gives purposeand importance to all the studentdesigners and is a great learningexperience for everyone involved.

Michael Prince, founder andpresident

Beyond Design, Chicago

Judge 1999, 2000, 2009


continued

2007: Judges review their boxes of entries.

Being a judge was a fantasticexperience. I learned a lot from thestudents and from the other judges.

It was exciting to see so much youngtalent from many schools and I wasinspired by the innovative product ideaswe reviewed. Casabella has hired pastwinners, so we know how our industrybenefits from this competition, which encouragesyoung designers to seek careers in housewares.

Bruce Kaminstein, founder and executive chairman

Casabella Holdings LLC

Judge 2017


JUDGES / CORPORATE

The most valuable part of this contest isthat the winners get some of the mostfocused attention they will get in their

entire lives. The money is second to thereward of the Show experience. Thiscontest also shows that IHA is helping todrive and keep innovative design alive.

Joseph Fiore III

Walmart Stores, Senior TechnicalManager

Judge 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

The success of the student designawards is essential to help developthe future design leaders of our

industry! The IHA should be commendedfor providing a superb platform for designstudents to learn more about our industryand we hope it becomes a possiblecareer choice.

Philippe Trudeau, president

Trudeau Corporation

Judge 2018

Ahighlight of the Housewares Show isvisiting the student design winners.The effort the students put into their

work illustrates their passion for design. I’veseen this first hand as a past judge, butwhat inspires me the most is the creativityof these young designers. I know it’s goingto be their talents that will help to push ourindustry forward with innovative new products. Weneed to attract and nurture these designers.

Rich Ahern, vice president of marketing

Sterilite Corporation

Judge 1996, 1997

2013: Current winners meet alums at the student display. Arizona StateUniversity Professor Lauren McDermott visits with ASU awardees FirstPlace Heman Au and 1999 Third Place Sona Patadia-Rao.

2004: Judges at IHA office after completing their work.

IHA thanksThanks to the efforts of Professor PascalMalassigné and Nancy Siker, AssistantLibrary Director, all student competition entriessince 1994, indexed in a searchable database, are held in the archive

maintained by the library of Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).

In addition to entry booklets and evaluations, archive files also contain

publicity materials,

slides and discs. It is

not accessible on

the internet, but

visitors can view the

archive by visiting

the library by

appointment.

FUN FACTS

Fun Tidbits & Facts Throughout the Years

The competition’s blind judging process,in which judges know the anonymousentries only by number, can deliverunexpected results, such as with theseCleveland Institute of Art students:

2007: Twin brothers Matthewand Robert Swinton eachmerited First Place awards

2004: Michael Tracz awardedSecond and Third Place

2017: Dominic Montanteearned First, Second and ThirdPlace awards

1

2

3

1 2

3

2004: IHA president Phil Brandl (right) and WilliamLynch, Board chairman, award second and thirdplace prizes to Michael Tracz.


FUN FACTS

During its January 28,1993

Board of Directors meeting,

the NHMA authorized

funding to establish a two-part

Design Excellence program: the first

was to be a national student

scholarship award conducted by

NHMA staff with the cooperation of

the Industrial Designers Society of

America (IDSA) and the second was

to be a new product design award

for manufacturers. The student

competition was established a few

months later.

2006: Five of the six topwinners were female,revealing the growingimpact of women in theindustrial design field.

THANK YOU! to Vicki MatrangaVicki Matranga, IHA’s design programs

coordinator, has administered the IHA

Student Design Competition since its

creation 25 years ago. She is the

driving force behind the program,

having developed the competition’s

process and judging criteria; personally

inviting top designers, manufacturers

and industrial design educators to be

judges; and reaching out to schools

with industrial design programs to

generate interest and entries. Over the

years she has revised the competition’s

process and rigorous requirements to

mirror real-world design expectations

and create a program that provides

valuable feedback from industry

professionals to the students and their

schools. Because of her dedication to

design and young talent, the Student

Design Competition has grown into a program respected by the

housewares and design communities. Other organizations have

contacted Vicki over the years for guidance on creating competition

programs—often imitated, never duplicated.

For the hundreds of students who have won

the competition, Vicki is more than a program

administrator. She is the “Show Mother” who

guides them through the necessary

preparations for the International Home +

Housewares Show — from talking to hundreds

of Show attendees to being on TV as part of

the Show’s media coverage. After the Show,

the relationship doesn’t end — she is a friend

and mentor, staying in touch over the years

and keeping up with the students’ professional

and personal accomplishments. n

2013: Celebrating the competition’s 20thyear with professors who guide their studentsto enter and win and have served as judges:from left: EunSook Kwan, University ofHouston, Lauren McDermott, Arizona StateUniversity, Pascal Malassigne, MilwaukeeInstitute of Art & Design (MIAD), VickiMatranga, John Caruso, (MIAD) and AlexLobos, Rochester Institute of Technology.

2016: Winners and programadministrator at the student

competition display.

31

Father and son designersboth served ascompetition judges:

Ron Kemnitzer, Professor atCarnegie-Mellon University,Pittsburgh, PA, Judge 2004

Jon Kemnitzer, Principal ofKEM Studio, Kansas City,MO, Judge 2012, 2013

6400 Shafer Court, Suite 650Rosemont, IL 60018 USATel: 1-847-292-4200 Fax: 1-847-292-4211www.housewares.org

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celebrating 25 years of young design talent...25 th anniversary iha’s student design competition...

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