The International Housewares Association (IHA) is accepting entries for 2019, for its Student Design Competition, which recognizes young industrial design talent since 1993.
The competition is open for designs of Housewares product, which are consumer goods purchased by or for the user. They are portable: permanent installations such as lighting systems, sinks/bath-tubs or major appliances (washing machines, full size refrigerators) are not considered housewares.
A total of $12,000 are available in cash prizes. Winners will be invited to the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show (2nd–5th March, 2019, McCormick Place, Chicago). Winners’ schools will also receive cash grants.
Entries will be accepted in the following categories:
- Small Electric Appliances: Food preparation, cleaning, home environment and personal care.
- Personal Care and Home Healthcare Products: Self-care items for grooming, hygiene, and products for general health care and maintenance of minor medical needs. Assistive devices are acceptable, but equipment for long-term care or products meant to be used by medical professionals are not eligible.
- Tableware, Serving Products and Accessories: Cutlery, dinnerware, beverageware, flatware and containers for eating “on the go.”
- Cook and Bakeware: Stovetop and oven-proof ware. Cookware for travel and camping are acceptable.
- Kitchenware: Hand tools, storage containers.
- Cleaning Products: Brooms, mops, brushes, sponges.
- Outdoor Products and Home Maintenance: Barbecue grills, food and beverage coolers, picnic, patio and garden accessories, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tools for minor home repairs and decor. Sports equipment and power tools are not eligible.
- Organization and Storage: Shelving, racks, garment care, home office accessories.
- Furniture: Indoor, outdoor and ready-to-assemble (“RTA”) tables, chairs, bookcases and home space systems.
- Decorative Accessories: Vases, mirrors, lamps, picture frames, clocks.
- Juvenile and Pet Products
- Connected Home Products: Physical products with “internet of things” connectivity and user interaction.
Eligible to enter are undergraduate and graduate industrial design students enrolled in a degree-granting program at any university in North America or other countries, with one or more projects. Team projects are allowed as well.
The International Housewares Association’s Student Design Competition began in 1993 and this time marks its 26th year. It is recognized by design practitioners and professors as a valuable contribution to industrial design education. This rigorous competition is judged by design professionals and managers at housewares companies.
