For this year's World Industrial Design Day (WIDD) on June 29, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) launched an online gallery to recognize, empower and stimulate socially responsible design projects around the world. The public is encouraged to view, share and discuss their favorite project, each of which has been selected following the international call for nominations earlier this year.
Now in its fourth year, WIDD aims to promote awareness of the profession of industrial design, highlighting the contribution designers and academics have made to the discipline and facilitating collaborations that help improve economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life throughout the world.
Following an evaluation period that confirmed each project's focus on responsible design, innovation, progress and impact, a total of 22 projects from five continents remain in the running to be recognized as the winner. From student-made product designs introducing dynamic and sustainable solutions, to internationally renowned initiatives striving to improve quality of life, Icsid Members nominated a diverse group of industrial design driven projects that are all currently visible for the public to browse, share and vote for their favourite.
"We strongly believe that the key element of the World Design Impact Prize that makes it one of the most relevant, inclusive and unique design prizes in the world is the involvement of our members and the public at large," stated Icsid President Dr. Mark Breitenberg. "By showcasing these remarkable projects to the public through an interactive and sharable online gallery, we hope to assist them in gaining widespread recognition and receiving support they need to continue their pursuit of bettering the world through design."
On July 29, official voting will commence with a jury of over 160 Icsid Member organizations. The five shortlisted projects will be announced on October 27-28 at the XXVII Icsid General Assembly in Taipei, Taiwan directly following the International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress being held in the same city October 24-26. The announcement of the Prize winner will take place February 2, 2012.
Icsid is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress.
