Dyson and IDSA Seek Student Entries

Winners will receive cash prizes.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 7/25/2006

Do you have a better design solution to one of life’s frustrating problems? The Industrial Designers Society of America and industrial designer James Dyson’s product design firm Dyson are soliciting entries, due December 18, for the third annual Eye for Why design competition. Honoring innovative industrial design, the awards program is open to students participating in National Association of Schools of Art and Design-accredited degree programs or individual student members of IDSA.

Judges are seeking prototypes that reflect a “complete design concept,” according to press material, in order to solve a problem, work well, and provide a real advantage over existing offerings. An example? Dyson’s patented cyclone vacuum, which never clogs or loses suction, according to the manufacturer.

The grand prize winner will take home $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to New York for the awards reception. This talented individual will be automatically entered to compete for the James Dyson Award, a global design award open only to winners of other national level Dyson design competitions from around the world. An all-expense-paid trip to New York and $2,000 will also be awarded to the student's advisor.

Two runner-ups will receive $2,000 each, and two third-place winners $1,000 each. Models of the winning products will be on view at the awards reception; winners are expected to participate in the exhibit and be available for media appearances.

More information is available online.