IHA’s 31st Annual Student Design Competition Presents Innovative Housewares Products That Support Happy and Healthy Homes
Winners to Be Showcased at The Inspired Home Show 2024, March 17-19 in Chicago
Six intuitive inventions that support happy and healthy homes secured top prizes at the International Housewares Association’s 31st annual Student Design Competition, the industry’s preeminent student design contest which has celebrated innovation for the house and home for over three decades. This year, IHA received a record-breaking 358 entries from 31 schools around the world. The winning products were an ultrasonic thawing device for quick and safe meat thawing; a sophisticated light therapy lamp for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder; a wobbling plant holder that aids both mental health and plant health; a combined air filtration and vacuum appliance; a rainwater recycling system for sustainable water use; and a tooth-brushing companion for kids.
The competition challenges college students to redesign an existing housewares product to meet the needs of the future or to create a concept for a new product. Winning projects are selected for their innovation, understanding of production and marketing principles and quality of entry materials. Since 1993, more than 6,900 entries have been submitted to the rigorous competition, which honors excellent design and communications skills. Winners have launched successful careers in the housewares and design industries and have returned to judge other student contestants.
The winning industrial design students and their products will be on display during The Inspired Home Show 2024, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The winners and their products can be viewed on the Show’s website.
First Place Winner
Alex Orelind, a junior at Western Washington University, won first place and $3,500 in grand prize money for SONA, an ultrasonic meat-thawing chamber with a cloche-like construction. The lid uses heat-generating, high-frequency sound waves to ensure uniform, safe and efficient thawing of frozen meat, poultry and fish products. SONA also features a wooden cutting board base and electromagnetic glass sides that change from frosted to clear to visually indicate when the meat is thawed.
SONA was a testament to both creativity and thoroughness in design, said judges in their comments. They noted its simple yet effective approach addresses a common problem in culinary settings, offering a safe solution to the often cumbersome task of thawing meat. Orelind’s thoughtful inclusion of additional features and dedication to innovation made SONA a standout solution and clear first place winner, they concluded.
Second and Third Place Winners
William Harrison Huth will take home the second-place prize of $2,500 for Ease, a sophisticated light therapy lamp that helps people treat Seasonal Affective Disorder without compromising aesthetic design. Unlike traditional therapy lights that look clinical and plain, Ease seamlessly fits into designed home spaces disguised as an elegant lamp and is “Designed for you, not just your disorder,” as Huth puts it. Fully wireless, the halo light can be removed from its magnetic base, allowing the user to take their therapy session anywhere and charge the light in plain sight when done.
Four products earned third place and $1,500 each. Wobble, by Carl Sabroff, a senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, is a wobbling indoor plant pot with a dual purpose: its fidget-toy-esque design encourages interaction that builds plant resilience and helps the owner connect with their plant, something that has been shown to benefit mental health. The rounded plant pot is made from 100% concrete, a sustainable and low-cost material.
The Mode, from Alexander Mossdorf, a senior at Carleton University, is an air-quality appliance with both air filtration and vacuuming capabilities. The Mode’s dual-intake system answers a two-pronged problem of at-home workshops: they tend to have poor air filtration, posing a danger to human health, yet the products needed to maintain safe air quality are costly and take up space. The two-in-one appliance promotes a cleaner, safer environment while cutting down on costs.
Rain Recycle, by Luke Kauranen, a junior at Western Michigan University, is a user-friendly rainwater collecting system that promotes sustainable water use, specifically in dwellings that lack roof or gutter access. The contraption stands at a mere 24 inches and is fitted with a collapsable umbrella-like funnel that captures and diverts rainwater into the tank below. Rain Recycle is a cost-effective, low-maintenance and attractive alternative to existing rain recycling products.
Swishy, from Julia Cutajar, a University of Notre Dame senior, is a whale-shaped toothbrushing companion that engages kids in proper toothbrushing. The kid-friendly design features a set of “whale” teeth that light up in quadrants to show kids which teeth they should be brushing as they follow along with the two-minute-long sequence. The whale’s blowhole doubles as a toothbrush holder and triggers the whale’s mouth to open and close when the toothbrush is removed and replaced.
Six Honorable Mentions Awarded
Six products merited an honorable mention. Their designers will receive $250 each:
- Kate Baring and Terra Sullivan, juniors at Western Washington University, for CHOW, a dog treat maker.
- Maximilian Murg, senior at the University of Applied Sciences - FH Joanneum, for NORY - gender inclusive sex toy
- Davi Patterson, senior at Iowa State University, for Wink Wall, a decorative wall organizer.
- Drew Janszen, senior at Purdue University, for Toasti 100, a toaster with improved safety and UX features.
- Dillon Narcisse, a graduate student at the University of Houston, for Revera Hairwashing System, a hairwashing tool for people with limited mobility.
- Wyatt Guthrie, senior at the Cleveland Institute of Art, for eLeaf, a smart plant monitor.
Judges Include Four Previous Design Competition Winners
This year’s winners were selected by an esteemed panel of 18 judges, including four past Student Design Competition winners who have since had successful industrial design careers. Judith Anderson, industrial design professor, Massachusetts College Of Art and Design; 2015 winner Evan Cincotta, industrial designer, Clixo, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Chris Cunningham, Cunningham Design, Chicago; Michael Ditullo, independent designer, Portland, Ore.; Radu Ghiorghie, vice president of product design, iDesign, Akron, Ohio; 1995 winner Robert Giacolo, new product development program manager, Transcendia, Naperville, Ill.; Jacob Greider, industrial designer, Honey-Can-Do, Berkeley, Ill.; Carly Hagins, assistant professor of product design, University of Kentucky, Lexington; Michael Kahwaji, professional specialist of design practice, Richmond Institute of Design and Innovation at Western Michigan University; Mark Krasne, product design and development, Select Brands, Lenexa, Kan.; and Carter McGuyer, principal and founder, Carter McGuyer Design Group, Inc., Florence, Ala..
Also 2018 winner Anastasia Miller, founder, Small Moves Studio, Brooklyn, N.Y.; 1996 winner Jennifer Nemec, principal and founder, Ideation Studio Inc., Chicago; David Richter-O'Connell, associate professor, Industrial Design, University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie; James Rudolph, co-founder and program manager, Rudolph Design Studio, St. Joseph, Mich.; Michael Seskauskas, visiting instructor of industrial design, University of Illinois at Chicago; Rusty Snell, design director, mDesign, Cleveland, Ohio; and Kimberlee Wilkens director, BDes in Industrial Design, and assistant professor, Industrial Design, University of Illinois at Chicago.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
Related Companies
IHA International Housewares Association
United States
The Inspired Home Show
United States
Related Articles
Changes Made to The Inspired Home Show 2024 Yielded Positive Results
27/03/2024
Industry News -
Beyond Executives Discuss New Strategic Direction and Supplier Relationship Building at The Inspired Home Show 2024
25/03/2024
Industry News -
Up-And-Coming Home Color Trends All About Creating Harmony
25/03/2024
Industry News -
Innovation In Product, Marketing and Path to Purchase Will be Key to Industry Success
25/03/2024
Industry News -
TrendBible outlines vision for the future of life at home at The Inspired Home Show 2024
25/03/2024
Industry News -
U.S. Hispanic Market Offers Growth Opportunities for Home and Housewares Industry
25/03/2024
Industry News -
2024 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence Announced
18/03/2024
Industry News -
Fourteen Companies Honored with IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design
17/03/2024
Industry News -
IHA Announces Finalists for Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design
29/02/2024
Industry News -
Download the 2024 Mobile App for The Inspired Home Show: The Official Show Guide
23/02/2024
Industry News -
Housewares Charity Foundation to Honor Two Industry Philanthropists During the 25th Anniversary Housewares Cares Gala
13/02/2024
Industry News -
IHA Economic Outlook: Housewares Industry Ready to Drive Growth in 2024
06/02/2024
Industry News -
Global Consumer and Color Trends, Housewares and The Hispanic Market and Growth Opportunities for Housewares Take Center Stage During Keynote Sessions at The Inspired Home Show 2024
01/02/2024
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show 2024 Brings Home + Housewares Community Together for New Inspiration, Trends, Insights
24/01/2024
Industry News -
Housewares Continues the Celebration of Life Moments According to New Reports Examining Consumers’ Purchasing Plans for Celebrating in 2024
08/01/2024
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show 2024 in Chicago – Register for Your Free Entrance Pass!
21/11/2023
Industry News -
2023 Global Forum Offers Educational Sessions on International Sales Issues, Global Markets
18/09/2023
Industry News -
IHA 2023 Board Update: William C. McHenry Elected to IHA Board of Directors
14/09/2023
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show 2024 – The Latest Market-Driven Home Products with Strategic Insights into Key Industry Developments
07/09/2023
Industry News -
Exclusive HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index Explores Home + Housewares Trends
12/07/2023
Industry News -
2023 IHA Market Watch Reveals Key Lifestyle-Focused Consumer Purchase Drivers
08/06/2023
Industry News -
International Housewares Association Announces Exciting Changes to The Inspired Home Show 2024
08/05/2023
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show 2023 Shows Strong Performance
13/03/2023
Features -
Consumer-Centric Approach is Key to Home + Housewares Success in 2023
07/03/2023
Features -
IHA Trend Expert Tom Mirabile Reveals New Data at The Inspired Home Show 2023
07/03/2023
Features -
Color And Design Trends Reflect ‘The Art of Living’ Our Post-Pandemic Lives
07/03/2023
Features -
Fourteen Companies Honored with IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design
05/03/2023
Features -
2023 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence Announced
05/03/2023
Features -
At-Home Entertaining Makes a Comeback
28/02/2023
Features -
Omnichannel Growth, State of the Housewares Industry, Consumer and Color Trends Take Center Stage During Keynote Sessions at The Inspired Home Show 2023
26/02/2023
Features -
IHA Announces Finalists for Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Product Design
14/02/2023
Features -
Housewares Charity Foundation to Honor Three Industry Philanthropists During the 2023 Annual Housewares Cares Charity Gala
09/02/2023
Features -
IHA’s 30th Annual Student Design Competition Presents Innovative Housewares Products That Simplify Consumers’ Lives
02/02/2023
Features -
Opportunities with Pet Ownership: Pets are Family and We Want More
27/01/2023
Features -
The Inspired Home Show 2023 Innovation Theatre to Focus on Creating Strategies for Success in the Current Economic Marketplace
13/01/2023
Industry News -
At-Home Entertaining is Back – Consumers Plan More In-Home Events in 2023
19/12/2022
Industry News -
Housewares Joins the Celebration in New Report Examining Consumers’ Purchasing Plans for Celebrating Life Moments in 2023
13/12/2022
Industry News -
Helping Consumers Ready Their “Nests” for Winter
13/12/2022
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show 2023: Focus on the New and Innovative
15/11/2022
Industry News -
IHA Announces 2022 Global Honorees for gia Top Window Awards
14/10/2022
Industry News -
Enhance Your Visual Toolbox with gia Expert Anne Kong at Connect FALL: The Virtual Event of the IHA
07/10/2022
Industry News -
Connect FALL, IHA’s Virtual Industry Event, Features Sessions on Shifting Lifestyle Trends, Critical Business Developments
06/10/2022
Industry News -
IHA Board Spring Strategic Meeting Focuses on Rebuilding Show Based on 2022 Enthusiasm, Continuing to Offer Member Services to Support Industry
19/05/2022
Industry News -
IHA and HomePage News to Co-Host Webinar Examining New Consumer Outlook Report
27/04/2022
Industry News -
New IHA/Homepage News Report Explores Consumers’ Purchasing Intent by Housewares Category
24/04/2022
Industry News -
Letter from IHA President & CEO Derek Miller: Reflections on a Successful TIHS22 and Future Plans
16/03/2022
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show Reunites the Home + Housewares Industry
15/03/2022
Industry News -
Color Expert Lee Eiseman Shares Chromatic Vision for a World Ready to Emerge, Experience, Express and Explore
10/03/2022
Industry News -
Fireside Chat Offers In-Depth Look at First-of-its-Kind, Next-Generation Cooking and Home Company
07/03/2022
Industry News -
Today’s Consumers Focused on Consciousness, Connectivity and Creativity
07/03/2022
Industry News -
Consumer Value Equation Changing Quickly at End of Pandemic
07/03/2022
Industry News -
2022 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence Announced
05/03/2022
Industry News -
Thirteen Companies Honored with IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design
05/03/2022
Industry News -
Winners in IHA’s 2022 gia Student Design Competition Create Product Concepts That Encourage User Interaction, Serve Consumer Needs and Reduce Waste
24/02/2022
Industry News -
New IHA/HomePage News Report Examines Consumers’ Purchasing Plans for Celebrating Life Moments in 2022
17/02/2022
Industry News -
Post-Pandemic Strategies, Omnichannel Marketing, Sustainability, The Smart Home and Supply Chain Opportunities Set for Discussion in the Innovation Theater at The Inspired Home Show
16/02/2022
Industry News -
The Inspired Home Show Latest News from IHA President & CEO, Derek Miller
09/02/2022
Industry News -
Housewares Companies Look to Strengthen Their Futures In 2022 Despite Continued Headwinds
04/02/2022
Industry News -
IHA Announces On-Site Covid-19 Protocols, Shortened Schedule and Responds to Search Engine Inaccuracies for The Inspired Home Show 2022
03/02/2022
Industry News -
Epistemix COVID Modelling Shows IHA Mitigation Strategies Ensure Safe 2022 Show
03/02/2022
Industry News -
Exclusive IHA Data, Insights on Consumer Lifestyle Trends, A Chat with Food52 and Future Color Trends Take Center Stage During Keynote Sessions at The Inspired Home Show 2022
02/02/2022
Industry News -
Martha Stewart Headlines Gibson-sponsored Cooking Theater Line-Up That Includes Tia Mowry, Rick Bayless, Fabio Viviani and MasterChef Winners at The Inspired Home Show 2022
02/02/2022
Industry News -
gia 2021-2022 – IHA Global Innovation Award Winners From 32 Countries Celebrated at The Inspired Home Show in March
27/01/2022
Industry News -
A Letter to the Industry: The Inspired Home Show 2022 Update from Derek Miller, President & CEO, IHA
16/12/2021
Archived -
IHA Accepting Proposals For The Inspired Home Show Education Sessions
01/11/2021
Archived -
IHA Partners with Epistemix on Covid Protocols for The Inspired Home Show 2022
01/11/2021
Archived -
Industry Letter from IHA's President
06/10/2021
Archived -
IHA Announces Global Honorees for gia Top Window Awards
29/09/2021
Archived -
StoreBound’s Glenn De Stefano Elected to IHA Board Of Directors
15/09/2021
Archived -
Connect FALL, IHA’s Virtual Industry Event, Features Education Sessions, Product Demonstrations and a Look at the Housewares Industry Post-Pandemic
15/09/2021
Archived -
GMDC|Retail Tomorrow Announces 2021 Fall Strategic Meetings in Partnership with International Housewares Association
03/08/2021
Archived -
IHA Launches Homepage News, The Home + Housewares Business Authority
13/07/2021
Archived -
Sean Daly Joins IHA as Vice President, Member and Buyer Relations
09/07/2021
Archived -
IHA Collaborates with QVC® and HSN® to Create Virtual Product Discovery Event for Members
06/04/2021
Archived -
Bed Bath & Beyond Ceo Mark Tritton to Keynote Connect Spring Virtual Event
11/03/2021
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2021 To Not Proceed Amid Ongoing Pandemic
01/03/2021
Archived -
Connect Spring, New Virtual Industry Event from IHA
12/02/2021
Archived -
IHA’s Connect Grocery Virtual Event Set for April 20-23, 2021
12/02/2021
Archived -
International Housewares Association Partners with Brandwise to Create Online B2B Home + Housewares Marketplace
29/01/2021
Archived -
Housewares Industry Rises To Challenges Of Pandemic Year and Prepares For What 2021 May Bring
21/01/2021
Archived -
Industry Letter from IHA’s President
05/01/2021
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2021: Reconnecting the Industry Around Innovation and Inspiration
21/12/2020
Archived -
Trends in Home Textiles Focus of New IHA Webinar
23/11/2020
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2021 – Interview with Derek Miller, President IHA
11/11/2020
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2021 Moved to August
04/08/2020
Archived -
IHA Updates Covid-19 Safety Procedures for The Inspired Home Show
15/07/2020
Archived -
Housewares Charity Foundation Announces Donations for 2020
15/07/2020
Archived -
IHA Education Webinar Series - June 15 to 26 2021
17/06/2020
Archived -
Color Expert Lee Eiseman Explains How to Use Nature’s Crossover Colors to Attract Consumers
11/06/2020
Archived -
IHA Education Webinar Series, May 25 – June 4
25/05/2020
Archived -
IHA Announces Show Education Webinar Series
15/05/2020
Archived -
IHA Letter to the Housewares Industry
07/05/2020
Archived -
Fourteen Companies Honored with IHA Global Innovation Awards for Product Design
23/04/2020
Archived -
2020 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence Announced
23/04/2020
Archived -
2020 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence, Product Design to be Announced Thursday
21/04/2020
Archived -
Trend Bible Shares Global Housewares Trends – and Shifts as a Result of Covid-19
16/04/2020
Archived -
“Stay Focused on Universal Needs and Aspirations” Advises Consumer Trend Expert Tom Mirabile
07/04/2020
Archived -
Color Expert Leatrice Eiseman Shares Trends, Nine Palettes for Homes and Interiors in 2021
02/04/2020
Archived -
IHA Announces Finalists for Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Product Design
15/03/2020
Archived -
Winners in IHA’s 2020 Student Design Competition Tackle Safety and Environmental Issues With Innovative Product Concepts
15/03/2020
Archived -
IHA Letter to the Housewares Industry Regarding Cancellation of The Inspired Home Show 2020
06/03/2020
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2020 Cancelled Amid Coronavirus Concerns
03/03/2020
Archived -
New Housewares Products Highlight Key Trends on Show at The Inspired Home Show 2020
09/02/2020
Archived -
Coronavirus Concerns Close International Sourcing Expo for The Inspired Home Show 2020
07/02/2020
Archived -
New Decade Ushers in Minimalism, Maximalism Trends for Housewares Products
05/02/2020
Archived -
Managing Uncertainty Will Likely be Name of Game Again in 2020 in the Housewares Industry
02/02/2020
Archived -
Redesigned Special Displays Help Buyers Focus on Consumer Trends, Retail & Product Innovation at The Inspired Home Show 2020
22/01/2020
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show 2020 Keynotes
22/01/2020
Archived -
gia Retail Program Celebrates 20 Years in 2020
09/01/2020
Archived -
How to Get the Most out of Your Visit to The Inspired Home Show 2020
15/11/2019
Archived -
The Inspired Home Show: 2020 Show Information
12/11/2019
Archived -
New Look, New Locations Planned for Special Displays at The Inspired Home Show 2020
31/10/2019
Archived -
International Home + Housewares Show To Become The Inspired Home Show in 2020
09/08/2019
Archived -
Trend Bible Shares Insights on Emerging Home and Interior Trends at 2019 International Home + Housewares Show
20/03/2019
Archived -
International Home + Housewares Show Delivers Top Retail Executives and Vibrant Buzz on Show Floor, Sets up Transition to The Inspired Home Show in 2020
11/03/2019
Archived -
Prepare for a Kaleidoscope of Colors in the Next Two Years, Says Color Expert Leatrice Eiseman
04/03/2019
Archived -
“People Aren’t Buying Objects, They’re Buying Experiences,” Says Consumer Trend Expert Tom Mirabile
04/03/2019
Archived -
Grocery Stores Can Increase Their Share of the Spend with Housewares
03/03/2019
Archived -
2019 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence Announced at the International Home + Housewares Show
02/03/2019
Archived -
Thirteen Companies Honored with IHA's Global Innovation Awards for Product Design
02/03/2019
Archived -
International Housewares Association Announces Logo Rebrand
21/02/2019
Archived -
IHA Announces Finalists for Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Product Design
07/02/2019
Archived -
Student Design Competition Recognizes Universal Design Concepts Addressing Safety of Young, Old or Impaired at Home
07/02/2019
Archived -
2019 International Home + Housewares Show is SOLD OUT!
31/01/2019
Archived -
Housewares Charity Foundation To Honor Four Industry Veterans During The 2019 Annual Housewares Cares Charity Gala In March
31/01/2019
Archived -
International Home + Housewares Show 2019: How to Get the Most Out of Your Show Visit
20/01/2019
Archived -
Gia 2018-2019 – IHA Global Innovation Award Winners from 29 Countries Celebrated at the International Home + Housewares Show
08/01/2019
Archived -
International Home + Housewares Show 2019 – The Latest Market-Driven Home Products & Designs
16/12/2018
Archived -
Trends at the International Home + Housewares Show 2019
14/12/2018
Archived -
Experts to Discuss Digital Marketing, Omnichannel Retailing Trends in the Innovation Theater at 2019 International Home + Housewares Show
05/11/2018
Archived -
2019 International Home + Housewares Show Announces Pre-Show Networking Events
22/10/2018
Archived -
Leana Salamah Joins IHA as Vice President, Marketing
16/10/2018
Archived -
Four New Directors Elected to IHA Board of Directors
14/10/2018
Archived -
Derek Miller Named President of IHA
03/08/2018
Archived -
IHA Announces Leadership Transition; Phil Brandl to Retire at the end of 2018
22/05/2018
Archived -
International Housewares Association Celebrates 80th Anniversary in 2018
28/02/2018
Archived -
2018 International Home + Housewares Show is Sold Out
31/01/2018
Archived -
Housewares Executives Ready to Capitalize on Investments, Positive Momentum in 2018
28/01/2018
Archived -
Sold-Out 2016 International Home + Housewares Show Brims with Innovation
15/03/2016
Archived -
Industry News -