The Student Design Awards exhibit was a breath of fresh air amid the panoply of plungers, the myriad mops, and the tempest of teapots on display at this year's International Housewares Show. The National Housewares Manufacturers Association (proudly endorsed by the Industrial Design Society of America) shelled-out $11,800 in prize money to 16 top students. This, the eighth year for the competition, drew submissions from nearly 200 undergrads and grads from 26 schools.

In contrast to the rest of the show, where manufacturers perennially play-it-safe, feeding off each other's stale focus-group-driven-and-board-of-directors-sanctioned products, the student designs reigned as the most innovative and intriguing-Best of Show, if you will.

In addition to the cash, the top six winners were offered transportation to Chicago for the show and lodging for the duration. Four of the winners showed their victorious faces and stood by their wares in hopes of attracting potential manufactures and/or potential employers. Look for their stuff soon at a store near you (if the boards of directors and focus groups dare).

"The SuperSweeper is a push broom with a compression spring in the handle. This spring propels the broom forward, making sweeping easier and more comfortable for the user. The broom's shaped bristles efficiently reach and direct the dirt."

Judges comments:
An exciting reinvention of a traditional product
Research and testing reinforced product benefits
Good sketches and video explained product features

"The Jar opener is a flexible plastic tool with two adjusting rings that grip and twist open jar lids of varying sizes. Washable, durable and easy to store, it also can be made in attractive colors."

Judges comments:
A simple solution for a common problem
Appropriate materials for inexpensive production
Good competitive product examination and user research

"The Marco Baby Bottle and Food Warmer is an electrical appliance comprised of a vessel that holds the bottle and a bowl for heating food. The user can set the time and temperature; the unit turns itself off when ready and alerts the user with a musical tone."

Judges comments:
Good functionality
Appropriate playful appearance for juvenile product
Careful consideration of details like cord and knobs

"The Game Storage Box organizes video games and accessories into a convenient storage unit that compliments entertainment system furniture. The Box stores controllers, cartridges, cords and cables and its portability enhances user comfort during play."

Judges comments:
Good identification of organizational needs
Excellent graphic treatment of design process
A complete solution, shows user environment

"The Stickemup Bag is a shoulder-strap canvas satchel that organizes and carries items in individual compartments. The washable bag can be hung from its holder clipped on any door. It includes helpful features such as adjustable straps, removable pouches, a calendar and reflective strips for nighttime safety."

Judges comments:
Valuable product for many types of users
Good task analysis and market research
Well-organized presentation

"Cycle Time is a triple-bin, rolling cart that is used to sort and dispose of typical kitchen recyclable refuse. The bins efficiently contain metal, paper and plastic items, can be individually carried to trash locations and are dishwasher-safe."

Judges comments:
Simple, elegant solution for a difficult problem
Small footprint unit fits attractively into a kitchen
Well-documented, well-executed project

HISTORY OF THE COMPETION:

In 1990 the Board of Directors of the National Housewares Manufacturers Association (NHMA) established a scholarship, in memory of NHMA members Murray Jay, Martin F. Zorn and Meyer J. Ragir, to recognize talented industrial design students and to build awareness of the housewares consumer products category. This single $2,500 scholarship grew in 1993 to become a national competition endorsed by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) awarding $10,000. Norma Ragir served as a judge for the first competition. After her passing in 1994, the NHMA Board added Mrs. Ragir's name to the award's title in recognition of her contribution to the creation of the student support program. In 1996, upon the passing of Jerry Kearns, the name of this Board member was added to the title.

JUDGES:

Patrick Douglas, IDSA
Design Manager
Hardlines, Target Stores

Greg Holderfield, IDSA
Director of Industrial Design
Herbst, LaZar, Bell, Inc.

Marshall Johnson, IDSA
Product Coordinator
Hamilton Beach/ Proctor-Silex, Inc.

Shailesh Patel, IDSA
Manager, New Product Development
Home Products International, Inc.

Nan Powell, CMG
CEO
Verge Research, LLC

Sabrina Tongish, IDSA
Senior Industrial Designer
Herbst, LaZar, Bell, Inc.