The International Housewares Association's Student Design Competition has been going for over two decades now, showcasing the work of six winners (and several runners up) who represent some of the most promising young designers from some 30+ design programs from around the world.

There was a clear theme amongst the winners this year—the IHA noted that five of them had developed "products that 'make a difference'"—assistive or otherwise Universal Design objects—alongside with a more heritage-oriented cleaning product. At least a couple of them were lucky enough to enroll in courses that are dedicated to the IHA's Student Design Competition, for which they are tasked with designing a prize-worthy entry for the Show, while others took inspiration from their own research and observations.

First Place: "B-PAC" kitchenware for vision-impaired - Amanda Bolton, University of Cincinnati

Second Place: "Flow" crutches - Zachary Handziak, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Third Place: "Pathos" home healthcare mobility assistance - Joseph Parr, Kendall College of Art & Design

Third Place: "Maize" contemporary corn broom - Audrey Kirk, Rochester Institute of Technology

Third Place: "Safe Cooking" cookware - Sara Linginfelter, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Be sure to check out the SDC winners from 2011, 2012 and 2013 too!