Professional designers and design enthusiasts around the globe will unite on June 29, 2008 for the first ever observance of World Industrial Design Day (WIDD). Established on the occasion of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) 50th anniversary, the observance is an occasion to explore the development and evolution of industrial design, specifically focusing on its significant merits and impact on quality of life.
"Observing World Industrial Design Day is an impressionable initiative to involve the design community in a unified movement to promote a better understanding of industrial design and to promote the positive effects of design on everyday life," stated Prof. Carlos Hinrichsen, Icsid President. "In this first year, we have set a conservative goal to simply raise awareness about World Industrial Design Day. However, we expect the observance to grow in scope and in content with each passing year."
Excitement around the day has already garnered international attention and a series of events has already been identified to support the effort. International events include a design conference, exhibitions, in-store promotional events, a roundtable discussion, lectures and a book launch, as well as the circulation of print materials within the Icsid network of members to raise awareness of the day on a global scale.
On June 29, designers are encouraged to explore their creativity, innovation, vision and passion in recognition of the role that industrial design and designers have played in society. It is a chance to take a positive step towards accentuating industrial design's role in improving the economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life around the world.