Pictured: Eileen Krumm, Industrial Designer at TricorBraun

Each year, IDSA celebrates with the global design community on March 5 in recognition of National Industrial Design Day. First entered into the US Congressional Record in 2015 by US Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, National Industrial Design Day declares that industrial designers “improve our lives in every way and are worthy of our recognition.” That day in 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of IDSA, which is headquartered in Herndon, VA, part of Connolly’s 11th Congressional District just outside Washington, DC.

In the United States, product design and related services generate billions of dollars in sales and the number of US-awarded design patents has reached an all-time high.

“The economic impact of this industry helps fuel our nation’s economy.” —US Rep. Gerald E. Connolly

Industrial designers envision the products that fill homes, offices, hospitals, schools and roads—and serve diverse fields ranging from environment to entertainment; social impact to service; communication to recreation. They work in tandem with engineering, manufacturing, marketing and management leaders to create countless innovations used every day such as computers, mobile phones, music players, appliances, GPS, furniture, child safety seats and surgical equipment.

National Industrial Design Day is also an opportunity for us to connect with the younger generation through outreach efforts to educate students and parents about choosing a career in industrial design.

“This day is a moment for us to reflect on the countless ways industrial designers positively influence our daily activities and improve the way we all live, work and play. It’s extremely important for us to celebrate the people who bring ideas and products to life through industrial design.” —Chris Livaudais, IDSA Executive Director

IDSA encourages industrial designers to share their inspiration, dedication, hard work and successes on this day each year. Our social media channels light up with stories from around the world accompanied by the hashtag, #IndustrialDesignDay.