The iF Design Award - international design competition

Celebrated and Valued Design Competitions

iF International Forum Design GmbH organizes the iF DESIGN AWARD annually, one of the most prestigious and valued design competitions globally. Recognized as a symbol of design excellence worldwide, the iF DESIGN AWARD welcomed 2021 almost 10,000 submissions from 60 countries.

They are known as one of the oldest truly independent design institutions globally based on their integrity that clearly distinguishes their international reputation. Six guiding principles have been followed since 1953 by iF e.V.

To identify, support and promote good design
To raise awareness of design among the public and the role it plays in our lives
To help companies integrate design into their long-term strategies
To safeguard the role of professional designer and boost awareness for this job profile
To effect social change through design
To support talented young people and create a public platform for young designers

History

1953: Germany still struggled at home and abroad to overcome the consequences of the Second World War. Six years after Hanover was chosen as the venue for exhibitions by the British occupying forces, efforts were made to add an institute to the fair to foster and promote “Formal industrial design” in Germany.

The Hanover Messegesellschaft has been inspired by the ideas of visionary entrepreneur Philip Rosenthal, which was also instrumental in bringing together the cultural and business worlds in the German Industry (BDI) Federation. This concept has also been adopted for the institution’s establishment. Rosenthal created this single institution, the iF e.V., together with the Messegesellschaft and the German Industry Federation.

This was the start of a symbol of design excellence recognized to this day – the iF logo.

The aim was to draw attention to industrial products that were particularly well designed. They wanted to share the importance of design and everything it can achieve: for users, brands and companies. A new picture began to take shape for German products. It was fitting then that the resulting association was first known as ‘Die gute Industrieform e.V.’ (Good Industrial Form). The Industrial Forum (or short iF) was later named.