iF Design
iF International Forum Design GmbH (iF Design) is a globally renowned organization based in Hanover, Germany. It offers a broad spectrum of design-related services. As the operational arm of the non-profit association iF Industrie Forum Design e.V., iF Design has become one of the most respected institutions in the design world. Its influence spans awards, exhibitions, and trend reports that shape and support the global design community.
Historical Foundations
It originated in 1953 when Deutsche Messe AG, the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and other partners founded “Die gute Industrieform” (“Good Industrial Form”). Their goal was to promote the formal and functional Design of industrial goods in post-war Germany.
This initiative led to the creation of Industrie Forum Design Hannover, whose mission was to recognize and celebrate well-designed products through exhibitions and awards. The first iF exhibition took place in 1953, and just a year later, the institution began presenting what would become one of the most influential tributes in Design—the iF DESIGN AWARD.
In 2001, Ralph Wiegmann, the managing director, founded iF International Forum Design GmbH to oversee the organization’s expanding business operations. Since then, iF e.V. has concentrated on promoting collaboration between the design industry and business sectors. Meanwhile, it has continued to manage the globally recognized iF DESIGN AWARD and other related services.
Guiding Philosophy and Global Reach
The foundation’s enduring mission is rooted in six core principles: promoting good Design, raising public awareness about Design’s importance, encouraging companies to adopt design-driven strategies, safeguarding the role of professional designers, enabling social change through Design, and nurturing emerging talent. The organization’s commitment to these values has made the AWARD a symbol of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
By 2023, the AWARD had received nearly 11,000 submissions from 56 countries—an illustration of its global prestige. Notable designers and icons of the design world, such as Dieter Rams, Kenji Ekuan, and Michele de Lucchi, have served on the iF jury, further solidifying the award’s esteemed reputation.
Services and Initiatives
In addition to the AWARD, the organization offers a suite of customized services, including the creation and management of corporate design awards, international exhibitions, and expert evaluations. It supports a range of industry-specific competitions, such as the Taipei Cycle D&I awards, and publishes resources like the Trend Report, which explores how global mega-trends are influencing Design today.
iF Design organizes curated events in cities such as Berlin, Istanbul, Valencia, and Chengdu. These events bring Design closer to the public and enhance international discussions on how Design can address societal challenges.
Today, iF International Forum Design GmbH stands not only as a pioneer of design recognition but also as a dynamic partner for businesses, institutions, and designers worldwide—continuing its legacy of “Design for Good” that began more than seven decades ago.
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