The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced its intent to launch on June 29, 2008 the first "World Industrial Design Day" recognising the profession of industrial design to be observed the world over.
Throughout 2007, a series of events are being hosted in collaboration with various Icsid Members around the world to celebrate the inception of the organisation on June 29, 1957. These 'Icsid 50' events are a testament to the industry milestones of the past fifty years, as well as to the contemporary vision and forward-looking direction of the profession in the years to come. During the closing ceremony held on Friday, June 29, 2007 for the Icsid Interdesign hosted by George Brown College at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, Icsid President Prof. Dr. Peter Zec announced on the occasion of the organisation's golden anniversary, that the creation and implementation of the 'World Industrial Design Day' will reflect on both the importance of industrial design in our world, as well as on the organisation that has played a defining role in the development of the profession.
"An annual day of observance will be a catalyst in our endeavour to raise awareness of industrial design on a global scale," stated Dr. Zec. "It is our objective that this all encompassing event will provide professional industrial designers and design enthusiasts around the globe with a channel to engage the general public in the acute realisation of the merits of design and its economic, social and cultural impact on the quality of life."
Poised for its accomplishments in creativity and innovation, Icsid has been recognised as the world leader in industrial design with its roots firmly planted in the international network of members that has supported its many initiatives during the last half century.
Over the next twelve months, the concept for the World Industrial Design Day will be shared with Icsid Members encouraging them to develop a tailored programme of activities that meet the needs of their community in support of initiatives to raise awareness within their city, country or region.