What is IDSA?

IDSA, or Industrial Designers Society of America, is a not-for-profit organization that acts as the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design.

What is Industrial Design?

Industrial designers conceptualize product and service ideas related to all parts of our lifestyles. Both the chair you're sitting in and the mouse in your hand were designed by members of the Industrial Design profession. Here's a more detailed description from the national IDSA.

So then what's IDSA Chicago?

IDSA Chicago is one of the largest and most active regional chapters within the national organization. IDSA Chicago has existed for over 20 years, during which our membership has grown to over 250.

IDSA Chicago offers valuable programming and events that are held throughout the year in the Chicago metropolitan area, and the surrounding suburbs. These events are open to members at a discounted rate, as well as the local design community and the general public for the standard fee. The Chicago chapter strives to cover a diverse range of design-related subjects and provide a forum for interaction and information exchange for our membership. The chapter is committed to delivering high-quality, content-driven programs that educate and enlighten our creative community, as well as strengthen our profession, and benefit the industry of Industrial Design as a whole.

The chapter hosts monthly meetings as a forum for interaction between our members and the elected officers. These meetings set the agenda for any upcoming events, and allow members an opportunity to request additional events for the future. In addition the monthly meetings are great events to meet other local designers and 'network'. Alcohol is also usually involved somehow.

IDSAchicago.org is a continually evolving space. Please feel free to email your comments and suggestions to to help us continue to improve our offerings to the Chicago Design Community.