The tenth annual Safety Products Student Design Challenge winners were announced by the Safety and Technical Products Division of Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).

The annual contest is developed and supported by Safety and Technical Products and the Narrow Fabrics Institute, special interest groups within IFAI, and encourages post-secondary functional design training and the use of technical textiles in protective and safety applications.

Students were challenged to design original projects which protect people or property from hazards. These conditions include, but are not limited to, extreme hot or cold temperature; impact; chemical or biological exposure; poor visibility; fall protection.

This year there were 15 entries from 15 teams of students from around the world; Altogether, there were 50 students in teams of 1-5.

The winning designers and their projects are:

First Place: Motorcycle Riding Overalls With Integrated Torso Protectors

Designers: Dr. lmari Mansikkamäki, Emmi Pouta, Jenni Simanainen

Instructor: Jasmiine Julin-Aro

School: Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Helsinki, Finland

Second Place: Dr. Glove - A Therapeutic Smart Glove

Designer: Harini Ramaswamy

Instructor: Dr. Lucy Dunne

School: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Third Place (1 of 2): High Visibility Firefighter Turnout Jacket

Designers: Alysia Fehrman, Paige Murray, Zoe Long, Phoua Vang, Jennifer Huynh

Instructor: Dr. Gindy Neidermyer

School: University of Wisconsin - Stout, Apparel Design and Development

Third Place (2 of 2): High Visibility Garment for Wastewater Plant Operator

Designers: Cassandra Berg, Madalyn Gibson, Lindsay Ley, Brooke Moylan, Helen Stieve

Instructor: Dr. Gindy Neidermyer

School: University of Wisconsin - Stout, Apparel Design and Development   

About IFAI

The Industrial Fabrics Association International is the world's leading and longest-running specialty fabrics trade organization since 1912, with nearly 1,800 member companies located in 55 countries. IFAI publishes seven market-specific magazines and organizes global industry events.