UCD Award
The Stanley Caplan User-Centered Design Award
The Award
The award emphasizes both product design and the user-centered design (UCD) methods used to specify and achieve the design.
Emphasis is placed on innovative and user-centered approaches to Human Factors and Industrial Design. Consideration is limited to products, software or systems that are purchased for use in the home, in the workplace, or while mobile. They include consumer, commercial, and medical products, but exclude military equipment or systems. The product or system nominated has be operational at the time of nomination. Products already on the market for more than three years are not considered.
Founded in 2001, the award has been running continuously for over two decades. Over the years, the Award has honored a wide variety of products and companies.
The Product Design Technical Group (PDTG)
The PDTG of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) is dedicated to developing products that are useful, usable, safe and desirable by applying the methods of human factors, consumer research, user research and design research. Members of the group are concerned with traditional consumer products as well as commercial products and industrial products.
Who is Stanley Caplan?
The award is named after Stanley Caplan, an HFES fellow, for all his efforts and accomplishments over the years at promoting the importance of user-centered design and research within industry and mentoring others to do the same.
History of the logo.
Used for the first time in 2015, the award features a logo designed by the 2013 winner, Charles L Mauro CHFP, President/Founder, MauroNewMedia, Inc.
How is this award different from other design awards?
The award emphasizes both product design and the user-centered design (UCD) methods used to specify and achieve the design. See the full judging criteria here.
Who's allowed to nominate a product?
Nominations will be accepted from individuals nominating others or nominating themselves. See the Nominate page for more information.
Do nominees have to be a member of HFES and/or the PDTG?
No. Award candidates do NOT have to be a member of HFES or of the PDTG. All individuals and/or teams are invited to participate.
Does the product/system have to be already on the market before it's nominated?
No. The product or system being nominated must be operational at the time of submission. At a minimum, it must be scheduled for actual use within one year of its submission with no substantial changes. At a maximum, the product or system may have been in actual use for up to three years.
Feel free to contact us for help determining whether you qualify.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, there is no charge to apply for this award.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply is listed on the Nominate page.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive an elegant trophy and up to a $1,000 honorarium if there's one winner or $500 if there are two winners.
HFES issues a press release identifying the winning project team and product.
Winners also have the opportunity to publish about their award winning project in Economics in Design, the quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal that covers research in the field of ergonomics.
Interested in being a judge?
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a judge for the annual Stanley Caplan User Centered Product Design Award? Are you eagerly awaiting another opportunity to be a judge after enjoying the experiencing in prior years? Well now's your chance! Be considered for the panel of judges by submitting your information on the Judge page.
What if I have more questions?
We're here to help so please contact us anytime.