EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show
Honoring the best production and concept vehicles making their North American or worldwide debut.
EyesOn Design Awards are the officially-sanctioned design awards for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). They honor the best production and concept vehicles making their worldwide auto show debut in Detroit.
The awards are prominently displayed in design studios around the world and are merchandised as industry validation of great design.
2019 Announcement
The recipients of the 2019 EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence are decided by votes from active and retired automotive design leaders at NAIAS.
The EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show 2018 went to:
- Best Concept Vehicle - Infiniti Q Inspiration - Presented by Dassault Systèmes
- Best Designed Interior - Infiniti Q Inspiration - Presented by ABC Group Inc
- Best Production Vehicle - BMW X2 - Presented by Henry Ford Health System
- Vehicle Harmonization - BMW X2 - Presented by Lacks Enterprises
- Innovative Use of Color, Graphics or Materials - Nissan Xmotion - Presented by Axalta Coating Systems
- Best Designed User Experience – 2019 Ram 1500 - Presented by HFHS Department of Ophthalmology
Why does an eye institute present awards?
The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology knows that it is only with good vision that a person can fully appreciate the beauty of good design. The DIO takes part in the event in part to celebrate this focus on design, and also to raise money to support its goal of assisting and educating the visually impaired – helping them to maintain independence and dignity, while learning how to live a satisfying and productive life in a sighted world.
However, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology also has a more direct link to automotive-related issues. It is a world leader in facilitating collaborative research related to the eye. This includes two biennial research congresses, one of which (The Eye, The Brain & The Auto) explores the relationship between vision and the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Judging
The judges are global design leaders from major domestic, Asian and European OEMs. The panel includes the professors of design from the most influential academic automotive design programs, and a team of leaders from independent design studios.
In addition, from this group, three or four chief judges are selected by Thomas Gale, Founding Chairman of the EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show, to represent design from a broad perspective. With these internationally renowned leaders, the judging process is ensured to be fair and the credibility and importance of the award-winning vehicle designs is easily recognized by the automotive design community.
Awards for 2019
All EyesOn Design awards are made of optical crystal of great purity with a very high index of refraction. Like the eye itself, these awards transmit and refract light in a spectacular manner.
Special thanks to sponsors of the EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show.
- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Production Vehicle – Sponsored by Covestro
- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence - Concept Vehicle - Sponsored by Dassault Systemes
- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Innovative Use of Color, Graphics, and Materials – Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems
- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence - Best-Designed Interior sponsored by ABC Technologies
- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence - Best Designed Exterior Lighting – Sponsored by Varroc Lighting Systems
- The Red Carpet Sponsor (New for 2019) – Toray/Ultrasuede
- VIP Lunch Sponsor – Axalta Coating Systems
- Silver Sponsor – The Haartz Corporation