Innovation in Action: WMU's Anastasia Charnesky Honored with the 2024 Central District IDSA Merit Award

In a testament to the innovative spirit fostered at Western Michigan University, Anastasia Charnesky was awarded the prestigious Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Merit Award for the Central District. This recognition underscores Charnesky's exceptional creativity and the robust educational environment at WMU.

The IDSA Merit competition showcases creative problem-solving and design innovation across five North American districts. Each participating school selects student finalists to represent their programs at the district level. Each year, a jury of design professionals and educators from various sectors of the industry and academia convenes to evaluate and choose the district winners, awarding this prestigious honor to the top students.

In her submission for the IDSA Merit Award, Charnesky presented three projects that highlighted her versatility and forward-thinking approach. Her first project focused on forecasting electric vehicle charging needs for the 2030s and 2050s, aligning with her interest in automotive design. The second project, developed during a sponsored studio with FinaMill, involved creating a spice grinding accessory to enhance flavor in commercial settings. Her thesis project centered on designing an accessible and affordable humanitarian aid product for initial search and rescue operations in underserved areas.

Charnesky attributes the distinctiveness of her projects to their diversity, spanning humanitarian aid, automotive design, and consumer goods. This breadth of focus not only showcased her wide-ranging skills but also her ability to address various challenges.

Winning the IDSA Merit Award was a surprising and surreal experience for Charnesky. "I wasn't expecting it at all. There are so many talented candidates, and seeing their incredible work made this recognition even more meaningful," she said.

Reflecting on her time at WMU, Charnesky emphasized the importance of presentation skills, storytelling, and collaboration. These experiences, along with mentorship from professors and hands-on research projects, have prepared her well for her future career. "Presenting and being open to storytelling are among the biggest skills I developed here. Collaborating with other students pushed me in ways I didn't anticipate," she noted.

One particularly memorable experience involved a group project where Charnesky and her peers conducted research in Grand Rapids, visiting restaurants and bars to understand user needs and how their designs could impact the industry.

Charnesky's decision to attend WMU was driven by the university's diverse academic offerings, which allowed her to delve into various fields and cultivate her passion for automotive design and language studies. "Western provided a lot of diversity in what I could study. I came in with a passion for automotive design and I was also able to pursue a minor in Spanish," Charnesky explained.

Charnesky also highlighted the unique aspects of WMU's program, such as the integration of engineering and entrepreneurship. This interdisciplinary approach provided her with a broader perspective and enhanced her ability to communicate effectively with engineers, leading to better product development.

The IDSA Merit Award not only validates Anastasia Charnesky's hard work and dedication but also highlights the exceptional education and opportunities provided by Western Michigan University. Now a proud graduate of the program, Ana has embarked on her professional journey as an Associate Industrial Designer at Newell Brands. With the skills and experiences gained at WMU, she is well-equipped to make significant contributions to the field of industrial design and continue her path of innovation and excellence.