ASID Seeks Proposals that Explore the Impact of Design on the Human Experience
Interior environments shape the experiences we have each day and have a resounding impact on our lives. In creating these environments, designers look to research to implement evidence-based design solutions. Through the seventh annual Transform Grants, the ASID Foundation (ASIDF) will continue its mission to benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the public by funding research projects that demonstrate the impact of design on the human experience. All are welcome to submit proposals through June 27, 2018.
This year, researchers are challenged to choose a specific topic and propose a project that empirically investigates the issue of choice; generates results that provide metrics on the impact of design; and translates the findings into actionable design recommendations, guidelines, and/or tools that designers can apply to their design projects to make them as impactful as possible.
“ASID believes that Design Impacts Lives. Sound, evidence-based design can make a notable impact on the lives of all who encounter a well-designed space,” said BJ Miller, FASID, CCIM, chair, ASIDF Board of Trustees. “The ASID Foundation looks forward to receiving proposals that explore the potential of interior design to improve the human experience for all people, wherever they live, work, play, learn, and heal.”
Awarded annually, the Transform Grants support applied research in interior design and human behavior. In 2018, the Foundation will award up to $100,000 to research projects that examine the knowledge and produce evidence-based design principles necessary to improve the human experience within space, making a significant impact on lives.The Transform Grants include two types of research studies:
Grant A – Seed/Start-up Funds: Up to $30,000 to support the exploration or pilot phase of broader research initiatives; to be completed in nine months or less (not including dissemination).
Grant B – Research Project: Up to $70,000 to investigate how design can transform lives; to be completed in 15 months or less (not including dissemination).
A panel of expert judges will evaluate submissions and prioritize the top five studies for each grant type, and the ASIDF’s Board of Trustees will make the final funding decisions. The evaluation criteria is based on the significance of the study, the innovativeness of research questions, the strength of research methods, the potential impact of design, the applicability of research findings, the feasibility of budget and timeline, the strength and breadth of the target audience reach, and the overall quality of the submission.
The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2018. For a complete description of guidelines and additional information, download the RFP.
About ASID Foundation
The ASID Foundation advances the interior design profession by drawing upon its resources to promote meaningful collaboration and research, award scholarships, and fund projects that broaden the value of interior design. Created in 1975, the ASID Foundation’s mission is to support endeavors that capture and disseminate knowledge, encourage innovation, and benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the public through interior design research, scholarships, and education. The Foundation’s current initiatives include the National Building Museum Capital Council; The 1+ project with Public Architecture; CIDA’s Standards Development Project; the Transform Research Grant; and a comprehensive scholarship program. Visit asidfoundation.org for more information.
About ASID
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and humancentric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.
ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.