THERMA-TRU GIVES STUDENTS REAL WORLD DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
MAUMEE, OH (June 21, 2006) — As Therma-Tru® Doors continues to find new inspiration for the innovative design of its products, the Company looked to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)
for original entryway designs that incorporate decorative glass.
More than 40
industrial and interior architecture design students spent a semester
researching design and architectural styles. As part of a class
assignment, 12 teams of students were asked to develop several door design concepts based on the elements of one particular style. To add context to the project, students also learned about the door manufacturing process as well as target consumer audiences.
"This assignment really was a win-win for both the students and Therma-Tru," said Pascal Malassign", FIDSA, professor of industrial design, who led the project with Bill O’Dell, IDSA, and Robert Lynch, AIA. "Our students gained real-world experience and several samples for their portfolios, while Therma-Tru gained new innovative door designs that could potentially go to market."
Therma-Tru presented each team with a monetary reward based on their research, creative design concepts, relevance to market and consumer needs, team collaboration and members’ presentation skills.
"The money wasn’t much of a motivator for us," said one student. "This was a great opportunity to address a real challenge with design solutions based on established architectural styles and actual consumer desires."
Therma-Tru plans to test several of the designs with consumers. If received well, the Company will develop business plans for potential release into the market as new products or line extensions.
With 650 students, MIAD is Wisconsin’s only college devoted exclusively to the education of artists and designers.
Editors Note: For more information or high resolution photos, please contact skurtz@clearblue.biz.
Therma-Tru Doors is the nation’s leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of
fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered
the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry
and patio door system solutions, including decorative glass doorlites, sidelites
and transoms, and door components. Therma-Tru, part of consumer brands leader Fortune
Brands (NYSE: FO) is headquartered in Maumee, OH. For more information on Therma-Tru
Doors, visit www.thermatru.com or call (800)537-8827.
CONTACT: Therma-Tru, Sara
Theis, 419-891-7400 ext. 7426.