Do you tinker? Are you an inventor? Time for the annual Design Competition with Doug Mockett

One of my all-time favorite hardware companies is Doug Mockett; they’re located in southern California.

I've been buying specialty hardware from them since the late 1980s. (I know – I'm dating myself!)

They make some of the coolest, contemporary hardware out there - from casters and wheels, to pulls and knobs, a ton of cool hooks for hanging things around your house, grommets galore, and (I think) their specialty – wire management. If you've ever struggled with cords hanging off the back of your desk, and wanted to make that gaggle of cords look better, their cord management systems might be just for you.

I love this pop-up outlet, perfect for countertops or areas where you don't want a plug all the time. 

But one thing that Doug Mockett does is hold a design contest for people to enter their inventions for possible production. If you win, you not only win a cash prize – but you get a percentage of royalties on that piece you invented. I have entered it a couple of times, and have never won. Much to my frustration!

I got an email the other day announcing contest. It's the 40th year!  

I wish I was a bit more prepared, because I would enter it again! 

Here are some  2024 winners 

 

   

 

 One of these winners mentioned that fact that it's free to enter, thus removing the financial barrier for students on a budget. Many instructors now use this contest as class project, encouraging design students of all specialties (furniture, architecture, fine and functional art, industrial design and more) to enter their designs. 

Imagine what a thrill it would be to win something like this, while still in design school!

If you want more info about this year's competition, click here!