The Lexus Design Awards India (LDAI), now in its sixth edition, was back in its original, physical format after being hosted virtually for two years due to the pandemic. The 2023 edition of LDAI saw over 1,000 entries, and awards were presented in eight different categories, along with one special mention. The event was hosted with support from the Association of Designers of India (ADI) and STIR World magazine.

What is Lexus Design Awards India?

LDAI is the Indian edition of the international Lexus Design Awards, which was founded in 2013. The competition brings together designers from various fields to encourage growth and further the cause of design helping society. It recognises and rewards participants who have original and innovative solutions to real issues faced in our country and across the globe.

The competition also pairs the finalists with globally recognised designers who serve as mentors and guide the participants through the design process.

Speaking to Autocar India about designs or products at the Lexus Design Awards that have found practical application in real life, Naveen Soni, President of Lexus India, pointed out that Paper Boat, the popular beverage brand, was a winner at the Lexus Design Awards 2018. He said, “There are various facets of design such as materials, packaging and also usefulness. It's about anticipating the needs of the society, innovating, and finally captivating through your design elements, and Paper Boat was one product that stood out for packaging.”

Adarsh Natarajan, who presented Drishyam – a family board game for visually impaired people – and was a winner under the conceptual open category said, “I feel elated to have won this award. It is actually an endorsement of what we believe in. We intend to take this design forward, not just in the one product that I presented, but create an entire genre for more inclusivity of handicapped people.”

2023 Lexus Design Awards winners

Among the winners, the Eco Innovation under the Established category was won by 19-year-old Mahek Parvez. Her entry ‘Sun Harvested CoolRooms’ can be used to extend the shelf-life of perishable agri-produce, thus assuring food security and farmer prosperity. The grid-less mechanism can also be used to cool places of entertainment, health, and storage like granaries.

The Student category winner was Chandru for his entry ‘Cookmate’, which is a flexible cooking equipment that serves as a frying pan, sauce pan or even a hot pot – all in one package – and even comes with its own heating induction system. This year, Lexus has also committed up to Rs 5 lakh each for the conceptual category winners to support the development and market realisation of their projects.