Hin Bredendieck was a notably influential figure in the field of industrial design who played a significant role in bringing Bauhaus design ideas to America. “His design approach, which considered user-centered research a prerequisite for intelligent and responsible product development, grew out of his education and training at the Bauhaus. It is important to recognize that the concept of the "science of design" had a profound impact on our understanding of the role of design today,” Budd said. The Bredendieck Awards seek to honor this legacy by encouraging design students to take inspiration from Bredendieck's design approach and philosophy to create designs that are practical, visually appealing, and user-centered.

"The importance of Bredendieck's design philosophy and thinking cannot be overstated. He believed that design was a science, and that understanding the needs and desires of the user was the key to successful product development,” Budd said.

School of Industrial Design Chair and Professor, Dr. EunSook Kwon, wants students to know the rich history they are a part of. “Professor Bredendick’s legacy can be found in the highly creative students and alumni of the Industrial Design program, especially in their sense of the problems, and processes of thinking and working. This is our DNA”, Kwon said.

“Bredendieck described design education as the ‘release of the creative power and energies of the student.‘ He believed students should build ‘an attitude of flexible ingenuity’ for the execution of purposeful design activity. This highlights his advanced thinking and values on student-centered and practice-based design learning, which is highly emphasized in the current design curriculum,“ Kwon said.

Bredendieck was a dedicated educator, and his teaching methods and ideas have had a lasting impact on the field of industrial design. His design values have made him a role model for many designers, and his ideas continue to inspire generations of students and designers.