IDSASpringChicagoAdventure

We are the Industrial Designers Society of America student chapter at The Ohio State University. This spring, we are planning an educational design trip to Chicago, a city known worldwide as a hub for design, architecture, and the arts.

During the trip, students will participate in an architecture tour, visit institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, and meet with well-known design firms and brands including Radio Flyer. This experience offers students the opportunity to see professional design practices firsthand and connect classroom learning to the real world.

Interest in this trip has been overwhelming. A total of 36 students from industrial design, visual communication design, and interior design have already placed deposits to attend. While IDSA originally planned to cover hotel and activity costs, the size and diversity of the group means we now need additional support to ensure this opportunity remains accessible to all students.

Every donation, no matter the amount, directly supports hands-on learning experiences that expand our students’ design knowledge, professional exposure, and creative perspective. If we surpass our goal, the funding will either be spent on this years trip or sponsor future IDSA events. 

You'll be able to stay updated with our trip via our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idsa_osu/

And after the trip is over we will be sharing a summary through the Ohio State Design Blog: https://design.osu.edu/news 

Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions: tyrrell.38@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Here is a more detailed outline of our trip:

IDSA Spring Trip to Chicago

March 14–17, 2026

Participants

• 36 students total are registered for the trip with a registered deposit
• 31 students will stay in IDSA-provided accommodations
• Participants represent three design majors and 2nd-4th year students within the Ohio State design major areas 

Travel

• Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own transportation to and from Chicago with logistics support from IDSA

Accommodations

• Freehand Chicago
  https://freehandhotels.com/
• 8 four-bed bunk rooms reserved for 3 nights

Planned Activities

We have a 15 person planning committee with students from across the majors. We will finalize plans once we confirm our budgets. 

• Saturday: travel day
• Sunday: Open / activities TBD (museums, art exhibits, IIT, Michigan Ave Retail tour, Art Institute of Chicago)
• Monday–Tuesday:
• Tour of Radio Flyer’s design facilities
• Additional firm tours (TBD… MNML, Beyond Design, Continuum)
• Tuesday: Chicago River architecture boat tour; travel in the afternoon/evening

Estimated Costs

• Freehand Chicago accommodations: $5,126 (32 beds for 3 nights)

Budget Overview

• IDSA OSU contribution: $4,000
• Ideal total trip budget: $7,000
• This would allow approximately $1,800 for activities and programming