Industrial Design senior wins international award for design inspired by her injured dog
Emmie with grocery bag sling
March 3, 2020 … Megan Piunti ’20 (Industrial Design) struggled to care for her dog, Emmie, last April when Emmie had a painful Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) injury that left her temporarily paralyzed. “We used plastic bins and a sling [made] from a grocery bag to help her recover.”
Megan’s experience inspired her to design a portable crate with multi-use elements to help other injured dogs on crate rest. Her design recently won third place at the International Housewares Association (IHA) Student Design Competition. Megan’s design was chosen among 265 entries from 29 colleges.
“There are different kinds of crates that already exist but not really for this specific purpose,” Megan said. “I think this product … would help make the process of keeping [dogs] secure and comfortable a lot easier… and that would promote better healing processes and the outlook for the dogs’ lives.”
Crate prototype design (left) and Emmie in crate (right)
The walls of the crate can be zipped down for better access when feeding or giving medicine. They also can be taken apart to create a playpen or block entry ways to stairs. The secure carry-strap that wraps around the base can also be used as a supportive sling.
Megan designed her project, which she plans to patent, as part of an Industrial Design class project where students designed products to solve problems in the home.
Every year MIAD participates in the IHA Student Design Competition. Megan presents her project at IHA’s Inspired Home Show March 14 – 16, 2020 in Chicago.
News
Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students
A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.