Great products are designed with people.
The Stanley Caplan User-Centered Design Award honors products that succeed in the hands of real users, and the methods that got them there.
Winners announced
Explore Dynamo Series and Ezi-Prep. The 2027 nomination dates are not yet confirmed.
Could your product
be next?
Four quick questions to find your starting point.
No fee. No HFES membership required.
You can nominate your own work or someone else’s.
Process and product, both judged.
Established in 2001, the Stanley Caplan User-Centered Design Award emphasizes both product design and the user-centered design (UCD) methods used to specify and achieve it. It focuses on innovative approaches to Human Factors and Industrial Design for consumer, commercial, and medical products.
Military equipment and systems are not eligible. See the eligibility requirements for product timing and nomination details.
Explore design that makes a difference.
Categories are browsing aids, not official award classifications. Commercial includes industrial products and business software.
The product. The process.
Both deserve a closer look.
Explore the six official criteria, with practical prompts to help tell your design story.
Preparation prompts are guidance, not additional judging requirements.
From nomination to ceremony.
- May 15Early feedbackOptional: submit a one-page version of your Submission File and get feedback within 5 business days.
- June 1Nominate & submitComplete the online Nominate form and submit your full Submission File.
- JuneInitial judgingJudges review all Submission Files and may ask clarifying questions.
- JulyQ&A periodRespond to judge questions to strengthen your submission.
- AugustFinal judgingJudges select the winner(s); notifications go out by the end of August.
- Oct–DecAward ceremonyA virtual event hosted by HFES celebrating the winner(s).
25 years. Many ways
to put people first.
Choose a year to explore the award’s history.
Read the 25-year retrospective ↗What winners receive.
- A trophy and a $1,000 honorarium for a sole winner, or $500 each when there are two winners
- An HFES press release
- An opportunity to publish in Ergonomics in Design
What recognition means to the teams.
Award recipients reflect on recognition, collaboration, and the value of user-centered design.
“We’re honored that Ezi-Prep has been recognized with the Stanley Caplan User Centered Product Design Award. The project began with a simple goal: make a physically demanding task safer, easier, and more accessible for the technicians who perform it every day.”
“We’re delighted to see that process recognized by the Stanley Caplan Award, particularly because it demonstrates the value of rigorous human-centered design in an area where it is not always expected.”
“Our team is motivated by the impact our innovations can have, and this award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in design and technology.”
“Fresenius Medical Care is honored to receive the prestigious Stanley Caplan Award. It is gratifying to see the collaborative effort of our global cross-functional team recognized.”
“We are honored to receive the Stanley Caplan User-Centered Product Design Award, which recognizes the impact of designing with users at the center of the development process.”
“This UCD recognition reflects the thoughtful, user-centered approach that guided our recent redesign efforts.”
“We are honored to receive the prestigious Stanley Caplan Award. It is gratifying to see the collaborative effort of our global cross-functional team recognized.”
“On behalf of the Industrial Design and Human Factors organization at Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, we’re honored to be recognized with this prestigious award.”
“However, the recognition by our peer experts in the human factors field truly highlights the 20 years of investment and dedication of our entire team.”
How is this award different?
Which products are eligible?
Who can nominate?
What are the product timeline requirements?
Is there an application fee?
What is the deadline?
What do winners receive?
Who is Stanley Caplan?
The Stanley Caplan User-Centered Product Design Award is named in honor of Stanley Caplan, a distinguished fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). This accolade recognizes his significant contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of user-centered design and research. Caplan's work has been instrumental in promoting the importance of designing products with the end-user in mind, both within the industry and among professionals.
Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding others to champion user-centered approaches in their work, ensuring that the principles of usability and human factors are integral to product design processes. This award celebrates Caplan's lasting impact on the field and his dedication to fostering an understanding of how user-centered design can enhance product effectiveness, safety, and user satisfaction.