Student design and innovation can play an important role in the design solutions for the future. With a fresh approach and a different perspective of looking at the familiar, student design visions are able to contribute greatly to the future of utile and aesthetic product development.

If you're a student looking to get involved in the design industry, there are a variety of options to break into the field and make the most of your bright idea. Promotional companies offer national competitions, awarding cash prizes for innovative product solutions, and providing young designers with their chance for a big break - or at least the necessary financial support to drive the idea further towards fruition. Grants and scholarships are also an option, as are pursuing ideas within companies that feature similar items in their product lines.

Whether it's designing eco-friendly food packaging solutions, fashionable garments for up-and-coming designer apparel labels, or ergonomic and attractive furniture, today's students are really the key to the future. Fortunately, this is something that companies involved in the design industry recognise, and there are many ways to get involved - from bursaries to open-entry competitions - and hopefully get your project the professional acknowledgement that it deserves.

In a professional sphere there are also competitions and expos to give credit to the insightful designs in product packaging, label printing, heat transfers and electronic tagging. With the producers of everyday items like t hese making a stronger commitment to the environment, the way is certainly clearer for the years to come.

Today's professionals were the students of the past. Today's students will be the professionals of the future. With an increased awareness of the role that environmental concern can play in product design encouraged from schools, high schools, universities and training institutes, student design and innovation is certain to play a crucial role in the products we will use, appreciate and rely upon in the future.