Six years after the British occupying forces selected Hannover as a venue for trade fairs, efforts were made to complement the fair with an institution that would foster and support the “formal design of industrial products” in Germany.

The Hannover Messegesellschaft was inspired by the ideas of the visionary entrepreneur Philip Rosenthal, who also played a key role in the Federation of German Industry (BDI), where he was committed to bringing together the worlds of culture and business. This concept was also adopted for the foundation of the new institution.

Together with the Messegesellschaft and the Federation of German Industry, Rosenthal created this unique institution: iF e.V.

The aim was to establish in the minds of industry leaders as well as the general public the idea that high-quality design is a key factor in success; to promote the view that a company which includes design in its philosophy, in its strategic decisions and in its product development would achieve sustainable success.

Furthermore, the association’s work focused on discussion and exchange in relation to design and on the continuous expansion and maintenance of a worldwide design network.

iF Industrie Forum Design e.V. – or iF e.V. for short – was the world's oldest independent design institution. Its foundation in 1953 was closely linked to Hannover's status as a major venue for trade fairs. The aim was to create a partner institution for the annual industry exhibition that would foster and support the “formal design of industrial products” in Germany.

iF e.V. was founded to create a bridge between the worlds of culture and business. For six decades, both the association and its members pursued this goal with great commitment and success.

Wilhelm Wagenfeld provided valuable support to the young organisation and wrote a wonderful opening address for the founding of iF Industrie Forum Design e.V. Although six decades have since passed, his words have lost none of their significance, enthusiasm and validity.

Download the opening adress by Wilhelm Wagenfeld about "Thoughts and Experiences of a Designer".

In 2001, iF International Forum Design GmbH assumed control over the operating business, including organizing and hosting the iF DESIGN AWARDS. iF e.V. was thus able to focus more on its role as a mediator between design and business.