EDspaces Product Innovation Awards
Recognizing Innovative Product Design for Learning Environments
EDspaces and media partner Learning By Design magazine are proud to host The Product Innovation Awards program which have recognized Best in Class Product Design for Learning Environments. A panel of education industry professionals review and evaluate all awards submittals based on specific criteria including: a demonstrated rigor in design for education environments, aesthetics, innovation, sustainability, academic and emotional impact, and much more.
2025 Award Winners Gallery
The 2025 awards program showcases sophisticated products that today’s schools are asking for. Creative and purpose driven fixtures, furniture, and equipment designed to enhance well-being and achievement for learners across the PK-12 to higher education continuum.
A panel of four education practice-based judges reviewed and evaluated thirty-four entries submitted on criteria including aesthetics, innovation, impact, and much more. Selected Product Innovation Award high-scoring finalists then live-pitched their products onsite at the EDspaces Conference in Columbus, Ohio Monday November 3, 2025.
Best in Show: Community Playthings – Grow Right Stool
2nd Place: KI – Cogni Seating
3rd Place: Mohawk Group – Fractal Findings
2025 Best-in-Show:
Community Playthings – Grow Right Stool
Community Playthings earned Best in Show for the Grow Right Stool—an elegant, research-informed seating solution designed specifically for early learning environments.
Jurors were drawn to the stool’s natural maple aesthetic and its purposeful simplicity. Beneath its clean form lies a thoughtful design engineered to support student focus, engagement, comfort, and physical development. Adaptable and intuitively functional, the Grow Right Stool responds to the evolving needs of pre-K learners while maintaining durability and timeless visual appeal.
The result is a carefully considered product that elevates the classroom experience through both form and function.
Community Playthings, Booth #1561
2nd Place:
KI – Cogni Seating
KI was recognized for Cogni Seating, an innovative chair designed to support the whole learner.
The jury commended its intentional approach to comfort, movement, and student health. Designed to encourage active sitting, Cogni offers flexibility and sensory support while adapting to a wide range of student needs. By providing meaningful seating choice within the classroom, the product empowers educators to create environments that foster engagement and sustained attention.
Cogni Seating stands out as a forward-thinking solution that aligns ergonomics, adaptability, and instructional impact.
Cogni Seating
KI, Booth #1725
3rd Place:
Mohawk Group – Fractal Findings
Mohawk Group earned Third Place for Fractal Findings, a flooring solution grounded in research and inspired by nature.
Jurors praised its intentional design strategy, which integrates biophilic principles to promote wellbeing and cultivate calming learning environments. The product’s sustainability credentials further distinguish it, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising visual impact.
Fractal Findings delivers both aesthetic sophistication and measurable environmental value—an innovative surface solution that enhances classroom experience at scale.
Fractal Findings
Mohawk Group, Booth #2225
Thank You to the Members of the 2025 Jury!
Dr. Robert Dillon, School Designer, Intentional School Design
Kelsey Jordon, Associate Director Pre-K – 12, Legat Architects
Crystal Ball O’Connor, Education Research and Client Engagement Specialist, Craig Gaulden Davis
And Melissa Turnbaugh, Senior Principal, Firmwide Pre-K – 12 Market Leader, PBK