In addition to the beloved standards, you’ll find several progressive design categories that speak to the diversity of today’s design disciplines. Across all categories, we offer a distinction to both Professional and Student entries with the exception of Design Education Initiative (Professional only).
Software applications that perform a specific task, such as writing documents, playing games, or watching videos. Web or mobile screen-based software programs designed for user-friendliness. Examples include: community platforms or hubs, websites, computer programs.
A visual design system, or elements of a system that communicate brand philosophy and values, visually and experientially--conveying a desired image of a product, company, or organization. Examples include: logos, custom typefaces, color palettes, complete brand identity systems.
Human-made surroundings that provide the setting for people’s activities. Spatial and physical structures, interiors, exhibitions or installations, either permanent or temporary, for private, public, commercial or industrial purposes. Examples include: public installations, restaurant/hospitality interiors, office or medical interiors, set designs, retail displays, exhibition booths.
Equipment, machinery, and systems used in business operations across various industries. Operational equipment and systems designed for commercial use such as retail, restaurants, and offices. Industrial equipment for large-scale manufacturing, heavy production, or infrastructure-related operation.
Electronic devices, software, and gadgets that are designed for personal use by the general public and aim to improve daily life, enhance entertainment, facilitate communication, or streamline tasks. A consumer software or hardware product for the home or personal use that is screen-based, tech-enabled, or Internet-connected.
Projects designed to directly benefit social, humanitarian, community or environmental needs. Examples of social impact work include: community or environmental impact initiatives, products for underrepresented communities, distribution systems, disaster relief, the fight for racial justice and humanitarian efforts.
Systems, services, research, hardware, or software products created with the aid of recently created or developed software and hardware technologies. Examples include: projects that incorporate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), blockchain technologies, robotics, biometrics, advanced materials or new production processes.
Furniture and lighting products or systems for private, public, commercial or industrial use. Examples include: home or public furniture and seating, office systems, lighting, workstations, etc.
Consumer products or services designed to enhance comfort, convenience, security, and sustainability in residential spaces. Products and services can integrate digital tools, smart devices, and automation systems, making everyday life more efficient and enjoyable from home management, entertainment to security and energy efficiency. Examples include home accessories, appliances, home electronics, smart home products, security systems.
Interactive content and user interface design for websites, mobile devices and experiential installations. Examples include: software, mobile apps, interactive projections, products with embedded user interface, animations, simulations, robotics.
Consumer products intended for use in daily life. Personal or home items that combine functionality and style, designed to complement an individual’s daily routine, support wellness, enhance comfort, improve convenience, organization, and aesthetics. Examples include: handheld products, luggage, desktop toys, jewelry, handbags, apparel, water bottles, or wearable devices.
Equipment, devices, consumables, and technologies used for diagnosing, monitoring, treating, or preventing health issues. Products that are essential for maintaining well-being, managing chronic conditions, providing care, and ensuring public health. Elements can be utilized in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and homes.
All graphic design, branding and structural designs related to the packaging of products. Examples include: primary or secondary packaging for Fast Moving Consumer Goods or premium brands, promotional packaging, gifting programs, and limited editions.
Future-oriented projects, whether physically or digitally produced, designed for the purpose of cultural commentary, intervention, or exploration, or created as speculative design for a client or educational institution. Examples include: alternative structures, device protoypes for social needs, hypothetical wearable implants.
Consumer products or services created to encourage play, movement, or learning. Examples include toys, games, athletic equipment, athletic wear and accessories, outdoor gear and equipment.
Any designed product, service or system tackling issues around sustainability in a thoughtful, research-backed manner through strategies ranging from materials, production methods, efficient systems, packaging and shipping, etc.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS ONLY. Products or services designed for individual use with the intention of improving efficiency and productivity, supporting craft, making and personal building. Examples include: hardware tools, productivity applications, educational tools.
Consumer products designed for children or adults for the purpose of activating play and creative exploration. Examples include: children’s toys, board games, art supplies, DIY kits, educational toys, electronic toys, musical instruments.
Vehicles, systems or modes of transportation used to get people or objects from one place to another, for private, public, commercial or industrial purposes. Examples include: planes, trains, automobiles, buses, bikes, boats, mass transit systems, or transportation infrastructure.
All visual and graphic design, branding and identity projects for print, digital or physical environments. Examples include: logos and identity systems, environmental graphics, signage, typefaces, infographics, motion graphics, print design, advertising, etc.