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).
A consumer hardware or software product designed to enhance the experience or production of audio or video. Examples can include: speakers, cameras and camera accessories, headphones, synthesizers, studio recording equipment, editing software, musical instruments, etc., computer programs.
Web or mobile screen-based software programs designed for user-friendliness. Examples include: mobile apps, websites, computer programs.
A visual design system meant to reflect the overall values and convey a desired image of a product, company, organization, etc. Examples include: logos, custom typefaces, company rebrands, ad campaigns, etc.
Spatial design as it relates to physical 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, etc.
Operational equipment and systems designed for public, commercial, industrial, medical and scientific use. Examples include: machinery, medical instruments and devices, construction tools, transaction kiosks, weather instruments, etc.
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 environments. Examples of social impact work include: community or environmental impact initiatives, products for underrepresented communities, distribution systems, disaster relief, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight for racial justice, humanitarian efforts related to war and refugees, and others.
Systems, services, research, hardware, or software products created with the aid of recently created or developed software and hardware technologies. Examples can 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 hardware or software products designed for the interactive entertainment / video game industry. Examples include: video games, video game accessories (game systems, game controllers), gaming furniture, gaming-focused consumer technology (computers, TVs, etc.)
Consumer products or services designed to aid users in matters of health or in achieving an enhanced sense of well-being.
Consumer products or services designed for use in a domestic setting. Examples include home accessories, appliances, home electronics, smart home products, security systems, etc.
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, etc.
Consumer products intended for personal use in daily life. Examples include handheld products, luggage, desktop toys, jewelry, handbags, apparel, water bottles, etc.
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 and gifting programs, limited editions, etc.
Hardware or software products at any scale that incorporate mechanized robots to perform physical tasks or solve problems.
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: future scenarios, social critique
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, etc.
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. Examples include: hardware tools, productivity applications, educational tools, etc.
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, etc.
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, transportation infrastructure, etc.
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.