Disziplines and Categories

The Award Disciplines

Participation in the German Design Award is possible in three disciplines. You can register your project in one discipline and assign a category to this discipline.

  • Excellent Architecture

    You design spaces in which people feel comfortable? – Whether residential buildings, public buildings, shops, hotels, landscape architecture, urban planning and much more, here are your categories:

    AI in Architecture and Metaverse Space Design

    Digital and virtual dimension of architecture, IoT smart building systems, AI-supported planning tools, VR/AR space design, metaverse space design, fictitious architectures, etc.

    Architecture

    Conceptual urban and building designs, master plans, architectural concepts, construction projects under construction, landscape architecture, etc.

    Conceptional Architecture

    Building concepts, architectural concepts, building projects under construction, landscape architecture, etc.

    Fair and Exhibition

    Exhibitions, temporary architecture, trade fair architecture, trade fair stands and appearances, scenography, installations, etc.

    Interior Architecture

    Interior design, hotels, spa and wellness, restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, libraries, medical practices, offices, etc.

    Lighting Design

    Building lighting, lighting concepts, illumination of interior fittings, etc.

    Retail Architecture

    Brand rooms, shops, concept and flagship shops, showrooms,department stores, shopping centres, etc.

    Signage and Wayfinding

    Guidance systems for indoor and outdoor: cities, public facilities, office and commercial buildings, shopping centres, residential buildings, etc.

    Start-up

    Innovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential

    Universal Design

    Inclusive design solutions from all areas of life such as barrier-free construction, inclusive digitalization, gender- and diversity-sensitive design, etc.

    Urban Space and Infrastructure

    Urban planning and design, landscape architecture, urban parks, public squares, playgrounds, infrastructure and traffic structures, bridges, etc.

  • Excellent Communication Design

    You enable communication that reaches people? - Audiovisual media, print products, websites, software, campaigns and much more. - Here are your categories:

    AI in Communications Design

    Concepts, imagery, sounds, moving images, texts, etc.

    Apps

    Education, books, utilities, health, fitness, music, news, navigation, travel, socialnetworking, games, sports, entertainment, shopping, etc.

    Audiovisual

    Music videos, image and advertising films, spots, trailers,virals, TV design (e.g. stations, programmes), sound design, animations, etc.

    Books and Calendars

    Books (literature, non-fiction and photo books, children‘s books, etc.), digital books, corporate books, artists‘ books, calendars (wall and pocket calendars, etc.), digital calendars, etc.

    Brand Identity

    Brand identity, -design, -films, -events, -publishing, -manuals, -fashion, -architecture, -signet, etc.

    Corporate Identity

    Corporate identity, -design, -films, -events, -publishing, -manuals, -books, -fashion, -architecture, word and figurative brands, logos, signets, key visuals,etc.

    Design Classics and Re-editions

    Logo re-designs, packaging and other visual designs considered iconic

    Editorial

    Newspapers, journals and magazines, annual and business reports, catalogues and product catalogues, brochures, manuals, etc.

    Event

    Events, award ceremonies, congresses, press events, seminars, incentives, product launches, road shows, concerts, etc.

    Game Design

    PC and console games, game apps, etc.

    Integrated Campaigns and Advertising

    Online advertising (ads, banners, internet TV, screensavers, etc.), campaigns, cross and outdoor media, print advertising, mailings, dialogue media, concepts, etc.

    Interactive User Experience

    Interactive media, software applications, game and interface design, connectivity, augmented reality, etc.

    Official Documents

    Stamps, private and official documents, identity cards,loyalty cards, memberships, banknotes, cheque and credit cards, etc.

    Online Publications

    Digital magazines, e-books, newsletters, digital annual reports, etc.

    Packaging

    Product packaging and repackaging, food and beverage packaging, labels, bottle labels, cans, bags, record covers, etc.

    Posters, Cards and Photography

    Posters and billboards of all kinds, postcards, artistic photography, advertising and fashion photography, photojournalism, event photography, industrial and architectural photography, etc.

    Signage and Wayfinding

    Pictograms, icon systems, guidance systems for indoor and outdoor: cities, public facilities, office and commercial buildings, shopping centres, residential buildings, etc.

    Start-up

    Innovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential

    Typography

    Fonts, font families etc.

    Universal Design

    Inclusive design solutions from all areas of life such as barrier-free construction, inclusive digitalization, gender- and diversity-sensitive design, etc.

    Web

    Web- und microsites, blogs, onlineshops, etc.

  • Excellent Product Design

    You design products that meet the highest customer demands - whether furnishings, technical equipment, vehicles, clothing, etc.? Here are your categories:

    AI in Product Design Processes

    AI-supported or AI-generated concepts, prototypes, processes, etc

    Aviation, Maritime and Railway

    Aircraft and aircraft equipment, helicopters, water and hybrid vehicles, rail vehicles, public transport vehicles, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and equipment, etc.

    Automotive Parts and Accessories

    Vehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, e-mobility, etc.

    Baby and Child Care

    Products for babies and children, baby and child care products, baby and child toys, play equipment, prams,school bags and accessories, etc.

    Bath and Wellness

    Bathroom and sanitary ceramics, bathroom fittings, sanitary technology, bathroom furniture and fittings, bathroom accessories, saunas, solariums, whirlpools, body care products, etc.

    Bicycles and E-Bikes

    Mountain bikes, road bikes, cross bikes, urban and e-bikes, pedelecs, children‘s bikes, trekking bikes, special bikes, etc.

    Building and Elements

    Building equipment, home and building automation, house and door signage, security and access systems, surveillance cameras and systems, smoke detection systems, wall/floor/ceiling, acoustic solutions, fittings, switches, letterboxes, garages, gates, escalators, lifts, operating elements, etc.

    Computer and Communication

    Computers, notebooks, tablets, storage media, printers, copiers, scanners, smartphones, telephones and telephone systems, charging stations, peripherals and accessories for computer and communication devices, cameras and accessories, etc.

    Conceptional Transportation

    Passenger and commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans, trailers, agricultural vehicles, aircraft and equipment, helicopters, water and hybrid vehicles, rail vehicles, motorbikes and scooters, public transport vehicles, special vehicles, etc.

    Design Classics and Re-editions

    Re-designs of logos, packaging and other visual designs considered iconic

    Energy

    Energy technology, heating systems, radiators, furnaces of all kinds, air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, solar systems, thermal baths and boilers, etc.

    Entertainment

    Consumer electronics, microphones, headphones, loudspeakers, audio equipment, amplifiers, televisions, recording and playback equipment, beamers, sound systems, event technology, stage technology, sound technology, lasers and effects, multi room systems, docking stations, game consoles, e-readers, cameras and accessories, etc.

    Furniture

    Living room, bedroom and seating furniture, children‘s and special furniture, etc.

    Gardening and Outdoor Living

    Garden furniture, garden tools and products as well as accessories, garden accessories, sun protection, equipment for conservatories, barbecues, etc.

    Home Textiles and Home Accessories

    Home textiles, upholstery fabrics and leather, decorative fabrics, wallpapers, wall and home decoration, home accessories, etc.

    Household

    Household appliances, large electrical appliances, Household goods, air and water filtering devices, humidifiers, waste systems, etc.

    Human-Machine-Interface

    Interface design and controls as an integral part of a product, etc.

    Industry

    Machinery and equipment, components, control technology, conveyor technology, robotics, safety technology, time systems, logistics systems, automatic machines, semi-finished products, work and safety clothing, industrial packaging, etc.

    Kitchen

    Kitchens, kitchen furniture, kitchen fittings, electrical appliances, accessories, tableware and crockery, baking accessories, etc.

    Lifestyle and Fashion

    Fashion, bags, suitcases, travel items, headwear, glasses and sunglasses, etc.

    Lighting

    Residential and task luminaires, recessed and outdoor luminaires, lighting systems, light sources, special luminaires, street lighting, lighting technology, etc.

    Luxury Goods

    Luxury accessories, jewellery, watches, etc.

    Material and Surfaces

    Materials and materials, material innovations, surfaces, innovative textiles, etc.

    Medical, Rehabilitation and Health Care

    Medical equipment, medical technology, medical and orthopaedic aids, optics and optical equipment, laboratory technology, practice and hospital equipment, laboratory furniture, assisted technology and assisted living, etc.

    Motorcycles

    Motorbikes and scooters, vehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.

    Office Furniture

    Office furniture and office furniture systems, conference furniture, room dividers, acoustic elements, furniture and room solutions for special rooms, etc.

    Passenger Vehicles

    Passenger and commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans, trailers, agricultural vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.

    Public Design

    Street furniture, kiosks, advertising pillars, displays and advertising media, shelters, bus stops, parking furniture, waste and lighting systems, etc.

    Retail

    Sales and goods presentation systems, cash register systems, terminals, displays, return systems, etc.

    Sports, Outdoor Activities and Leisure

    Sports equipment and products, sports clothing, tents, backpacks, binoculars, flashlights and headlamps, night vision devices, outdoor clothing, outdoor and trekking accessories, games, hobby and craft supplies, leisure equipment and products, fitness equipment and products, musical instruments, products for animals, etc.

    Start-up

    Innovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential

    Stationery

    Writing and drawing utensils, office accessories and equipment, filing and organisation systems, presentation systems, papers, hobby and craft supplies, etc.

    Tabletop

    Crockery, cutlery, accessories, decoration, etc.

    Universal Design

    Projekte, die für so viele Menschen wie möglich ohne weitere Anpassung oder Spezialisierung nutzbar sind und sich besonders durch folgende Punkte auszeichnen:

    Utility Vehicles

    Agricultural vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle accessories (luggage racks, etc.), vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.

    Workshop and Tools

    Tools, workshop equipment, measuring and testing technology, special products, etc.

New Additional Category

Service Design

New at the German Design Award: Service Design

Service Design is responsible for designing products and experiences. It does this in a systemic, empathetic and valuable way. The new category is all about shining a spotlight on projects that forge connections and drive change. We are the ones who understand design as a process and bring the future to life.

Additional category

Focus on Circular Design

Sustainability is no longer a trend – it is a prerequisite for future-oriented design.

Since 2025, the German Design Award has placed a spotlight on groundbreaking projects in the special category Circular Design that translate circular economy principles into innovative, impactful solutions. An international jury honours the most outstanding contributions – showcasing sustainable design strategies that are shaping industries.

Want to submit your project?