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 DesignDigital and virtual dimension of architecture, IoT smart building systems, AI-supported planning tools, VR/AR space design, metaverse space design, fictitious architectures, etc.
ArchitectureConceptual urban and building designs, master plans, architectural concepts, construction projects under construction, landscape architecture, etc.
Conceptional ArchitectureBuilding concepts, architectural concepts, building projects under construction, landscape architecture, etc.
Fair and ExhibitionExhibitions, temporary architecture, trade fair architecture, trade fair stands and appearances, scenography, installations, etc.
Interior ArchitectureInterior design, hotels, spa and wellness, restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, libraries, medical practices, offices, etc.
Lighting DesignBuilding lighting, lighting concepts, illumination of interior fittings, etc.
Retail ArchitectureBrand rooms, shops, concept and flagship shops, showrooms,department stores, shopping centres, etc.
Signage and WayfindingGuidance systems for indoor and outdoor: cities, public facilities, office and commercial buildings, shopping centres, residential buildings, etc.
Start-upInnovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential
Universal DesignInclusive design solutions from all areas of life such as barrier-free construction, inclusive digitalization, gender- and diversity-sensitive design, etc.
Urban Space and InfrastructureUrban 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 DesignConcepts, imagery, sounds, moving images, texts, etc.
AppsEducation, books, utilities, health, fitness, music, news, navigation, travel, socialnetworking, games, sports, entertainment, shopping, etc.
AudiovisualMusic videos, image and advertising films, spots, trailers,virals, TV design (e.g. stations, programmes), sound design, animations, etc.
Books and CalendarsBooks (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 IdentityBrand identity, -design, -films, -events, -publishing, -manuals, -fashion, -architecture, -signet, etc.
Corporate IdentityCorporate identity, -design, -films, -events, -publishing, -manuals, -books, -fashion, -architecture, word and figurative brands, logos, signets, key visuals,etc.
Design Classics and Re-editionsLogo re-designs, packaging and other visual designs considered iconic
EditorialNewspapers, journals and magazines, annual and business reports, catalogues and product catalogues, brochures, manuals, etc.
EventEvents, award ceremonies, congresses, press events, seminars, incentives, product launches, road shows, concerts, etc.
Game DesignPC and console games, game apps, etc.
Integrated Campaigns and AdvertisingOnline advertising (ads, banners, internet TV, screensavers, etc.), campaigns, cross and outdoor media, print advertising, mailings, dialogue media, concepts, etc.
Interactive User ExperienceInteractive media, software applications, game and interface design, connectivity, augmented reality, etc.
Official DocumentsStamps, private and official documents, identity cards,loyalty cards, memberships, banknotes, cheque and credit cards, etc.
Online PublicationsDigital magazines, e-books, newsletters, digital annual reports, etc.
PackagingProduct packaging and repackaging, food and beverage packaging, labels, bottle labels, cans, bags, record covers, etc.
Posters, Cards and PhotographyPosters and billboards of all kinds, postcards, artistic photography, advertising and fashion photography, photojournalism, event photography, industrial and architectural photography, etc.
Signage and WayfindingPictograms, icon systems, guidance systems for indoor and outdoor: cities, public facilities, office and commercial buildings, shopping centres, residential buildings, etc.
Start-upInnovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential
TypographyFonts, font families etc.
Universal DesignInclusive design solutions from all areas of life such as barrier-free construction, inclusive digitalization, gender- and diversity-sensitive design, etc.
WebWeb- 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 ProcessesAI-supported or AI-generated concepts, prototypes, processes, etc
Aviation, Maritime and RailwayAircraft and aircraft equipment, helicopters, water and hybrid vehicles, rail vehicles, public transport vehicles, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and equipment, etc.
Automotive Parts and AccessoriesVehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, e-mobility, etc.
Baby and Child CareProducts for babies and children, baby and child care products, baby and child toys, play equipment, prams,school bags and accessories, etc.
Bath and WellnessBathroom and sanitary ceramics, bathroom fittings, sanitary technology, bathroom furniture and fittings, bathroom accessories, saunas, solariums, whirlpools, body care products, etc.
Bicycles and E-BikesMountain bikes, road bikes, cross bikes, urban and e-bikes, pedelecs, children‘s bikes, trekking bikes, special bikes, etc.
Building and ElementsBuilding 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 CommunicationComputers, 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 TransportationPassenger 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-editionsRe-designs of logos, packaging and other visual designs considered iconic
EnergyEnergy technology, heating systems, radiators, furnaces of all kinds, air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, solar systems, thermal baths and boilers, etc.
EntertainmentConsumer 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.
FurnitureLiving room, bedroom and seating furniture, children‘s and special furniture, etc.
Gardening and Outdoor LivingGarden furniture, garden tools and products as well as accessories, garden accessories, sun protection, equipment for conservatories, barbecues, etc.
Home Textiles and Home AccessoriesHome textiles, upholstery fabrics and leather, decorative fabrics, wallpapers, wall and home decoration, home accessories, etc.
HouseholdHousehold appliances, large electrical appliances, Household goods, air and water filtering devices, humidifiers, waste systems, etc.
Human-Machine-InterfaceInterface design and controls as an integral part of a product, etc.
IndustryMachinery 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.
KitchenKitchens, kitchen furniture, kitchen fittings, electrical appliances, accessories, tableware and crockery, baking accessories, etc.
Lifestyle and FashionFashion, bags, suitcases, travel items, headwear, glasses and sunglasses, etc.
LightingResidential and task luminaires, recessed and outdoor luminaires, lighting systems, light sources, special luminaires, street lighting, lighting technology, etc.
Luxury GoodsLuxury accessories, jewellery, watches, etc.
Material and SurfacesMaterials and materials, material innovations, surfaces, innovative textiles, etc.
Medical, Rehabilitation and Health CareMedical 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.
MotorcyclesMotorbikes and scooters, vehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.
Office FurnitureOffice furniture and office furniture systems, conference furniture, room dividers, acoustic elements, furniture and room solutions for special rooms, etc.
Passenger VehiclesPassenger and commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans, trailers, agricultural vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle accessories, vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.
Public DesignStreet furniture, kiosks, advertising pillars, displays and advertising media, shelters, bus stops, parking furniture, waste and lighting systems, etc.
RetailSales and goods presentation systems, cash register systems, terminals, displays, return systems, etc.
Sports, Outdoor Activities and LeisureSports 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-upInnovative and future-oriented projects with growth potential
StationeryWriting and drawing utensils, office accessories and equipment, filing and organisation systems, presentation systems, papers, hobby and craft supplies, etc.
TabletopCrockery, cutlery, accessories, decoration, etc.
Universal DesignProjekte, die für so viele Menschen wie möglich ohne weitere Anpassung oder Spezialisierung nutzbar sind und sich besonders durch folgende Punkte auszeichnen:
Utility VehiclesAgricultural vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle accessories (luggage racks, etc.), vehicle components, vehicle interior fittings and equipment, navigation systems, etc.
Workshop and ToolsTools, workshop equipment, measuring and testing technology, special products, etc.
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.

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.
