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Are you interested in entering the competition for the German Design Award 2020? Companies could suggest their project or product for a nomination. For the request please use the form behind the link.

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German Design Award 2019
April 2018 Start announcement phase
08 June 2018 Deadline Grant Programme
13 July 2018 Registration deadline
July 2018 Delivery of the products
02-03 August 2018 Jury session
August 2018 Notification of jury's decision
Autumn 2018 Publication of the winners in the online gallery & app
08 February 2019 Award ceremony in the context of the fair Ambiente 2019
February 2019 Exhibition Excellent Product Design at Ambiente fair
February 2019 Exhibition Excellent Communications Design at Museum Angewandte Kunst
Impressions of the award ceremony 2018 | Photos: Manuel Debus

Competition Procedure

The competition is only open to entries that have been nominated for the German Design Award by the German Design Council or one of its foundation members.

  • Evaluation Criteria

  • The products and achievements should stand out due to particularly remarkable features demonstrated with regard to the following aspects:

    Overall concept
    Design quality
    Brand value andbranding
    Brand fit
    Independence
    Degree of innovativeness
    Aesthetics
    Product graphics and semantics
    User-friendliness
    Functionality and operability
    Practical value
    Sustainability
    Ecological quality
    Profitability
    Accessibility
    Symbolic and emotional content
    Durability
    Technical quality
    Technical function
    Manufacturing techniques and quality


    The preceding list does not constitute an order of importance for the jury’s evaluation criteria. The jury is free to choose the weighting of the individual criteria. All entries that have been submitted in due form and time will be presented to the jury for adjudication. The participating companies will receive written notification regarding the results of the adjudication. All judges’ decisions are final.

The Jury

Prof. Andrea Lipp-Allrutz

Dean of Transportation Interior Design, Hochschule Reutlingen | Andrea Lipp-Allrutz studied Product Design at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle. After graduating, she worked initially at Bombardier Transportation and IFS Designatelier in Berlin. From 2001 to 2006, Lipp-Allrutz was Head of Design Interior at Neoplan Bus. Since then she has worked as a freelance designer for MAN Truck & Bus. Andrea Lipp-Allrutz has been Professor of Transportation Interior Design at Reutlingen University; in 2010 she was appointed Head of Department and since 2013 she has been vice-dean of the School of Textiles and Design.

Prof. Anke Bernotat

Folkwang University of the Arts | Founder of Bernotat&Co Design Studio | Anke Bernotat began her career with a cabinetmaker apprenticeship followed by studies in product design at the University of Wuppertal (Bergische Universität Wuppertal). After a partnership at Architektur und Design Kontor, she worked for Sir Norman Foster, Jasper Morrison and n/p/k Industrial Design (Leiden, the Netherlands). After teaching at the Design Academy Eindhoven for several years, she was appointed to the professorship in industrial design specialising in ‘Conceptualisation and Design’ at Folkwang University of the Arts. Since 2007 Ms. Bernotat has worked under her own name.

Arturo Dell'Acqua Bellavitis

Politecnico di Milano/Triennale di Milano | Arturo Dell'Acqua Bellavitis, architect, is presently president of the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. He is professor of Industrial Design at the Design Faculty of the Politecnico di Milano, where he has covered the role of Dean and the role of Head of the Design Department. In the field of fashion and textile research he has played an important advisory role for several Italian leading institutions. He has written books, essays and papers for international congresses.

Barbara Friedrich

Design journalist | Barbara Friedrich was the editor-in-chief from 1999 to 2016 and, most recently, the publisher of A&W Architektur&Wohnen magazine at the Hamburg Jahreszeiten publishing company. She studied communication sciences, literature and philosophy at the University of Bochum and has been involved in the fields of design, living and architecture for more than 30 years as a journalist. She was a member of the Rat für Formgebung executive committee for many years.

Christian Zanzotti

Founder, ZANZOTTI INDUSTRIAL DESIGN | Italian-born Christian Zanzotti, studied industrial design at the University of Design in Munich, following which he worked for Hannes Wettstein and then for IDEO. In 2013 he established the ZANZOTTI INDUSTRIAL DESIGN studio in Munich. The fields in which he is involved range from the automotive and mobility sector to furniture, consumer goods and lifestyle products. Christian’s work is notable for his passion for technology, innovation and materials, as well as his careful analyses and willingness to experiment. In 2014 he received the German Design Award "Newcomer of the Year" from the German Design Council.

Christine Matz

Senior Designer, Tatic Designstudio | After her diploma in product design at the HfG Offenbach and subsequent cooperation with German and Italian design studios, she began her collaboration with Tatic Designstudio 2010. It was there that she specialised in brand-shaping product design in the fields of sports lifestyle, architectural components, household and FMCGs, and went on to win numerous international awards with her team.

Dina Gallo

Head of Design Management, TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG | Dina Gallo studied industrial design at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design (Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart). She was also the head of Design Management at HANSA Metallwerke AG. During this period she completed her MBA at Steinbeis University in Berlin. As an instructor in the Product Design programme, she also supervised various projects at the University of Design (Hochschule für Gestaltung) in Schwäbisch Gmünd. In 2012 she became the Head of Design Management of the TRUMPF Group.

Dirk Schrod

Vice President Design, Products & Services Deutsche Telekom AG | Subsequent to successfully completing his Master of Arts and Design at the Central Saint Martins, University of Arts, the communications designer Dirk Schrod co-founded the desres design studio in Frankfurt am Main and was a partner there until 2009. Since 2010 he has been instrumental in the creation of the design team and the further development of the design strategy and product language at Deutsche Telekom AG. In 2012 he became Vice President Design, taking on responsibility for design development for the strategic core products and services, as well as other major areas of innovation within the company. His work and his team have been recognised with numerous international design awards.

Prof. Eku Wand

Braunschweig University of Art (Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig [HBK]); Founder and President Director tewa international | Eku Wand studied visual communication at the Berlin University of the Arts (Universität der Künste Berlin). He was the founder and creative director of Pixelpark AG in Berlin. In 1993 he founded eku interactive, his own label. In 2001 Wand became a professor for media design/multimedia at the Braunschweig University of Art (Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig [HBK]). Since 2014 he is living in Indonesia and founder of the social media marketing agency tewa international.

Erik Spiekermann

Edenspiekermann AG | Erik Spiekermann – typesetter, printer, art historian, information designer, typeface designer and specialist author, Prof & Dr. (honorary) Founder of MetaDesign '79, FontShop '89. Federal Award from the German Design Council for his life's work in 2011. Today Edenspiekermann AG Berlin, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Los Angeles and galerie p98a, experimental workshop for digital-analogue letterpress.

Felix Heck

Head of Office, Samsung Design Europe | Felix Heck is a German product designer with a high-profile agency background in TV, mobile, and sanitary design. After entering an exclusive partnership with Samsung Electronics as Master Designer in 2007, Heck has been appointed Head of Office at Samsung Design Europe in central London with a satellite studio in Milan in 2014, from where he oversees the European design activities of Samsung. Heck holds a Diploma in Industrial Design from Pforzheim University – School of Design, is father of two sons and lives/works between London, Munich, Milan and Seoul.

Gemma Riberti

Director, WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors | Gemma is Director at WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors. She brings over 12 years of experience within the interior trends and research fields, and oversees the design and product development directions with an eye to color, design and print. A graduate of Milan’s Politecnico, she is based in London and comes from trend service Stylesight, having previously worked with A+A Design Studio and Studio Contrepoint among others.

Georg Ruhrmann

Deputy studio manager of the DESIGNSTUDIO of EDAG Engineering GmbH | After studying Industrial Design at University of Applied Arts, Saarbrücken, Germany (HBKSaar) Georg Ruhrmann initially worked for eckard design GmbH. Since 1992, he has been responsible for the development of design strategies, design concepts, and design innovations at the DESIGNSTUDIO of EDAG Engineering GmbH. Since 2006, he has been deputy head of the studio, managing the worldwide design activities.

Hanne Willmann

Founder, Studio Hanne Willmann | Hanne Willmann is a multidisciplinary Designer based in Berlin, focusing on Product Design and Creative Direction. Hannes core competencies lie in the areas of furniture, lights and tableware. The inventive designs are characterized by her deep passion for details and the high value placed on aesthetic appeal. After studying at the University of the Arts in Berlin and Elisava in Barcelona, Hanne worked for the design studio Autoban in Istanbul and for Werner Aisslinger in Berlin, before she founded her own studio in 2015. In the same year she was selected as "Design Talent of the Year 2015" by A&W Magazine, followed by the German Design Award "Newcomer Finalist 2016". Since 2017 she is lecturing at the University of the Arts, Berlin.

Prof. Hartmut Raiser

Professor of Interior Design, University of Darmstadt | RAISERLOPES Architekten//Innenarchitekten | Hartmut A. Raiser was born in 1956 in Reutlingen. Between 1978 and 1980 he
 completed a craftsman’s apprenticeship before beginning his Architectural Studies at Stuttgart University. In 1988 he founded a design and interior 
design studio in Stuttgart, which, after his marriage to Kristina Lopes,
 the couple now runs as RAISERLOPES Architekten//Innenarchitekten. Hartmut A. Raiser
 specialises in national and international shop and showroom projects. He is also planning housing and exhibition concepts. Since 1998 Hartmut A. Raiser teaches Interior Design at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.

Jens Grefen

Executive Director Creation, Interbrand | Jens Grefen is Executive Director Creation and part of the managing team for Interbrand Germany. With about 15 years of experience in consulting, creating and managing brands he has essentially shaped the appearance and identity of various brands, and thereby contributed significantly to their growth. With his comprehensive know-how in conception and design, he counsels clients across multiple industries: telecommunication, technology, automotive industry, tourism, retail, transportation, energy, chemical industry, pharma, and financial services.

Jianjun Xie

President & Creative Advisor, Dongdao Creative Branding Group | Jianjun Xie earned his master’s degree from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts. In 1997, he founded Dongdao Design in Beijing and has headed the company ever since. Under his guidance, Dongdao has evolved to become a leading creative branding and development consultancy. Jianjun Xie is a member of numerous design associations, and has received many prestigious awards.

Johann Dück

Design Director, JOMOO Kitchen & Bath | In 2003, after studying Industrial Design at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Johann Dück joined Phoenix Design as a Design Team Manager (et al) with a focus on user-centric and brand-typical design, influencing the look and feel of many international companies. In parallel to this, from 2009 to 2013, he supervised projects at the Academy of Communication in Stuttgart as a lecturer in methodology and design conception. He has been heading Jomoo’s design team in Munich since 2017 and has a significant influence on the design strategy of the international group.

Jürgen Lewandowski

Author and freelance journalist | After completing his university degree and training at the magazine ‘auto, motor und sport’, Jürgen Lewandowski headed the technology section of the magazine ‘hobby’ before moving to Munich in 1979 to work for the German newspaper ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’ as head of the Auto and Transport section until the end of 2000. Since then he has worked as a consultant for the publishers Ganske Verlagsgruppe and Jahreszeiten Verlag in Hamburg and as an author and correspondent for several publications around the globe.

Katrin Menne

Head of Brand Management, Merck | Katrin Menne studied graphic design and design theory and management at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig, the Rietveld Akademie Amsterdam and the Pforzheim School of Design. She subsequently worked as a consultant in the field of brand strategy and management for various agencies and consultancies and was responsible for medium-sized companies and blue chip corporations. She has been Head of Brand Management for the brand communications and design team at the science and technology company Merck since 2017.

Lukas Cottrell

General Manager, Peter Schmidt Group GmbH | Lukas Cottrell studied economics at Berlin’s Freie Universität. He later worked as the Executive Director at Landor Associates and Executive Director/Head of Strategy at Future Brand. As a management and marketing consultant with the Peter Schmidt Group, Cottrell has extensive experience in developing forward-looking strategies which transform brands and drive markets.

Marcel Besau

Studio Besau-Marguerre | After studying product and communication design in Wuppertal and Karlsruhe, Marcel Besau (*1980) and Eva Marguerre founded their interdisciplinary design studio in Hamburg. Their design approach led them both to extraordinary ideas and products, in which they combined an experimental use of unusual materials with striking colour schemes. The Hamburg studio worked for international customers such as Vitra, Artek and e15, and has already been nominated for – and received – a number of design awards.

Prof. Marcus Keichel

Founder, LÄUFER + KEICHEL | Professor Department Design at HTW Dresden University of Applied Sciences | Marcus Keichel was born in Frankfurt/Main. He studied industrial design, architecture and cultural studies at the University of the Arts in Berlin. After graduating, he worked as a freelance product and communication designer before setting up the studio, Läufer + Keichel, with Julia. From 2008 to 2011 Marcus was also a guest professor at the University of the Arts in Berlin and University of Applied Science and Arts Hannover. Since 2016 he is professor for product design at HTW Dresden University of Applied Sciences.

Margarete Wies

Head of Holistic User Experience, Product Line e-Mobility, Volkswagen AG | Margarete Wies studied communication design at the University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd. From 1998 onwards, she worked at Mercedes-Benz in the field of Corporate Design and Communication. She left the company in 2016, where her last role was as Vice President Advanced UX Design Mercedes-Benz North America in the field of Research & Development. Since November 2016, Margarete Wies has been in charge of the field of Holistic User Experience at Volkswagen AG in Berlin.

Prof. Mark Braun

Studio Mark Braun | Hochschule der Bildenden Künste Saar | Mark Braun studied industrial design at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, the Design Academy Eindhoven and the University of Art and Design Halle. After completing his studies, he founded his own design studio in 2006 in Berlin and he has already received the German Design Award a number of times for his work for well-known international companies. Mark Braun has also made a name for himself in teaching: from 2007 to 2010, he worked at the University of Art and Design Halle as an artistic associate in the field of industrial design/strategic product and concept development, and in 2015 he was a visiting lecturer at the ECAL, École cantonale d'art de Lausanne. Since 2015, he has held the post of Professor for Product Design/Industrial Design at the HBKsaar.

Prof. Markus Weisbeck

Graphic Designer and Art Director, Surface | Markus Weisbeck was born in 1965. He is a graphic designer and art director based in Frankfurt am Main and Weimar. He founded the Design-Studio Surface. He has lectured and participated in numerous international conferences on design related subjects and has been teaching as Professor for Grafik Design at Bauhaus in Weimar. Since 2013 he is an official member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale. He established "The Space for Visual Research" as a workshop and laboratory for experimental research into new graphic, abstract and visual worlds at the Bauhaus-University Weimar in 2013.

Mårten Claesson

Architect and Designer, founder and co-owner Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects | After studying at the Vasa Technical College in Stockholm and at the Parsons School of Design in New York, Mårten Claesson graduated in 1994 with an MFA degree from Konstfack, the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm. In 1995 he co-founded the internationally renowned Swedish architecture and design partnership Claesson Koivisto Rune. Mårten Claesson is also a writer and lecturer.

Matthias Wagner K

Director of the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt/Main | Honorary Professor at the HfG Offenbach | Matthias Wagner K is regarded as a specialist in Nordic culture. In 2009 he directed the first Nordic Fashion Biennale in Reykjavik, in 2011 he was the chief curator for the art and cultur programme Sagenhaftes Island, Iceland’s Guest of Honour appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair, and most recently curated the exhibition Jil Sander. Present tence.

Dr. Michael Peters

Managing Partner, Peters’ Projects GmbH | Dr. Michael Peters studied marketing communication at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences and subsequently completed a business degree at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt/Main. In 1979 he began his professional career as an assistant to the management at Messe Frankfurt GmbH, where he became the managing director in 1993. Since 2010 Peters has been offering clients in the trade, trade show and industrial sectors comprehensive brand management via his company Peters’ Projects.

Michael Thomson

Founder and Director, Design Connect | Trained in 3D design in Northern Ireland and Germany, Michael Thomson established Design Connect in London in 1995. Michael also works with leading design consultancies. He is a former Board member of Icsid and President of BEDA. Michael was appointed inaugural, ‘Japan Design Ambassador’ by JIDPO; is an Honorary Fellow of Aalto University, Helsinki, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts by the University of Brighton in 2014.

Prof. Mike Richter

Design Faculty, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | Co-founder of icon mobile group | Mike Richter is professor at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and the co-founder of iconmobile group, an international management consultancy for design, marketing and innovation, as well as banbutsu, a firm specialised in the Internet of Things (IOT). In 2001, Richter left the management of MetaDesign and launched and managed the mobile telephony section of the Lost Boys/Iconmedialab Group. Richter has a degree in industrial design and holds a master’s degree in design planning.

Moni Wolf

Design Director, Microsoft Devices Group | Moni Wolf currently heads the design team at Microsoft Devices. From 2009 to 2011 she was the principal creative director for the Microsoft Mobile Platform. From 2011 to 2014 she led the development of products for Microsoft’s XBOX team and Microsoft latest generation of consumer devices. Prior to joining Microsoft, she was the director of design for Motorola’s iDEN mobile devices.

Nicole Huffer

Corporate Vice President, Marketing Communications, SimonsVoss Technologies AG | Nicole Huffer completed her executive MBA in general management in Salzburg and Beijing. After holding various positions in the materials handling sector, Huffer joined SimonsVoss Technologies AG in 1998, where as the Corporate Vice President for Marketing Communications she is now responsible for the areas of corporate design and product design as well as national and international trade shows.

Nicolette Naumann

Vice President Ambiente/Tendence, Messe Frankfurt GmbH | Nicolette Naumann came to Messe Frankfurt having just finished her university degree in educational studies and sociology. After working as the press officer for textile trade shows, facility manager for consumer goods trade shows and business unit manager for innovation management, she became the business unit manager for the consumer goods trade shows Ambiente and Tendence in 2002. As well as being responsible for the ambience, Nicolette Naumann is currently involved with Interior Lifestyle trade fairs in Shanghai, New Delhi and Tokyo.

Prof. Philipp Thesen

Professor Design Department, Darmstadt University | A designer and a strategist, Philipp Thesen is among the most prominent pioneers in the fields of strategic design and of the digital transformation of products, processes and business models. He is a design professor specialised in human-system-interaction at the Design Department of Darmstadt University. As the previous Chief Design at Deutsche Telekom, Philipp Thesen was responsible for the design of all the company’s products and digital services, and also for the design strategy and the worldwide realisation and implementation of design principles in over 20 countries.

Sabine Loeser-Schoeps

Managing Director, LS Interiors | Sabine Loeser-Schoeps studied interior design in Florence and Hamburg, and founded LS Interiors in 2010. From 2005 to 2010 she served as project manager and design manager at Ramseier&Associates, Switzerland’s leading architecture and interior design firm. There, she worked on many successful projects such as the construction and interior design of various private apartments and residences, the remodelling of corporate head offices, the development of corporate architecture and design concepts, and modernisation and rebuilding of shopping centres.

Silvia Olp

Head of Communications, Phoenix Design (Stuttgart/Munich/Shanghai) | Silvia Olp is head of communications at Phoenix Design. She is on the executive board of aed e.V. in Stuttgart and initiator of the aed neuland competition. For many years she headed the PR and Marketing department at burkhardt leitner constructiv. Via her consulting firm Silvia Olp Public Relations, she advised design agencies and other clients in the design sector on PR and marketing activities. Moreover, she worked as a studio manager for renowned photographers.

Steve Leung

Founder, Steve Leung Designers Ltd. | Steve Leung graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in University of Hong Kong, Steve's works reflect the projects' unique characters with his contemporary touch, taking inspirations from the Asian culture and arts. Steve is the winner of the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award and has won over 130 awards worldwide. He serves the design industry in many capacities with enthusiasm. As the President 2017-2019 of International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and Board of Directors of Hong Kong Design Centre, he actively promotes the education and the development of the design industry.

Susanne Brandherm

brandherm + krumrey interior architecture | Susanne Brandherm studied interior architecture at Detmold University of Applied Sciences. Susanne Brandherm and Sabine Krumrey founded their company brandherm + krumrey interior architecture in 1999. With offices in Cologne and Hamburg, they undertake national and international projects. Susanne Brandherm is the winner of the 2013 INsider Award. She became a member of the board of trustees of the trade show organisation architect@work Germany in 2012. From 2013 to 2015 she taught design at Trier University of Applied Sciences.

Ralf Schwoebel

CEO and founder, orga.zone AG | Ralf Schwoebel published his first commercial computer game in 1988 at the age of 15. He is creating cutting edge internet solutions for sales and marketing since 1995. In 2015 he sold his online marketplace "Tradebit" to an US investor and focusses on the development of business apps since then. Vice chancellor Philipp Rösler appointed him as a core member for the "Young Digital Economy" advisory board to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs of Germany in 2013.

Reinhard Pascher

Sports Design Thinker, Pascher+Heinz | Reinhard Pascher is creative director and founder of Pascher+Heinz, a Munich-based sports brand agency. He studied architecture at Graz University of Technology. His expertise includes 30 years of developing and managing sports brands and shaping sports design. Together with his team of 35 creative personalities, he develops brand, product, and communication concepts. For more than 18 years, he has served as the head judge of ISPO BRANDNEW, the sporting goods industry’s largest start-up competition.

Renan Gökyay

Board member of Nurus and leading Nurus Design Lab | Renan Gökyay studied Industrial Design at Middle East Technical University, Ankara. He founded Nurus Design Lab and enhanced design management culture in the company. Gökyay has been teaching many courses on Design Management in several universities and inspiring and coaching designers. He is still a board member of Nurus and leading Nurus Design Lab.

Ryutaro Yoshida

Founder, Time & Style | Ryutaro Yoshida founded Interior brand Time & Style in Japan. The stores are located in Tokyo, Amsterdam and Shanghai. The furniture made from domestic wood is crafted at their factory in Hokkaido. Starting with sawing logs, every step of the manufacturing process takes place in-house. Products made from ceramic, lacquerware or glass etc. are created in collaboration with artisans who are proficient in Japanese craft techniques that have been passed down through generations. With the integration of lifestyle rooted in tradition into the modern daily life as its concept, the brand strives for authentic Japanese craftsmanship.

Virginia Lung

Founder, One Plus Partnership | Virginia Lung has won over 500 awards for her cinemas, restaurants, retails, club houses, and sales offices. Her achievements include 10 Germany Iconic Design Awards, the most Best of Best Awards in history; Frame Awards - Cinema of the Year; 15 iF Design Awards and 2 Gold Awards; 25 US IIDA Awards, with Best of Competition; US Best of Year Awards - Best in 10 Award; Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award. She adjudicated for INSIDE Festival, NeoCon, and K-Design Award. Her projects were exhibited internationally, including Venice Biennale.

Volker Stengele

stengele + cie. | Volker Stengele studied architecture at the University of Applied Sciences, Stuttgart and Conceptual Design at the Academy of Fine Arts - Städelschule, Frankfurt. In 2002, he founded the design and architecture office stengele+cie. and since then has been developing international projects in the fields of architecture and brand communication, which have been nominated and awarded for various prizes. Volker Stengele is a member of the German Designer Club and is regularly invited as a juror or guest lecturer.

Wiebke Lang

Editor-in-chief of the designreport | Wiebke Lang has been editor-in-chief of designreport since 2017. She was international PR chief and brand editor at Erco in Lüdenscheid from 2013 to 2017. She previously worked as an editor and author for various German design and media magazines such as form and PAGE and was co-curator at Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany. She has a degree in design and worked in the book retail sector.

Categories

Nominations for the German Design Award are possible in the following categories:

  • Excellent Communications Design

  • Architecture

    Architektur von Gebäuden aller Art (Wohnhäuser, öffentliche Bauten, Industrie- und Unternehmensbauten, Sakralbauten, Museen, Hotels u. a.), temporäre Architektur, anderes

  • Conceptional Architecture

    Construction concepts, architectural concepts, building projects under construction, landscape architecture, other

  • Interior Architecture

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

  • Retail Architecture

    Brand spaces, shops, concept stores, flagship stores, showrooms, department stores, malls, other

  • Event

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

  • Fair and Exhibition

    Exhibitions, temporary architecture, trade-fair architecture, trade-fair stands and appearances, scenography, installations, other

  • Urban Space and Infrastructure

    Urban planning and design, landscape architecture, urban parks, public spaces, playgrounds, infrastructure and transportation facilities, bridges, other

  • Audiovisual

    Music videos, image and advertising videos, commercials, trailers, virals, television design (e. g. broadcast stations, programmes), sound design, animation, other

  • Interactive User Experience

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

  • Online Publications

    Digital magazines, ebooks, newsletters, digital annual reports, other

  • Web

    Websites and microsites, blogs, online shops, other

  • Apps

    Education, books, services, health, fitness, music, news, navigation, travel, social networking, games, sports, entertainment, shopping, other

  • Integrated Campaigns and Advertising

    Online advertising (e. g. advertisements, banners, internet television, screensavers), campaigns, cross media and outdoor media, print advertising, mailings, dialogue media, concepts, other

  • Packaging

    Product packaging and outer product packaging, food and beverage packaging, tags, bottle labels, cans, bags, CD/DVD/disc covers, other

  • Corporate Identity

    Corporate identity, corporate design, corporate films, corporate events, corporate publishing, corporate manuals, corporate books, corporate fashion, corporate architecture, brand slogans and symbols, logos, signets, key visuals, other

  • Brand Identity

    Brand identity, brand design, brand films, brand events, brand publishing, brand manuals, brand fashion, brand architecture, brand signet, other

  • Books and Calendars

    Books (e. g. literature, nonfiction, photobooks, children’s books), digital books, corporate books, art books, calendars (e. g. wall and pocket calendars), digital calendars, other

  • Editorial

    Newspapers, journals and magazines, financial statements and annual reports, catalogues and product catalogues, brochures, manuals, other

  • Official Documents

    Stamps, private and official documents, identification cards, customer club cards, memberships, bank notes, debit and credit cards, other

  • Signage and Wayfinding

    Pictograms, icon systems, guidance systems for indoor and outdoor: cities, public institutions, office buildings and business premises, shopping centres, residential houses, other

  • Posters, Cards and Photography

    Posters and placards of all kinds, postcards, artistic photography, advertising and fashion photography, photojournalism, event photography, industrial and architectural photography, other

  • Typography

    Fonts, font families, other
  • Excellent Product Design

  • Bath and Wellness

    Bathroom and sanitary ware, bathroom fittings, sanitary technology, bathroom furniture and fixtures, bathroom accessories, saunas, solariums, whirlpools, body care products, other

  • Kitchen

    Kitchens, kitchen furniture, kitchen fittings, electrical appliances, accessories, cooking equipment, ovenware, other

  • Tabletop

    Dishes, cutlery, accessories and decorations, other

  • Household

    Household appliances, large electric appliances, household items, air and water filtering units, humidifiers, waste systems, other

  • Design Classics and Re-editions

    Design Classics, Re-editions and Redesigns

  • Furniture

    Living, sleeping and seating furniture, children's and special furniture, other

  • Lifestyle and Fashion

    Fashion, bags, suitcases, travel gear, head coverings, glasses and sunglasses, other

  • Home Textiles and Home Accessories

    Home textiles, upholstery fabrics and leathers, decorative fabrics, wallpapers, wall and home decorations, home accessories, other

  • Gardening and Outdoor Living

    Garden furniture, gardening tools and products as well as equipment, garden accessories, sunscreens, furnishings for conservatories, grills and barbecues, other

  • Sports, Outdoor Activities and Leisure

    Sports equipment and products, sportswear, tents, backpacks, binoculars, flashlights and forehead flashlights, night vision devices, outdoor clothing, outdoor and trekking equipment, games, hobby and craft supplies, recreation equipment and products, fitness equipment and products, musical instruments, products for animals, other

  • Baby and Child Care

    Products for babies and children, baby and child care products, baby and children’s toys, play equipment, baby carriages, schoolbags and accessories, other

  • Luxury Goods

    Luxury accessories, jewellery, watches, other

  • Computer and Communication

    Computers, notebooks, tablets, network and conference technology, storage media, NAS, server systems, printers, copiers, scanners, smartphones, telephones and telephone systems, charging stations, recording and playback equipment, peripheral devices and accessories for Computers and communication devices, cameras and equipment, other

  • Entertainment

    Consumer electronics, microphones, headphones, loudspeakers, audio equipment, amplifiers, televisions, recording and playback equipment, beamers, sound systems, event technology, stagecraft, sound engineering, lasers and effects, multiroom systems, docking stations, video game consoles, e-readers, cameras and equipment, other

  • Human-Machine-Interface

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

  • Material and Surfaces

    Materials and raw materials, material innovations, surfaces, innovative textiles (technical and ornamental), other

  • Building and Elements

    Building equipment, windows, doors, stairs, banisters and handrails, house and building automation, house and door labelling, security and access systems, surveillance cameras and systems, smoke detection systems, walls/floors/ceilings, acoustic solutions, door and window fittings, switches and switch systems, mailboxes, garages, gates, escalators, lifts, controls for products in this category, other

  • Energy

    Energy technology, heating systems, radiators, ovens of all kinds, air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, solar energy installations, furnaces and boilers, other

  • Industry

    Machines and facilities, components, control technology, materials handling technology, robotics, safety technology, timing systems, logistics systems, machines, semi-finished products, work and protective clothing, industrial packaging, other

  • Workshop and Tools

    Tools, workshop equipment, measurement and testing technology, special products, other

  • Medical, Rehabilitation and Health Care

    Medical equipment, medical technology, medical and orthopaedic assistive devices, optics and optical equipment, laboratory technology, practice and hospital furnishings, laboratory furniture, assisted technology and assisted living, other

  • Lighting

    Residential and workplace lighting, recessed and exterior lighting, lighting systems, lamps, special lighting, street lighting, lighting technology, other

  • Office Furniture

    Office furniture and office furniture systems, conference furniture, partitions, acoustic elements, furniture and space solutions for special rooms, other

  • Stationery

    Writing and plotting instruments, office accessories and equipment, filing and classification systems, presentation systems, papers, hobby and craft supplies, other

  • Retail

    Sales and product display systems, cash register systems, terminals, displays, return systems, other

  • Conceptional Transportation

    Passenger and commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans, trailers, agricultural vehicles, aeroplanes and aircraft, helicopters, water and hybrid vehicles, railed vehicles, motorcycles and rollers, vehicles for local public transportation, special vehicles, other

  • Aviation, Maritime and Railway

    Aeroplanes and aircraft, helicopters, water and hybrid vehicles, railed vehicles, vehicles for local public transportation, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and furnishings, navigation systems, other

  • Automotive Parts and Accessories

    Automotive equipment, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and furnishings, navigation systems, other

  • Motorcycles

    Motorcycles and rollers, automotive equipment, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and furnishings, navigation systems, other

  • Passenger Vehicles

    Passenger and commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans, trailers, agricultural vehicles, special vehicles, automotive equipment, vehicle components, vehicle interiors and furnishings, navigation systems, other

  • Public Design

    Urban and street furniture, kiosks, advertising columns, displays and advertising media, shelters, stops and stations, park furniture, waste and lighting systems, other

  • Utility Vehicles

    Agricultural vehicles, special vehicles, automotive equipment (luggage racks etc.), vehicle components, vehicle interiors and furnishings, navigation systems, other

  • Bicycles and E-Bikes

    Mountain bikes, racing bikes, crossbikes, urban and E-Bikes, pedelecs, children’s bikes, trekking bikes, special bikes, other
  • Universal Design

  • Additional to the login in the categories listed from above, all the products and projects are registered for the competition in a higher-level category Universal Design. This involves all products and projects that particularly stand out because they can be used by as many people as possible without further specializationor adjustment.

    In this case, the focus is clearly on the development of barrier-free, age and origin-independent products and projects.

Delivery

Entries may be presented to the jury:

- in digital form (only in the category Excellent Communications Design)
- original form
- as presentation charts in the A2 horizontal format on foam board (max. 4 pieces)
- including a assembly instruction of the project
- presentation texts must be written in English

Transportation:

All entries shall be delivered in secure and reusable packaging thatensures safe arrival. Furthermore, packaging must beclearly labelled with the received project ID. The participants are responsible for the transport costs to and from as well as the insurance costs for registered products. Size S entries originating from within the EU can, upon request, be sent back to the applicant following the judging session. Please note this service is subject to additional fees.

Delivery times and addresses:

You will receive further details regarding delivery times and addresses in the form of an e-mail confirmation after successfully registering for the contest. In addition,you can view this information by accessing your personal login area under the menu item »Delivery«.

Nomination request

FAQ

  • DATES

  • Deadline early bird: 25 May 2018
    Deadline grant programme: 08 June 2018
    Deadline registration: 13 July 2018
    Jury session: 02 till 03 August 2018
    Notification of jury results: August 2018
    Publication of the online gallery: Autumn 2018
    Publication of the catalogue: 08 February 2018
    Award ceremony: 08 February 2019, in the context of the fair Ambiente
    Exhibition Excellent Product Design: February 2019, in the context of the fair Ambiente
    Exhibition Excellent Communications Design: February 2019, Museum Angewandte Kunst 

    Details to the exhibitions of the German Design Award 2018

  • GENERAL

  • Who is allowed to compete?

    Only contributions that have been nominated for the German Design Award by the "Design Innovation Product Scouting" panel of the German Design Council or by its foundation members can participate in the competition. Submissions are approved only if their publication or launch is no longer than five years ago, calculated from the year of submission. An earlier awarding is not necessary.

    Excluded are projects submitted in the new category "Design Classics and Re-Editions". For the first time, participants - unlike other categories - can propose products for nomination, of which their first release is more than five years ago. Even products that reinterpret design classics have a chance of winning an award.

    In addition, you have the option of sending us a nomination request. The form for your nomination request can be found here.

  • My product/project has already taken part in another German Design Council competition – can I also submit it for the German Design Award?

    Award-winning projects of Iconic Awards, Automotive Brand Contest, Bicycle Brand Contest, Motorcycle Brand Contest and Iconic Awards: Interior Innovation are automatically included in the group of nominees for the German Design Award.

    For all other projects, feel free to submit a nomination request.

  • How many participants were there last year?

    In total there were about 5.415 submissions for the German Design Award 2018; 2.486 in the area of Excellent Product Design, 2.556 in the area of Excellent Communications Design and 373 in the area of Universal Design.

  • What are the benefits for the winners?

    • Label (unlimited use)
    • Catalogue entry
    • Copy of the catalogue
    • Entry in the online gallery (for a period of three years)
    • Entry in the app
    • Exhibition
    • Certificate
    • Press package


    The optional Nominee Package includes:

    • Label (unlimited use)
    • Catalogue entry
    • Copy of the catalogue
    • Entry in the online gallery (for a period of three years)
    • Entry in the app
    • Various marketing services such as a personalised certificate
  • NOMINATION

  • What costs are associated with a nomination?

    A nomination or nomination request is free of charge and without obligation. Costs arise only after completing online registration. Details can be found in our announcement documents of the categories Excellent Communications Design and Excellent Product Design.

  • What is the nomination process?

    The German Design Award has limited participation and is not an open competition. This means that participation is possible only if the product / project has been previously nominated. This can be done by the “Design Innovation Product Scouting” panel of the German Design Council or by its foundation members. It is also possible to submit a nomination request.

  • Until when can a nomination for the German Design Award 2018 be requested?

    Nomination requests will be accepted until 29 June 2018.

  • What information is needed for a nomination request?

    • Your contact details
    • Product or project name and designation
    • Website
    • One image
    • Short text to request (max. 4000 letters)

  • How do I learn about my nomination?

    All nomination requests are reviewed internally. In case of a nomination, you will receive the notification with the documents and all other information by mail. If the registration deadline is imminent, the information will be sent digitally.

  • My product/project is not yet on the market – will my information be treated confidentially during the examination of the nomination request and, if necessary, during the jury session?

    Yes, the information provided is always treated confidentially when processing the nomination request. The same applies to the jury session, which takes place behind closed doors.

  • What are the categories?

    The categories are listed above.

  • If my submission is nominated, can I choose its category myself?

    Yes. You can register your product/project in up to three categories.

  • I am a newcomer; how can I participate in the German Design Award?

    Newcomers are nominated exclusively by the deaneries of universities. Graduates in the fields of textile, product, industrial, communications and interior design who either have German citizenship or who have earned a design degree from a German university are eligible. The degree must not be more than five years ago. Both individuals and design offices with several designers can participate in the competition. The entire portfolio of a designer is assessed.
  • AWARD CEREMONY

  • When and where does the awards ceremony take place?

    The award ceremony will take place in the context of the Ambiente fair in Frankfurt am Main on 08 February 2019.