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Key dates for 2024 Best Design Awards:

April 2
Entries Open 2024

June 27
Entry Deadline NZ11.55pm

July 3
Late Entries NZ11.55pm

July 5
Supporting Material Due 5.30pm

August 4
Judging Week 2024 - 4th to 10th August

August 15
Finalists Announced 2024

August 15
BUY TICKETS

October 11
Awards Dinner Viaduct Events Centre 6.30pm - 1.00am

Entry Fees
  • Member $189 Includes AGDA, DIA
  • Non-Member $289
  • Student $99
  • Unlock to edit $79 per entry
  • Late Entry +$79
Categories
  • Graphic

    • Business Communication

      This category includes both external and internal engagement work for a business or organisation. Annual reports, IPOs, profiles, brand books, guidelines and internal communication collateral (digital and printed).

      Capturing and communicating the leadership’s intent and the organisational direction. Clear and concise themes beautifully crafted across a multipage document.

      Consider how well it communicates to the audience, shareholders, Internal staff or consumers.

    • Colour Award Graphics

      This category in Graphics celebrates outstanding, innovative and creative use of colour.

      Judges are looking for unexpected, delightful work that employs colour as a critical part the communication or message. It should challenge current design practice and thinking.

    • Design Communication

      Clear and clever communication of an idea across a variety of mediums ie. Brochures, catalogues, print campaigns, social media or digital campaigns, direct response, posters, street posters and billboards.

      Beautifully crafted and consistently executed.

    • Design Craft

      Projects that qualify for this category are outstanding works of computer generated rendering/enhancement, Illustration, photography, typography, in the context of graphic design.

      The work may be commercial, social, cultural, environmental or informational in purpose, and will likely have typography, a brand, or other devices with it.

      This award focusses on the crafting of a piece through inventive use of process, production techniques and materiality along with meticulous design detailing and creative construction and form.

      Work may be entered in multiple subcategories within this category, provided each has been entered as a separate entry (and entry fee paid).

      Please ensure that you show both the specific work and the context for the overall project.

      Work that has no clear design purpose will not qualify, eg. fine art, photography or photojournalism.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Computer Generated Imagery
      • Illustration
      • Photography
      • Typography
    • Editorial and Books

      Book covers, complete books, magazine covers, magazine features.

      Visually capturing the essence and the key theme of a story and or creatively amplifying messages and character through unique and impactful graphics, formats and storytelling.

      Craft, attention to detail and a high level of finish will be a key consideration in this category.

    • Environmental Graphics

      Signage and way-finding systems, interpretive graphics, trade shows and exhibition design, retail displays, street posters and billboards.

      Creating clear pathways and intuitive methods of orientation with environmental messaging that translates a brand at an environmental level to create a sense of place or deliver an experience.

      Also considered is the impact and transformation of the environment because of this design.

      Thorough and well thought through wayfinding or environmental approach will also be part of the criteria.

    • Large Brand Identity

      Comprehensive large organisation projects. 

      Creating clear architecture, design discipline and distinct storytelling in the process.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Commercial: Corporate, product, service or retail
      • Cultural: Arts, NGO, Not-for-profit, Government

    • Packaging

      Creating product standout and branded difference through inventive use of form, format, space and character to capture the brand’s story and represent a range of product/varietal offers.

      Also iconic branded products that demonstrate a clever and well thought through evolution or move forward for the brand/product.

      For FMCG large volume, local and export products, please provide any evidence of an increase of sales that directly attributes to the design or redesign of this particular products.

      This will be a major consideration for the judges in this category.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Boutique: A start up or small scale enterprise
    • Self Promotion

      All graphic design work completed for own practice.

      Capturing a studios culture of creativity and unique attitude with a bold idea and inventive delivery – consideration given here to unexpected and ground breaking executions given the lack of constraints.

    • Small Brand Identity

      Small scale, boutique projects.

      Both highly creative and characterful problem solving design that captures the unique offer of the brand.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Commercial: SME, product, service, hospitality or retail
      • Cultural: Arts, NGO, Not-for-profit, Government
    • Student & Academic Graphics

      Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality and freshness of thinking, great technical skills, and an appreciation that the work can be successful commercially.

      • Student (Under graduate)
      • Academics - PHD and Masters
  • Digital

    • Digital Campaigns

      A finite promotional campaign that is not a brand’s primary website or product.

      Entries may include websites, social media, apps and digital advertising.

    • Digital Products

      Native and web apps, kiosks, tools and installations - that serve a specific audience and purpose and typically designed to make everyday life easier and more delightful.

      Please see supporting material requirements for this category.

    • Game Design

      Recognises innovation in gameplay, including story-telling, artistry, use of technology and audio.

      All genres of game are accepted, including virtual, full-immersion, AR, website and mobile games.

    • Installation & Exhibition

      Digital experiences that make use of both physical and digital components in tandem to engage with users and deliver immersive environments and experiences.

      Please see supporting material requirements for this category.

    • Large Scale Websites

      Full websites that demonstrate the complexity of structure, functionality and design at scale, likely created for large/complex organisations. Large scale websites may include advanced tools, high variety and volume of content and extensive catalogues.

    • Small Scale Websites

      Websites for small organisations,  individuals, or microsites independent of a larger brand website.  Entries in this category are likely to have simple

      information architecture. Entries may include portfolio, brochure, cultural and simple marketing sites.

    • Student Digital

      Realised or conceptual digital design work produced as part of tertiary study. Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality and freshness of thinking, and technical skills.

      .

  • Moving Image

    • Motion Design and Animation

      3D/2D/Animated content for film, television and interactive applications of any duration.

    • Cinematography and Editing

      Work primarily focused on shot footage and it’s composition, editing and cinematography of any duration.

    • Sound Design & Composition

      The enhancement that sound and composition brings to the visual through connection and collaborative creativity. 


      Entries open under sub categories Commercial and Cultural.

      Projects can be moving image, film, TV, advertising, syncing of sound & visuals, collaborative artworks.

      • Commercial
      • Cultural
    • Student Moving Image

      Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality and freshness of thinking with a high level of crafted execution. 

  • Toitanga

    Toitanga

    Tupu te toi, Ora te toi, Whanake te toi, Te toi i ahu mai i Hawaiiki.

    Toitanga acknowledges the unique lineage and origin of Māori storytelling and artistic expression. It celebrates these taonga through a meaningful collaborative process between designers, cultures, clients and our environment.

    Toitanga centred design is Intentful design that successfully lifts the mana of our people, our place and our culture.

    Note: Before submitting your entry, it is important to recognise the source of cultural leadership, ideas and knowledge in the correct place of the credentials section. We advise only having the respected participants.

    The Designers Institute of New Zealand wishes to thank Ngā Aho Inc for the partnership that developed the Ngā Aho Award in 2012 to 2019.

    • Toitanga

      Evaluation Criteria:

      - Kaupapa / Intention
      - Tikanga / Process
      - Whakawhanaungatanga / Relationships
      - Tangata ki te tangata / People to people
      - Auahatanga / Creativity
      - Āhuatanga / Expression

    • Student & Academic Toitanga
      • Student (Under graduate)
      • Academics - PHD and Masters
  • Product

    • Colour Award Product

      The award recognises the outstanding and innovative application of colour in product design.

      Consideration will be given to the following criteria:

      • Enhance brand recognition and desirability  
      • Enhanced usability, ergonomics and or safety
      • Aesthetic innovation
      • Awareness of issues concerning contextual, environmental and experience over time
    • Concept/Experimental

      Concept and experimental design studies which have not been implemented.

    • Consumer

      Product for the retail market including appliances, electronic, household items, sporting and recreational products.

    • Designed Objects

      Domestic consumer objects, artefacts and products that are produced in a low volume series or at least in part made by the designer.

    • Furniture

      Domestic, commercial and office furniture, kitchen and bathroom ‘furniture’.

    • Lighting

      Domestic and commercial lighting products intended for either interior or exterior applications.

    • Non-Consumer

      Including agricultural, industrial, heavy equipment, transport, professional and medical products.

    • Structural Packaging

      The overall 3 dimensional design, form, structure and ergonomics of structural packages used for distributing, protecting, and marketing at point of sale products including, but not limited to, manufactured goods, cosmetics or food.

      Emphasis in this category is the 3 dimensional structural design content of the package.

      Graphic content will only be considered where this is an integral part of the structure of the package.

    • Sustainable Product Design (SPD)

      This award recognises outstanding examples of sustainable product design.

      The SPD award winner(s) will be chosen from across finalists in all product design categories to ensure that products addressing sustainability issues also meet award-winning standards of design.

      Claims about sustainability performance and compliance must be supported by verifiable evidence.

      Judging will consider functional, economic, environmental and social impact factors.

      Consideration will be given to product improvement, product redesign, function innovation and system innovation.

      Entries should demonstrate a clear understanding of the product life cycle impact and have successfully integrated SPD within the business enterprise and value chain.

    • Textile

      This award recognises outstanding and innovative textile design, including; surface design, textile structures and new materials.  

      Consideration will be given to the following criteria:
      • Outstanding aesthetic refinement
      • Technological, process and material innovation
      • Excellent crafting
      • Consideration of environmental and social impact
      • Contribution to local and global textile industries
    • Student & Academic Product
      • Year One
      • Year Two
      • Year Three
      • Year Four
      • Academics - PHD and Masters

      Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality and freshness of thinking, great technical skills, and an appreciation that the work can be successful commercially.

  • Public Good Award

    Public Good Award

    Design for Public Good recognises and celebrates work that has been undertaken for the welfare of communities and for public interest.

    Design for public good can result in a product, system, amenity, commodity or service typically provided without profit to all members of society or for underprivileged or at risk groups.

    The award demonstrates the important contribution design can make to social, cultural and community wellbeing, quality of life and identity.

    • Public Good Award

      Design for Public Good recognises and celebrates work that has been undertaken for the welfare of communities and for public interest. Design for public good can result in a product, system, amenity, commodity or service typically provided without profit to all members of society or for underprivileged or at risk groups. The award demonstrates the important contribution design can make to social, cultural and community wellbeing, quality of life and identity.

    • Student Public Good
  • Spatial

    • Colour Award Spatial

      This category recognises the innovative and creative use of colour that dramatically transforms a building or enhances the experience for its users and community.

      The resolution might include use of natural materials and other elements that contribute to the completed scheme. 

      The judges will be acknowledging projects with colour schemes that are significantly impactful and instrumental in the overall design solution.

    • Emerging Designer

      Entrants in the Emerging Designer category must adhere to the following:

      • The entry must be endorsed by their current studio/practice.

      • The entrant must be 35 years or younger on the last day for entries to the awards programme.
      • Submitted projects must be either wholly or substantially under their responsibility or leadership of the entrant.


      In addition to the general evaluation criteria entries are to be assessed based on:

      • Complexity of project e.g., how involved was the designer in the project?
      • Did it have multiple clients or stakeholders to be managed and how was this demonstrated?
      • What, if any, external pressures existed on the project? What design challenges the designer faced and the quality of the solutions they provided.
      • What level of contribution and responsibility did the entrant have in the project?
      • What was their capacity for decision making? 
      • Did the project involve a larger team under the entrant’s direction?
      • Practice Validation evidence

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the submitted project(s)

    • Exhibition & Temporary Structures

      Any design project for an interior or exterior space including, but not limited, to art, design and science exhibitions within galleries, museums, or public spaces.

      Any installation project for an interior or exterior space, including set design and fashion shows as well as art, design, and light installations.

    • Healthcare & Wellbeing

      Championing human-centred designs that enhance not only the patient/visitor experience but maximise operational efficiency and help improve patient outcomes. 

      Judges will celebrate empathetic architecture that in its core has an atmosphere of optimism, inclusivity, care, and hope with an attention to details and maximum functionality. Wellness is a sensory experience, and projects showcasing improved human interaction with the environment and space will be rewarded for their design innovation. The judges want clear outline of any leading edge design innovation contributing to the projects setting a new benchmark.

      Projects that take a well-rounded approach to wellness and wellbeing with a range of programmes are encouraged to enter.

      Clinics, aged care, childcare, surgeries, hospitals, spas, wellbeing centres etc.

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project for all subcategories.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Up to $3 million
      • Between $3 and $10 million
      • Over $10 million
    • Hospitality

      Celebrating the quality and diversity of the architectural ventures and interior design projects shaping the hospitality industry today.

      Hospitality architecture and interior designs are key factors in guest satisfaction and are benchmarks for the level of service, quality, and comfort that a guest expects.

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project for all subcategories.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Accommodation - lodges, spas, retreats, hotels, motels

        Hospitality responds by embracing changes in our society, whether through the introduction of new accommodation concepts, or by focusing on lifestyle, design, and the lived experience of guests.

    • Lighting Design

      This category celebrates lighting design that:

      • Enhances the experience of the space - internal or external
      • Adds to the overall design in a unique and interesting way
      • Is seamlessly integrated and considered as part of the overall design.
    • Workplace Environments

      Any space that is primarily dedicated to work including offices, studios, co-working spaces, factories, specialist facilities.

      The entry should reflect how the concept creates a pleasant, efficient workspace and meets the needs of both the client and the employees who work in the space.

      The judges will be looking for projects that use design as a tool to improve staff’s wellbeing as well as their productivity. 

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Up to 200 square metres
      • Between 200 and 1000 square metres
      • Over 1000 square metres
    • Private, Public and Institutional Spaces

      (this category includes projects that would have gone into Built Environments which has been archived 2022)

      This is an opportunity for entries that include a significant architectural or landscape intervention in any projects used by the public or projects serving the community.  

      Projects will be evaluated not only for their architectural excellence and environmental records, but also for their impact on the neighbouring area and especially the local community. Public and private projects are eligible for entry including: 

      • Civic and private buildings dedicated to arts, culture, education, recreation, government, transit, and public parking.
      • Outdoor spaces 

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project.

      Subcategories that may be be entered are:

      • Private Development - Up to $3 million
      • Private Development - Up to $10 million
      • Private Development - Over $10 million
      • Public Development - up to $3 million
      • Public Development - up to $10 million
      • Public Development - over $10 million
      • Outdoor Spaces - up to $200,000
      • Outdoor Spaces - $200,000 to $2 million
      • Outdoor Spaces - Over $2 million
    • Repurposed Spaces/ Adaptive Reuse

      Entries in this category reflect design solutions that transform and reinvent existing spaces through renovation and demonstrate the challenges of working with existing spaces to find a solution that gives them a new use and function.

      The judges will celebrate projects that deliver the most striking transformative effects while remaining sympathetic to the building’s original character in what will be an environmentally considerate and thoughtful way of breathing new life into old buildings and, at the same time, conserving their historic value and local resources.

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project for all subcategories.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Over 150 square metres
    • Residential

      In this category we are looking for designs that create well, considered models for living. 

      Judges will celebrate ambitious and inspiring projects that continue to balance innovation with functionality and aesthetic thoughtfulness. Placement and responding to context as well as the impact on the immediate neighbourhood and community will be closely scrutinised.

      Apartments, private homes, multi residential living, mobile homes.

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project for all subcategories.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Residential Interior Architecture

        New or refurbished residential interior environments that demonstrate architectural design application enhancing the flow of spaces e.g., extensive, and significant kitchen or bathroom refurbishment, new stairs, new room additions, whole house remodelling.

      • Residential Interiors

        Entries in this category demonstrate the creative decoration and furnishing of interior spaces e.g., furniture selection, finishes application.

        Entries should convey the design of a minimum of 2 spaces/rooms within a single residence.

    • Retail Environments

      This category covers all commercial interiors created for retail outlets including shopping centres, retail stores, showrooms, pop-up shops, art gallery shops, banks, supermarkets, salons etc.

      Note: Supporting materials must include plans and layouts of the project.

      Subcategories that may be entered are:

      • Over 150 square metres
    • Spatial Design Communication

      This category recognises and celebrates the craft of communication to relevant audience groups through appreciation of design intent, presentation tools, and outputs (of the design process). 

      It is also an opportunity to  showcase design intent rather than delivery - acknowledge the challenges of a good design process, bringing light to the influences of engagement and collaboration - showcasing design intent rather than delivery.  

      Integral to design communication is the collaboration between designers and visualisers, artists, cultural stakeholders and the like.

      Projects in this category:

      • Can be realised or unrealised. 
      • Can use a series of communication tools or outcomes that showcase the design intent and/or process, as well as the final documentation after the project has been realised. This can include:
      • Renders and visualisations, developmental sketches and drawings, models or carvings, animations or flythroughs, gamification or virtual reality technology, heritage research and discovery, documentary photography, video, or other modes of presentation.
      • Projects submitted in other categories are encouraged to enter to showcase this important part of the creative process. 

      Entries are to be assessed based on:

      • Appropriate media selection for intended outcome.
      • Clarity of intended communication and messaging
      • Clear understanding of target audience and experience of design
      • Why was this method (or tool) selected (e.g., best way of demonstrating intended outcome, cost, time)?
      • Quality of execution – craftsmanship and attention to detail e.g., present the design and/or process to its best effect demonstrating the quality of the output.
      • Effectiveness and impact of outcome – how has the design communication influenced stakeholder or community engagement, brand reputation, identity of place, or project delivery.
      • Collaborative process – consideration for multi-disciplinary input
      • Comparative images between the design communication pieces submitted and the realised outcome along with explanations of differences (as the design progressed) would be an advantage.
    • Student & Academic Spatial

      Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality, and freshness of critical thinking.

      Judges will be awarding clear and impactful project concepts that demonstrate the ability to propose relevant and effective solutions to the design challenge.

      Projects demonstrating that the design is appropriate for its intended use and has a positive impact benefiting the community and users holistically will be favoured. 

      The presentation is expected to be cohesive and demonstrate a high level of understanding of the design challenges and solutions given.

      • Year One
      • Year Two
      • Year Three
      • Year Four
      • Year Five
      • Academics - PHD and Masters
  • Value of Design Award

    Value of Design Award

    Championing the power of good design to create massive impact.

    Celebrating the Value of Design
    We need to recognise and celebrate our very best stories of design impact. Stories that demonstrate both the skill of the design activity and the undeniable value it has created.

    The Value of Design Award exists to do just that, recognise the substantial value that can be created by the skilful and systematic application of design. This category doesn’t judge the aesthetic of design but recognises the organisations that tangibly demonstrate the impact it can create.

    To judge these awards we need to see the data and the process in behind the outcomes. We want to factually understand the how and the what design has enabled you to achieve.

    This is probably a step change in sales, process efficiencies or profits, culture or behaviour change, maybe the opening up of completely new markets and new products.

    The key is that we see the evidence of this change, The evidence of the improvement, the clear progression in cold, hard facts.

    Entries can be for a single product or service, a business initiative or multi year programme – it is the size and nature of the impact created that we are evaluating.

    Value of Design Criteria
    Gold, Silver or Bronze can be awarded for an individual design project where it can be demonstrated that the design thinking drove a step change in value for the company.

    Purple Pin
    We are interested in understanding four simple things that are hallmarks of an organisation embracing a strong design ethos:

    • Quality: The quality of the design work itself
    • Commitment: The broader organisation-wide commitment to design as a way of being and of driving value
    • Processes: The people, systems and processes that illustrate the skill and depth of your application of design mindsets and methods
    • Measurable Proof: The extent and recording of the tangible value created, whether: Monetary by way of increased market share, margin, efficiency, revenue or profit. Better cultural and societal outcomes by way of environmental impact and sustainability, community development, health and wellbeing improvements or any other value you care to prove and pitch to us.

    Confidentiality We understand entry information may be confidential or commercially sensitive so such information is provided in confidence to the Designers Institute, it is not available to the public and is used for judging only.

    All Judges sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to judging.

Entry Criteria, Process & Rules

Digital

Digital Entry Criteria

DIGITAL CATEGORY ENTRY CRITERIA

Award Eligibility
Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year.

Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

Images
Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented. Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project. What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

Keep your work anonymous
It is critical that where possible the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

Digital Evaluation Criteria

Awards Criteria

Purple - Best of the Best 

Gold - Best entry in category
Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

Finalist – meritorious

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

DIGITAL CATEGORY EVALUATION CRITERIA

Describe the reason for the project the Why / the Purpose.
- Demonstrates evidence of clear thinking and a compelling strategy
- Understands and responds to the brief
- Understands the context and audience for the work

Articulate the idea behind the concept
- The work demonstrates a high level of creativity and originality
- Demonstrates a strong idea or message
- Is visually compelling
- Is fresh, surprising
- Is aligned with other brand material, messages or narrative

User Experience
Judges will look for a user-led approach to problem-solving that has been upheld throughout the project.
Projects that show how research, insight and a user-focused approach to design enabled the delivery of a highly impactful digital experience. 

Design
More than simple aesthetics, judges will assess the complete brand experience including look and feel, context, brand alignment, communication and ease of use.
Judges will be looking for creativity within the project, memorable design execution which enhances the brand and maintains relevance to the intended audience. 

Execution
Innovative use of technology and high-quality execution that shows careful attention to detail and a high level of technical skill and craft.
Judges will assess the quality of work including responsiveness, use of standards, consideration of accessibility and appropriateness of technology.

Digital Supporting Material

The online Entry Process will require you to include a URL to judge the work entered.

Please ensure this link is live during judging week - 4 August to 10 August 2024.

Links, USB or video submissions as additional supporting material

- You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material
- The same rules apply as for other supporting materials - there should be no identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
- Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
- Ensure any links are still live for judging week 

DIGITAL PRODUCT SUPPORTING MATERIAL
Entrants to this category must provide easy access to the digital product. Apps should be available in the NZ App Store, and an active account login/password provided to view the product with user data applied. 
For apps not available within NZ, entrants can submit a device with the app pre-loaded and login details provided. In lieu of this, a video may be submitted, understanding the project may be marked down if judges are not able to accurately understand the experience.

INSTALLATION AND EXHIBITION SUPPORTING MATERIAL
Entrants to this category should submit a short video with each entry. The video should detail as much of the experience as possible for judges to understand context, user interactions, spatial considerations, lighting, sound, touch. It should be made clear which part of the experience the entrant had responsibility for within the project, understanding the project may be marked down if judges are not able to accurately understand the experience.

Submitting physical supporting material
Physical supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5 July 2024.

It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.
Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

Address your delivery to:

Designers Institute of New Zealand
Ground Floor, Suite 5
27 Gillies Avenue
Newmarket
Auckland

Keep your work anonymous
It is critical that where possible the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

Return of supporting material
During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging.

NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

Graphic

Graphics Entry Criteria

GRAPHICS CATEGORY ENTRY CRITERIA

Award Eligibility
Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year.
Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

Images
Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented. Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project. What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

Keep your work anonymous
It is critical that where possible the name of the entrant/studio/tertiary is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

Graphics Evaluation Criteria

Awards Criteria

Purple - Best of the Best 

Gold - Best entry in category
Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

Finalist – meritorious

GRAPHICS EVALUATION CRITERIA

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

Describe the reason for the project the Why / the Purpose.
- Demonstrates evidence of clear thinking and a compelling strategy
- Understands and responds to the brief
- Understands the context and audience for the work

Articulate the idea behind the concept
- The work demonstrates a high level of creativity and originality
- Demonstrates a strong idea or message
- Is visually compelling
- Is fresh, surprising
- Is aligned with other brand material, messages or narrative

Execution 
- Translates/expresses both Thinking and Concept well
- Demonstrates best current practice in the selected medium
- Execution of the work is of a high technical standard
- Understands and exploits the medium/resources used

Solution and Impact
- Since launch, how effective has the design been?
- Demonstrates resulting product launch, commercial success, sales data or engagement
- Has it resulted in social, behavioural, environmental change?

Sustainability & Responsibility
- Is the design sustainable?
- Does the design take innovation approach to reducing waste?
- Can it be reused, returned, recycled
- Has it resulted in tangible change?
- Referring to change that has occurred as a direct result of the work.

Graphics Supporting Material

Additional supporting material such as a video or samples of work such as a poster or book may be submitted.

The judges highly recommend that you send additional supporting material, as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.

ALL Submitting supporting material

Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5 July 2024.

It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.
Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

Address your delivery to:

Designers Institute of New Zealand
Ground Floor, Suite 5
27 Gillies Avenue
Newmarket
Auckland

Keep your work anonymous
It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

Return of supporting material
During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging.

NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

Video submissions as additional supporting material

- You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material
- Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
- The same rules apply to videos as other supporting materials - the videos should not have identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
- Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
- Ensure any links are still live for judging week

Moving Image

Moving Image Entry Criteria

Award Eligibility
Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year.

Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

Who Enters the work
The creator enters the work but acknowledges the client/agency.

Images
Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented.

Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project. What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

Hardward for SOUND & COMPOSITION CATEGORY
Please advise if you require any specific equipment (within reason)


Keeping your work anonymous
It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

Moving Image Evaluation Criteria

Awards Criteria

Purple - Best of the Best 

Gold - Best entry in category
Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

Finalist – meritorious

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

Motion Design and Animation NEW

3D/2D/Animated content for film, television and interactive applications of any duration.

Cinematography and Editing NEW

Work primarily focused on shot footage and it’s composition, editing and cinematography of any duration.

Sound Design & Composition

The enhancement that sound and composition brings to the visual through connection and collaborative creativity. 

Student Moving Image

Showing strong ideas-based concepts, bold originality and freshness of thinking with a high level of crafted execution. 

Note - LONG FORM, SHORT FORM and INTERACTIVE categories have been archived as of 2022

Moving Image Supporting Material

The online Entry Process will require you to include a URL to judge the work entered.

Please ensure this link is live during judging 4th - 7th  August 2024

Additional supporting material such as a video, USB, URL or disc may be submitted.
The judges highly recommend that you send additional supporting material as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.

Submitting supporting material
Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5 July 2024.

It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.
Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

Address your delivery to:

C/O Cathy Veninga, CEO
Designers Institute of New Zealand
Ground Floor, Suite 5
27 Gillies Avenue
Newmarket
Auckland

Keep your work anonymous
It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

Return of supporting material
During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging. NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

Links, USB or video submissions as additional supporting material

- The same rules apply as for other supporting materials - there should be no identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
- Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
- Ensure any links are still live for judging week 4th August to 10th August.

Product

Product Entry Criteria

PRODUCT CATEGORY ENTRY CRITERIA

Award Eligibility
Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024..
There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year. 

Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

Images
Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented.

Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

NOTE:

- For all categories except Student and Concept/Experimental, all images MUST be photographic

- Photographic images must be of production product

- Images of rapid prototypes and models are not acceptable

- CAD rendered images may be used ONLY to explain operations or details not evident in external photographs of the product

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project. What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

Keep your work anonymous where you can.
It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.
However there are exceptions that cannot be helped when the company name / brand is part of the product. 

THE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD (SPD)
This award recognises outstanding examples of sustainable product design.

Claims about sustainability performance and compliance must be supported by verifiable evidence.

Judging will consider functional, economic, environmental and social impact factors. Consideration will be given to product improvement, product redesign, function innovation and system innovation.

Entries should demonstrate a clear understanding of the product life cycle impact and have successfully integrated SPD within the business enterprise and value chain.The following criteria will be considered:

- Product life cycle analysis and impact

- Environmental impact (does product carry Eco label)

- Energy efficiency

- Product life extension

- Avoid/Eliminate waste, toxicity and pollution

- Reduce size, weight, materials, transportation and packaging

- Recycle, reuse, repair or safe disposal (are appropriate standards communicated)

- Socially responsible life cycle (Financial responsibility, human rights, health and safety, diversity and inclusiveness, enhanced community, ethics and business conduct)

Product Criteria

Awards Criteria

Purple - Best of the Best 

Gold - Best entry in category
Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

Finalist – meritorious

PRODUCT EVALUATION CRITERIA

Explaining your work
To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

Describe the reason for the project the Why / the Purpose.
- Demonstrates evidence of clear thinking and a compelling strategy
- Understands and responds to the brief
- Understands the context and audience for the work

Concept design creativity and innovation

- Does the design pioneer or lead the market?
- Does the design anticipate latent (existing but dormant or not yet developed or not yet realised) and emerging
  trends in similar or related products, services or technologies?
- Is the design novel, clever and creative in relation to its competitors?
- Is the design meaningful? Is it adding value to the user an/or the world we live in?

Fit for purpose
- Is the design intuitive to use, operate and engage with?
- Is the design safe to use and does it comply with appropriate standards if required?
- Is the design ergonomic in terms of operation, user experience and comfort?
- Is the design highly likely to satisfy the requirements of the many stakeholders in the value chain from end user to
  manufacturer?
- Is it highly likely the design will add value eg. revenue and/or brand awareness?

Aesthetic/Appearance and style

- Is the design's form, shape, size, proportions, composition, materials, colours and textures appropriate for its
  intended purpose and context of use?
- Is the design aesthetic meaningful, attractive and desirable and is it structurally convincing with no unwanted
  visual disturbances?
- Does the physical design incorporate applied or embedded graphic detailing and visual identity elements in an
  meaningful and attractive manner?
- Does the design as a whole express and strengthen brand qualities including product brand identity and create
  differentiation from others of its type?
- Does the design integrate digital UX interfaces and/or digital controls appropriately for its intended purpose,
  creating an intuitive user experience? 
- Is there overall harmony between the technical, functional (including user interaction) and aesthetic resolution of
  the product?
- Does the design appropriately stimulate and inspire us?

    Technical resolution, sustainability and quality

    - Is the design made to a high standard of construction, fit and finish?
    - Does the design satisfy appropriate performance and quality standards?
    - Does the design utilise materials, processes and technologies in innovative, desirable ways?
    - Does the design incorporate sustainable use of materials and/or manufacturing processes, end of life recycling
      and/or circularity principles?

    Sustainable Product Design
    - Sustainable utilisation of materials and manufacturing processes
    - Product life cycle analysis and impact. Is the design circular by design?
    - Environmental impact (does the design carry a recognised certification label or accreditation)
    - Energy efficiency in materials, manufacturing processes, transportation and/or usage
    - Product life extension or end of life processes, recycle, reuse, repair or safe disposal (are appropriate standards communicated)
    - Avoid/Eliminate waste, toxicity and pollution
    - Reduction of size, weight, material consumption, transportation and packaging
    - Socially responsible life cycle (Financial responsibility, human rights, health and safety, diversity and inclusiveness, enhanced community, ethics and business conduct)

    Product Supporting Material

    Supporting material such as a video or product samples of work may be submitted.

    Video Submissions as additional Supporting Material

    - You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material
    - Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
    - The same rules apply to videos as other supporting materials - the videos should not have identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
    - Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
    - Ensure any links are still live for judging week 

    Physical Samples
    The judges highly recommend that you send physical samples as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.

    NOTE: product samples for judging MUST that a finished example, not a prototype (unless Concept & Experimental).
    Judges WILL look at the quality of how the product is finished.

    Students are NOT required to submit product samples.

    The ENTRY NUMBER must be attached to the samples when delivered to judging week.
    It is your responsibility to have the entry delivered and collected at your own expense.


    DELIVERING of PRODUCT SUPPORTING MATERIAL
    Product entries supporting material is not required till Judging Week. An email reminder will go out to Product Entrants on the Wednesday 24th July 2024 confirming when and where to send their product samples.

    DROP OFF - delivered on Wednesday 7th August 2024.

    PICK UP -  Friday 9th August 3pm-5pm 2024.

    AUT Rooms WG224 A&B - a map will be provided on the email as to the exact location. 
    AUT Campus
    Gate 3
    Rooms WG224 A&B
    55 Wellesley St East

    Ensure the freight/courier company knows the ENTRY NUMBER and ITEM they are picking up from the judging venue for the Best team to easily locate.

    There is NO STORAGE for samples not collected, plus there is an event that moves in straight after we leave.

    IT WILL HAVE TO BE AT YOUR RISK IF THE SAMPLE IS NOT COLLECTED BY 5PM FRIDAY 9th AUGUST.

    NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

    Public Good Award

    Public Good Entry Criteria

    PUBLIC GOOD ENTRY CRITERIA

    Award Eligibility
    Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
    There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year.

    Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

    Images
    Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented.

    Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

    Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

    What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

    Public Good Evaluation Criteria

    Awards Criteria

    Purple - Best of the Best 

    Gold - Best entry in category
    Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

    Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

    Finalist – meritorious

    PUBLIC GOOD EVALUATION CRITERIA

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

    What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

    Context

    - Value and purpose of project intention, scale, objectives and anticipated outcomes

    - Demonstrate what customer/user/audience research/insight helped to inform the project

    - Understands and empathises with the context and audience for the work 

    Concept

    - Responds creatively and responsibly to the context and audience for the work 

    - Is visually compelling and appropriate

    - Demonstrates clear, creative thinking and a compelling strategy

    Execution and Evaluation

    - Design standard and general execution of the project

    - Demonstrated user access, value, ease of use and functionality

    - Uses resources responsibly and effectively

    - Evaluation/evidence of how well project meets intended outcomes (impact/uptake)

    Public Good Supporting Material

    Additional supporting material such as a video or product samples of work may be submitted.

    The judges highly recommend that you send additional supporting material as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.

    Submitting supporting material
    Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5th July 2024.

    It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.

    Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
    Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

    Address your delivery to:

    Designers Institute of New Zealand
    Ground Floor, Suite 5
    27 Gillies Avenue
    Newmarket
    Auckland

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

    Return of supporting material
    During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging.

    NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

    Video submissions as additional supporting material

    - You can submit a short 60-90-second video as supporting material
    - Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
    - The same rules apply to videos as other supporting materials - the videos should not have identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
    - Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
    - Ensure any links are still live for judging week

    Spatial

    Spatial Entry Criteria

    SPATIAL CATEGORIES

    Award Eligibility
    Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
    There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year.

    Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

    Images
    Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented.

    Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

    Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

    What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

    Spatial Evaluation Criteria

    Awards Criteria

    Purple - Best of the Best 

    Gold - Best entry in category
    Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

    Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

    Finalist – meritorious

    SPATIAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

    What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

    Answering the brief, the Why/Purpose
    What was important to achieve as an outcome for the client and how does the design achieve this? (e.g., any commercial outcomes, brand impact etc.) Is the design fit for purpose from a user experience point of view?

    Concept and creativity
    This encompasses design thinking, conceptual development creativity, originality, and critical reasoning, e.g. appropriateness of response to the brief, relevant research and themes for inspiration.

    Consistency and clarity
    Have all the elements been resolved with consistency and clarity through the process.This includes clarity of design communication.

    Technical resolution and innovation
    Focus on communication of any technical aspects. It may include special details, challenges, or opportunities and how they have been overcome or used to their advantage. Was innovation a driver in the design and to what extent?

    Environmental and Social Impact
    How does this project support regenerative outcomes including social, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being?

    Aesthetic and appearance
    Relevant not only to the aesthetics, but the resolution of the elements that drive the aesthetics, e.g., context/location, brand alignment and choice and use of materials in support of design.

    Note - Built Environment category has been archived as of 2022 & Private, Public and Institutional Spaces have merged as one.

    Spatial Supporting Material

    Important to include plans / sections as additional supporting material as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.

    Videos and mood boards may also be submitted.

    Submitting supporting material
    Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5th July 2024.

    It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.

    Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
    Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

    Address your delivery to:

    Designers Institute of New Zealand
    Ground Floor, Suite 5
    27 Gillies Avenue
    Newmarket
    Auckland

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

    Return of supporting material
    During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging.
    NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

    Video submissions as additional supporting material

    - You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material
    - Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
    - The same rules apply to videos as other supporting materials - the videos should not have identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
    - Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
    - Ensure any links are still live for judging week 

    Toitanga

    Toitanga Entry Criteria

    Award  Eligibility
    The Toitanga award is open to any designers, design businesses, design collaborations, or design clients, who believe their project aligns with the Award Kaupapa / Purpose.

    Any work that has been commercially released no later than 2 August 2024 is eligible for entry to the Best Design Awards 2024.
    There is no timeline restriction for an entry that is from a prior year. 

    Where appropriate, you may enter the same work in more than one category or subcategory.

    Images
    Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented.

    Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. 

    Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project. What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limted to.

    Also provide:

    - Joint submission of entry by both designer and client

    - Written and or visual account of the relationship or engagement  

    - A suitable referee of standing who can be contacted by the judges

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that where possible the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on the project images, explanation or supporting material.

    Toitanga Evaluation Criteria

    Awards Criteria

    Purple - Best of the Best 

    Gold - Best entry in category
    Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

    Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

    Finalist – meritorious

    The Toitanga Evaluation Criteria:

    Explaining your work
    To help the judges understand the context give us the clients backstory - The Why / The Purpose for the project.

    What did they see as the challenge, what data, research or insight did they have that brought about the project.

    What were your insights that lead to your thinking, the concept and the execution. – refer to the Evaluation Criteria.

    This section can be up to 500 words but not limited to.

    Kaupapa / Intention
    Design that explores and articulates concepts, ideas, stories or meaning that responds to our indigenous culture, heritage and sense of place.

    Tikanga / Process
    Processes which promote cultural integrity in development of the design response.

    Whakawhanaungatanga / Relationships
    Evidence of Designers actively seeking and developing meaningful relationships with cultural expertise relevant to the kaupapa.

    Tangata ki te tangata / People to people
    Evidence of ‘co-design’ process through designers and clients working effectively, exhibiting trust, respect and reciprocity.

    Āuahatanga / Creativity 
    Creative work that pushes the boundaries and explores the fringes of meaning and identity.

    Āhuatanga / Expression
    Design that achieves new heights in the expression of Toitanga in a tangible way through style, form and character.

     

     

    Toitanga Supporting Material

    Additional supporting material such as a video or samples of work such as a poster or book may be submitted. The judges highly recommend that you send additional supporting material, as they will take these into consideration during the judging process.


    Submitting supporting material
    Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5th July 2024.

    It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.

    Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
    Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

    Address your delivery to:

    Designers Institute of New Zealand
    Ground Floor, Suite 5
    27 Gillies Avenue
    Newmarket
    Auckland

    Keep your work anonymous
    It is critical that where possible the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

    Return of supporting material.
    During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging. NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.Video submissions as additional supporting material

    - You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material
    - Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
    - The same rules apply to videos as other supporting materials - the videos should not have identifiable reference to the entrant/studio/company
    - Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
    - Ensure any links are still live for judging week.

    Value of Design Award

    Value of Design Award Entry and Evaluation Criteria

    VALUE OF DESIGN - Championing the power of good design to create massive impact

    Celebrating the Value of Design
    We need to recognise and celebrate our very best stories of design impact. Stories that demonstrate both the skill of the design activity and the undeniable value it has created.

    The Value of Design Award exists to do just that, recognise the substantial value that can be created by the skilful and systematic application of design. This category doesn’t judge the aesthetic of design but recognises the organisations that tangibly demonstrate the impact it can create.

    To judge these awards we need to see the data and the process in behind the outcomes. We want to factually understand the how and the what design has enabled you to achieve.

    This is probably a step change in sales, process efficiencies or profits, culture or behaviour change, maybe the opening up of completely new markets and new products.

    The key is that we see the evidence of this change, The evidence of the improvement, the clear progression in cold, hard facts.

    Entries can be for a single product or service, a business initiative or multi year programme – it is the size and nature of the impact created that we are evaluating.

    AWARDS CRITERIA
    Purple - Best of the Best 

    Gold - Best entry in category
    Silver - strongly considered for Gold 

    Bronze - worthy of award recognition  

    Finalist – meritorious

    Value of Design Criteria
    Gold, Silver or Bronze can be awarded for an individual design project where it can be demonstrated that the design thinking drove a step change in value for the company.

    Purple Pin
    We are interested in understanding four simple things that are hallmarks of an organisation embracing a strong design ethos:

    - Quality: The quality of the design work itself

    - Commitment: The broader organisation-wide commitment to design as a way of being and of driving value

    - Processes: The people, systems and processes that illustrate the skill and depth of your application of design mindsets
       and methods

    - Measurable Proof: The extent and recording of the tangible value created, whether: Monetary by way of increased
      market share, margin, efficiency, revenue or profit. Better cultural and societal outcomes by way of environmental
      impact and sustainability, community development, health and wellbeing improvements or any other value you care to    prove and pitch to us.

    The Black Pin
    Creating substantial and enduring value, typically over a number of years, by consistently and skilfully developing a design ethos across the entire organisation.


    ENTRY PROCESS

    Explaining your work
    Explain your project so that the judges are able to understand the purpose, your process /solution, and most importantly the tangible metrics / results. This section can be up to 500 words in entry process...or submitted as confidential information to Designers Institute of NZ, c/o CEO Cathy Veninga, Suite 5, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland

    Fields required:

    Field One: The tangible metrics / results

    Field Two: The purpose / back story around why

    Field Three: The solution and process 


    The results section is the most critical
     – without compelling evidence of the results we cannot determine the final standings.

    We need the hard data to support your entry.

    We need you to provide us the tangible evidence that proves the value created:

    - Whether monetary/customer centric by way of increased market share / sales growth, margin, or overall profit
    - Business/process efficiency by savings of some sort  
    - Product/service development and progression statistics and/or awards
    - Business improvement and evolution via sustainability or circular design advances
    - Better cultural and societal outcomes by way of community development, societal health and wellbeing improvement
    - Or any other metric you care to pitch to us that tangibly proves the creation of value via design. Without this data it will
      be very hard for us to determine where your entry places in the awards

    You need to provide this information to us in a very simple form, a table, a chart, a sentence or three explaining the 3 or 4 key metrics that prove the value created.

    For example:

    We moved sales from x-y because of… We grew margin from x-y because of… We improved efficiency / saved xyz amount of something because of… We saw our footprint move from x-y because of… We saw an update shift from x-y because of…

    We saw culture shift xyz because of We anticipate a benefit of xyz because xyz growth will happen over the next xyz time period because of…

    For example:

    We moved sales from x-y because of…
    We grew margin from x-y because of…
    We improved efficiency / saved xyz amount of something because of…
    We saw our footprint move from x-y because of…
    We saw an update shift from x-y because of…
    We anticipate a benefit of xyz because xyz growth will happen over the next xyz time period because of…

    IMAGES Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented. Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image.  Images must be in JPEG or PNG format (RGB mode) in portrait or landscape orientation with minimum dimensions of 2,475 × 1,755 pixels (A3 @ 150dpi).

    SUPPORTING MATERIAL
    If the above limitations inhibit your ability to communicate your work adequately you may physically submit supporting material, print or digital presentations, samples etc where practical. See next tab for Supporting Material.

    Confidential information to Designers Institute of NZ, c/o CEO Cathy Veninga, Suite 5, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland.

    JUDGING
    The Value of Design Awards will be judged by a panel of leading business people and designers with deep experience of design skills, processes and effectiveness.

    CONFIDENTIALITY
    We understand entry information may be confidential or commercially sensitive so such information is provided in confidence to the Designers Institute, it is not available to the public and is used for judging only.

    Confidential information to Designers Institute of NZ, c/o CEO Cathy Veninga, Suite 5, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland.

    All Judges sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to judging.



    Value of Design Award Supporting Material

    Submitting supporting material
    Supporting material must be delivered to the Designers Institute office by 5.30pm Friday 5th July 2024.

    It is the responsibility of the entrant to courier the supporting material.
    Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER sheet is sent with your supporting material. 
    Under entry Details where its says I will be sending supporting materials -  click on the "Print Coversheet' button.

    Address your delivery to:

    Designers Institute of New Zealand
    Attn: CEO, Cathy Veninga 
    Ground Floor, Suite 5
    27 Gillies Avenue
    Newmarket
    Auckland

    Keep your work anonymous.
    It is critical that the name of the entrant/studio/company is not visible anywhere on supporting material.

    Return of supporting material
    During the online entry process, you can choose to pay for supporting material to be returned to you by the Designers Institute following judging.

    NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

    Video submissions as additional supporting material

    - You can submit a short 60-90 second video as supporting material.
    - Flythroughs, renders and process videos all help to communicate your design process
    - Simply upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and include the URL as a part of the entry process or at the end of your Description
    - Ensure any links are still live for judging week

    Rules

    Best Design Awards Entry and Competition Rules

    1. Best Design Awards is a programme of the Designers Institute of New Zealand Inc (“Designers Institute”),

    PO Box 10 9423, Newmarket
    Auckland 1149
    Email: info@bestawards.co.nz
    Phone: 027 473 2399
    Fax: 09 529 1714

    2. By entering, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions.

    3. Eligible Designers

    3.1 Entry is open to any individual, group of individuals or company who has designed or commissioned a design,

    3.2 Entrants under 18 years must have a parent/legal guardian contact the Designers Institute to confirm they have permission to enter, and agree to these rules.

    3.3 Entrants do not need to be members of the Designers Institute, however, by entering, entrants agree that they will be bound and will abide by the Designers Institute Code of Ethics. Entry in the Best Design Awards does not constitute, nor carry the rights and benefits of, Designers Institute membership.

    3.4 DINZ members to receive the Best Design Award discount must be paid up as full Members (this does not include Affiliate or International Members).


    4. Eligible Works

    4.1 Works entered into the Best Design Awards must have been released before 31st of July in the year of entry.

    4.2 There is no restriction to when the work was created up till 31st July in the year of entry.

    4.3 Entries (including all supporting information) must be received before 6.00pm NZST on the specified closing date, unless stated otherwise by the Organisers.

    4.34 Works will not be eligible if they have been entered by another Entrant or submitted in a previous year, unless the work has been entered previously, but changed or updated, with the re-launch representing a significant design development.

    4.5 No more than one entry may be entered for a single Work i.e. a studio or a client or other cannot enter the same Work.

    4.6 Works must fit into one of the following classifications:
    a) The Work has been produced for, and approved by the client. The following categories may be exempt from this requirement: Product Concept/Experimental, student entries
    b) The Work has been produced by an agency or entrant pro-bono i.e without paid comission
    c) The Entrant is also the client for the work, which falls into the self-promotion category;
    d) Student Works eg Works created by a tertiary student at an accredited government learning institute, and accepted for coursework credit; or
    e) The Work does not fit into the above classifications, but the Organisers have granted express written permission for the entry of the Work.

    4.7 Works must also fit the criteria of at least one of the Awards Categories.

    4.8 Works created solely for the purpose of entering competitions are not eligible. The following categories may be exempt from this requirement: Product Concept/Experimental, student entries

    4.9 Submissions to the awards are only valid upon receiving payment in full of the entry free as specified by the Best Design Awards Organisers. Entry fees are not refundable as per dates stated under Refunds.

    4.10 Without prejudice to the Organisers’ absolute discretion of entry under Rule 8.3, the Organisers may refuse to admit works which are pornographic, profane, discriminatory, inflammatory, illegal in content or in any other way offensive to a person or the principles of the Best Design Awards, the Designers Institute, or Designers Institute sponsors or members.

    5. Awards Categories

    5.1 The Best Design Awards categories are at the Organisers’ discretion and may be changed/added/varied without notice at any stage prior to judging.

    5.2 The Organisers reserve the right to move any entry into a different category, at any time, without notice, if they deem that category to be most suitable. 

    6. Authorship, Contributors, Acknowledgment, Originality and Licensing

    6.1 By submitting your entry, you warrant that:
    a) that the Work submitted is original;
    b) that you are the originator of the Work (or part of a group of originators);
    c) that all originators, contributors, clients, and owners of the work consent to the entry and use of the Work in accordance with these Rules and the general requirements of the Best Design Awards;
    d) if you have completed a Work as an employee, that you have gained the permission of your employer to enter the Work; and
    e) that you have obtained any required licensing and/or permission to use comprising third-party materials (including typefaces, photography, vector images, trade marks, patents, and other licensed and/or copyrighted materials) for the Work to be entered, published, promoted etc. in accordance with these Rules and the general requirements of the competition.

    6.2 Where any contributor/ author/ relevant client or employer objects to the entry, the Work may (in the absolute discretion of the Designers Institute and the Best Design Awards Organiser under Rule 8.3) not be accepted for submission to the Awards. The Organisers reserve the right to remove any entry where authorship and/or acknowledgement is disputed.

    6.3 All significant contributors must be acknowledged with appropriate entry credits, and their contact details must be provided by the Entrant. The Organisers may contact contributors and Entrants to verify details, including authorship and contribution, and may require this information to be modified. Without prejudice to the Organisers’ absolute discretion of entry under Rule 8.3, entries with inadequate or contested contributor acknowledgment may be disqualified.

    6.4 In the event judges query the eligibility of an Entry under this section, you will be required to provide documentary evidence (e.g. correspondence, records, design concepts, applicable patents and/or trademarks) to demonstrate the eligibility.

    7. Designers Institute and Best Design Awards use of Works and Related Material

    7.1 By entering you warrant that:
    a) the Designers Institute has the right to reproduce all materials provided by the entrant(s), in whole or in part without payment of release of licensing or royalty fees to the holder of the publication rights and/or copyright;
    b) the Designers Institute and the Organisers have permission to use, publish, broadcast, exhibit and promote the name, image, and the content of the submission, works, and any interviews or other material supplied to the Designers Institute/the Best Design Awards, in any way that the Designers Institute deems appropriate, including for the promotion, marketing and commercial motives of the Designers Institute, the Best Design Awards and their sponsors; and
    c) Notwithstanding the above, you accept that the Organisers and the Designers Institute have no obligation to display, promote or publish any Work or Entry in any way.

    7.2 By entering you warrant that you will use your best endeavours to comply with the reasonable requirements of the Designers Institute and the Organisers to obtain and use the Work in the manner described in Rule 7.1. You agree that you will provide the Organisers / Designers Institute with the opportunity to use, photograph and display the Work.

    7.3 The Designers Institute and Organisers will use all reasonable efforts to acknowledge the Entry/Work originators and contributors in accordance with the information provided by the Entrant(s), wherever possible, in any publications by The Designers Institute and/or Organisers.

    8. Absolute Discretion of the Designers Institute and Best Design Awards Judges

    8.1 All judges are required to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement binding for ten years.

    8.2 The decisions of the judges are final and are made at the sole and absolute discretion of the judges.

    8.3 Without prejudice to the absolute discretion under Rule 8.3, if the Designers Institute establishes that an Entrant has broken the Awards Rules, the offending Entry shall be suspended from the Awards.

    8.4 The Designers Institute and the Best Design Awards Organisers and judges retain an absolute discretion to, without reason or refund:
    a) Disqualify an Entrant/Entry from the Awards;
    b) Admit/exclude/remove Entries to the Awards;
    c) Require any Entrant to modify their Entry;
    d) Bar any Entrant from submitting further Entries (including in future Best Design Awards);
    e) Refuse to judge an entry;
    f) Change the competition dates, including entry, judgment and ceremony dates;
    g) Change/replace the prizes without further notice;
    h) Refuse future Designers Institute membership and/or revoke/suspend a Designers Institute membership on the grounds of an Entrant’s conduct with regards to these Awards; and/or
    i) Strike off an award where a Work or Entrant is later found to be in breach of these Rules.

    8.5 Further correspondence (if any) is at the sole discretion of the Designers Institute CEO.

    9. Intellectual Property Rights Reserved

    9.1 All rights related to the name “DINZ”, “Designers Institute of New Zealand”, “Best Design Awards” and associated images, branding, trade marks and all intellectual property are exclusively owned by the Designers Institute, and may not be used without the express written permission of the Designers Institute CEO.

    10. Privacy and Contact Information

    10.1 You hereby warrant that you and each significant contributor has authorised the entry of their personal details for these purposes and consented to participating in the Best Design Awards in accordance with the Entry and Competition Rules.

    10.2 All contact details provided may be used from time-to-time by the Organisers and the Designers Institute for communications related to the Best Design Awards and promotion of other Designers Institute news and events.

    10.3 All other personal information will be kept confidential and used solely by the Designers Institute for the purposes of the Best Design Awards. You can request access to and correction of your details at any time. You may unsubscribe at any time from our email database.

    11. Prizes

    11.1 Any prizes offered are non-transferrable, not substitutable with cash, and subject to change without notice.

    11.2 Awards Pins and Certificates will not be couriered at organisers cost (DINZ/Best) to international addresses. 

    12. Warranties

    12.1 The Best Design Awards, Organisers, Designers Institute and its sponsors and members shall not be liable for any loss, injury, liability, expense or damage suffered by the Entrant(s) or any third party whatsoever, whether indirectly or directly, howsoever arising, including that resulting from the negligence of the Organisers and/or Designers Institute, by our cancellations, terminations, disqualifications, modifications, variations, or through the failure or omission on the part of Organisers and/or Designers Institute to comply with obligations under these Rules, or arising by operation of law and whether suffered by the Entrants, contributors and/or a third party for any amount that exceeds any entry fee actually paid by the Entrant to pursuant to these Rules.

    12.2 Without prejudice to Rule 12.1, the Best Design Awards, Organisers, Designers Institute and its sponsors and members:
    a) do not warrant the safety or protection of your property. Any property is entered and held at the Entrant’s risk;
    b) will not be responsible for the content/editorial control for entries and associated information submitted by entrants, including the legality and/or veracity of that information;
    c) do not make any claims or warranties as to the ownership of copyright or intellectual property of the designs entered in the Best Design Awards, and will assume no liability on work submitted accused of plagiarism, copyright issues, intellectual property rights issues or contractual disputes related to the entries and works submitted. The Entrants must take sole responsibility and in such case, the Entrant(s) shall indemnify the Designers Institute, the Best Design Awards and sponsors for any loss or damages and his/her/its admission to the competition shall be terminated immediately.

    12.3 By entering, you warrant that you have the legal standing and relevant permissions to make the commitments required by these Rules and the general nature of the Best Design Awards, and that you indemnify the Best Design Awards, Organisers, Designers Institute and its sponsors for any loss or damage incurred (directly or indirectly) by you, a contributor or any third party, in relation to your entry in the Best Design Awards.

    13. Cancellation of Entry and Tickets

    13.1 Entrants may cancel or remove Entries via written request (email us at info@dbestawards.co.nz) up until 5pm Wednesday 12th July 2024 after which point no Entries may be withdrawn.

    13.2 Refunds The Designers Institute is under no obligation to refund payments made for either Student or Studio Entries from 5pm Wednesday 12th July 2024.

    13.3 Ticket refunds for the awards evening will not be given after 5pm Friday 13th September 2024, or, as advertised on the eDM's.

    13.4 Tickets close Friday 4th October 2024.

    13.5 All online payments incur third party Stripe fees. The refund for entries or tickets will have this fee deducted and reflected in the refund.

    14. Interpretation

    14.1 Singular words include the plural and vice versa.

    14.2 References to any party shall mean and include a reference to that party, its successor, executors or personal representatives (as the case may be), and transferees.

    14.3 Any covenant on the Entrant not to do something shall also constitute an obligation not to suffer, permit, cause or assist any other person to do that thing.

    14.4 Any reference to any legislation, regulation, or code includes reference to any modification, substitute for, c13.3 onsolidation or re-enactment of it.

    14.5 In these Rules, the following definitions shall apply:

    “Awards Categories” Means the categories of awards available in the Best Design Awards, as specified from time to time by the Organisers

    “Closing Date” Means the final date that entries will be accepted by the Organiser for judgment in the Best Design Awards, as notified by the Organisers

    “DINZ” or “Designers Institute” Means the Designers Institute of New Zealand Incorporated

    “Entrant” or “You” Means the person submitting the Work for entry in the Best Design Awards

    “Entry” or “Entries” Means the Work(s) submitted in the Best Design Awards, together with any other documentation or materials, including the entry form

    “Intellectual Property” Means all and any patents, patent applications, trade marks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, know-how, trade secrets, domain names, rights in confidential information, and all and any other intellectual property rights, including all applications and rights to apply for any of the same

    “Organisers” Means the Designers Institute of New Zealand and its delegates and sponsors, in their capacity as proprietors/organisers of the Best Design Awards

    “Work” or “Works” Means the creative work product which is submitted for judgment in the Best Design Awards

    FAQs

    Eligibility

    Can I enter self-promotional work?

    Self-promotional work (ie. identity for your own company) is eligible only if it was released commercially and distributed / made available to potential customers. We may ask for clarification for any entry.

    Can two companies enter the same project?

    Two entrants can't enter the same piece of work. If you have collaborated on an entry, play nice and check if your collaborators plan to enter. In case of duplicate entries, only the first entry to be paid for will be accepted.

    What work will you accept?

    Work must have been produced, published and released before Judging Week of the entry year. If work has been previously entered it is ineligible unless there are significant evolutions to the work.

    Who can enter?

    Anyone. You don't need to be a member of The Designers Institute to enter, however members (including AGDA and DIA members) pay discounted entry fees.

    Entry Process

    Can I edit my entry after I have paid for my entry?

    Yes you can edit your entry after you have paid for it. You can go back into your entry and make text, image or acknowledgement changes  anytime.

    However after you have submitted there will be an edit fee of $79 per entry.

    ALL changes will show on the website and can be made at any time though the year.

    However after judging week we will export all finalist content to create the certificates and AV for the Awards ceremony. 

    Any edits after the after the final export will not make it onto the certificates or AV.

    Your edited updates may be fine for the Best Design Awards 2020 Annual as this is exported after the awards ceremony.

    Should images and text identify the studio or student?

    No, there shouldn't be anything on your images or within the text submitted that identifies the entrant. Nor should any supporting boards or samples identify you. The work must be anonymous during judging.

    However in some instances it is impossible to hide the client or studio (eg in product design as projects entered will show the company 's brand as marketed). 

    What are the image specifications?

    Upload up to 10 images of your work, in the order you want it presented. Drag images to reorder them – the first image is your hero image. Images must be A3, 150dpi and RGB, in JPEG or PNG format.

    Judging

    Do designers judge their own work?

    No, never. A judge with a conflict of interest to a specific entry submits a ‘no vote’ and does not take part in discussion, evaluation or awarding that entry. This is enforced by the convenor at all times.

    What is the role of the convenor?

    The Convenor is not a judge. He or she, along with the Head of Judges, selects and appoints a group of judges and facilitates the judging process. The Convenor ensures that all categories and work is judged fairly, that all judges are given equal opportunity to comment and provide critical input and he or she manages any conflicts of interest.

    Who is the Head of Judges?

    This role will normally be undertaken by the CEO of The Designers Institute unless otherwise agreed to by its Board. The HoJ selects and appoints Convenors in consultation with The Institute's Board, and can instruct judging panels to reconsider judging decisions where overall standards of quality or fairness and have not been achieved.

    Who will be judging my work?

    We select judges from the local industry in Australia and New Zealand and past winners of the Best Awards.

    The Head of Judges and the Convener appoint a good cross section of respected judges from the following broad criteria:
    • Respected in the industry
    • Past winners
    • Known for the high calibre of their work
    • Able to be objective
    • Those that have had a significant role to play in the industry
    • Skill set to compliment across the disciplines categories
    • From related organisations in the industry (eg. Better by Design) or from offshore (eg. AGDA,DIA, GDA, WDO & ico-D etc).

    Prices and refunds

    Can I cancel entries?

    Entrants may cancel or remove Entries via written request (email us at bestawards@dinz.org.nz) up until the entry deadline. The Designers Institute is under no obligation to refund payments made after entries close.

    How much does it cost to enter?

    The Best Design Awards costs $289 for each entry. We have special rates for students and Designers Institute, AGDA and DIA members. If you'd like to join the Institute prior to entering, visit designersinstitute.nz

    Where does the money I spend on my entries go?

    The Designers Institute is a not-for-profit organisation. Entry fees contribute to funding programmes like The Best Design Awards publication and re-invested back into the awards programme. In doing so, we want the Best Design Awards to be recognised internationally and provide an archive of New Zealand visual culture.

    Entry or Ticket Cancellation and Refunds

    Entrants may cancel or remove Entries via written request (email us at events@dinz.org.nz) up until 5pm Wednesday 6th July 2022 after which point no Entries may be withdrawn.

    Refunds The Designers Institute is under no obligation to refund payments made for either Student or Studio Entries from 5pm Friday 1st July 2022

    Ticket refunds for the ceremony will not be given after 5pm 8th September 2022.. or as advertised on the eDM's.

    Tickets close Friday 29th September 2022.

    All online payments incur third party Stripe fees. The refund for entries or tickets will have this fee deducted and reflected in the refund.

    Supporting Material

    Are samples returned?

    Yes, if you pay the courier fee at the end of the entry process.

    Except for Product sector entrants can collect their work on the day advertised in a eDM two weeks prior to judging week.

    NOTE: We cannot return supporting material to addresses outside of New Zealand.

    How can I submit supporting information?

    Send all supporting material along with your ENTRY NUMBER (a confirmation slip with the ENTRY NUMBER will be emailed to you once entry payments are made) to:

    The Designers Institute
    27 Gillies Ave,
    Suite 5, Ground Floor
    Newmarket,
    Auckland 1023,
    New Zealand

    Product sector entry samples will be requested by the Product convener to be delivered to AUT (a map will be sent when request issued).

    An eDM will go out to product entrants in advance for deliver date and location.

    Ensure your ENTRY NUMBER is attached to your product.

    In the Product sector if the product is too large to transport, and at the Conveners discretion, we will arrange site visits where deemed necessary and possible.

    If entering the Product sector DO NOT send any product to the above address.

    May I submit supporting information?

    Supporting information can be used in the judging process.

    • Graphics – submit samples of the work entered eg packaging, books, posters
    • Spatial – mood boards, sections, plans. At the discretion of the judges and where possible there may be site visits
    • Product – Product samples will be requested by the convener.

    In the Product sector if the product is too large to transport, and at the Conveners discretion, we will arrange site visits where deemed necessary and possible.

    Unlock to Edit

    Unlock to Edit Fee

    We realise that in the flurry and excitement of getting your entries in on time, that on occasion, a team member may have accidently been left off your final submission - or you may want to exchange an image.

    To give you control of your entries post submission, we have a very streamlined process for you to go back in and make as many edits to any entry as you like through the online Unlock to Edit within your account.

    But please be mindful that the DINZ team need to export in preparation for Judging Week, and later for the certificates and AV. So there is chance that we may not have exported any late edits you made to an entry.

    Therefore, we encourage you to check your submission at the time of entry so there are no embarrassing omissions.

    If you are a finalist post Judging Week your changes will always be visible on bestawards.co.nz

    Unlock to Edit Fees will apply - $79 per entry.

    AGDA & DIA Member Rate

    How do I enter with DINZ Member rate as a AGDA or DIA Member ?

    AGDA & DIA Members to receive DINZ Member rate have to email info@bestawards.org.nz their membership number and DINZ team will allow access.

    We verify with AGDA that you hold a current AGDA Membership.
    If you have paid the AGDA Member rate, and for your entry to remain in the Best Design Awards, we will invoice you for the balanace as a Non Member.

    Contact The Designers Institute

    Judging Process

    Judging Process

    Entries and Supporting Material

    • Online entries are printed by the Designers Institute onto A3.
    • Entries are laid out in their categories along with any supporting material.
    • There may be URL links or QR codes supplied as supporting material and these must be viewed by each judge.

    Briefing

    • Head of Judges briefs the judges on the roles of the head of judges, the Convenor and the judges.
    • Head of Judges briefs the judges on the overall process.
    • The Convenor briefs the judges on the judging criteria.
    • Before detailed judging begins, judges will be asked by the Convenor to walk around entries to gain an overview of the category.
    • Any questions the judges have during the judging process should be directed to the Convenor or to the Head of Judges (and particularly not DINZ helpers team).

    Voting

    • Each judge will be given a Category Checklist with the entry number, entry title and URL or QR code (if there is one) for each category.
    • If a judge has a conflict of interest submit voting form with words “Non Vote”.

    Judging Independently

    • Judges will work independently with no discussion.
    • Text provided on the entry must be read and considered in the judging process.
    • There may be supporting material including a URL or QR code provided along with the A3 printed entries. The supporting material must be considered in the judging process. 
    • When a category has been judged by all the judges the scores are averaged by the DINZ team.
    • The entries are then laid out according to the rating – highest score to lowest.

    Judging Discussion

    • The judging panel may at this point, facilitated by the Convenor, and overviewed by the Head of Judges, discuss the rating order and adjust as agreed by the panel.
    • The judges reserve the right to relocate an entry from one category to another, or even from one discipline to another, if they deem it necessary.

    Selecting the Purple Pin

    • When all the categories have been completed the Gold Pin winners from each category are brought together.
    • After a discussion and vote the judges, select from among the Gold Pins the Best of Discipline – The Purple Pin.
    • One Purple Pin will be awarded except, in exceptional cases, where all the judges in that discipline agree that more than one Purple Pin should be awarded.
    • The Purple Pin celebrates an entry identified by all judges as being the best entry of all the entries presented in that year.
    Contact

    Please direct all enquiries to the Best Design Awards team:

    Email: 
    Phone: 027 473 2399