Design
The Design Lions celebrate visual craftsmanship.
The work should demonstrate creative approaches that use visual and strategic design to build strong brand connections, engage audiences, and leave lasting impressions through cohesive, impactful communication.
The work should demonstrate creative approaches that use visual and strategic design to build strong brand connections, engage audiences, and leave lasting impressions through cohesive, impactful communication.
Overview
A number of criteria will be considered during judging, weighted as follows: 40% idea; 40% execution; 20% results.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Design as long as the categories chosen are relevant.
All work entered into category A04. Products must be available for purchase in order to be eligible.
All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Design as long as the categories chosen are relevant.
All work entered into category A04. Products must be available for purchase in order to be eligible.
All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.
A. Brand Design
Excellence in visual communication and design that effectively conveys messages across various platforms.
A01 Brand/Corporate Identity.
Creation of a new brand or corporate identity for any product, service or organisation. This can include, but not be limited to, logos, stationery, and other branded materials.
* Please note this must be for a new brand or corporate identity.
A02 Rebrand/Refresh of an Existing Brand.
Rebrand/refresh of an existing brand identity for any product, service or organisation.
* Please provide examples of the previous branding for comparison.
A03 Packaging Design. NEW
Celebrates innovative and effective packaging that enhances the brand experience.
* Please send physical samples for the jury to experience. Please also provide a demo film of the physical samples for the jury to experience.
A04 Product Design. NEW
Design that increases brand value through functional and aesthetic resolution demonstrating brand qualities/product identity through form, function, usability, aesthetics, problem-solving, production, research and manufacturability.
* The product must have been available for purchase between 08 February 2024 and 10 April 2025. Please send physical samples for the jury to experience. Please also provide a demo film of the physical samples for the jury to experience.
A05 Publications & Editorial Design.
This could include, but not be limited to, magazines, newspapers, brochures or articles.
* Online publications should be entered into A07. Digital Design.
A06 Books.
Including editorial and cover design for printed books. The submission should indicate whether only the cover or the whole book should be considered/judged.
* E-books should be entered into A07. Digital Design.
A07 Digital Design.
The execution of design to aid the function and use of the digital product. This may include, but is not limited to, websites, online publications, digital installations, apps, data visualisation, virtual worlds, etc. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
A08 Brand Environment & Experience Design.
Work focused on the design, construction and personal experience of the brand story or message, demonstrating why the target audience found the experience remarkable, meaningful and memorable. This may include, but not be limited to, retail environments, pop-up stores, exhibition stands or branded interiors, etc.
A09 Design-Driven Effectiveness.
Work that has produced measurable, tangible business results. The work should detail how effectiveness was measured and evaluated and should demonstrate how the work was instrumental to cultural change or integral to achieving a brand’s purpose.
A10 Brand Collateral.
Collection of media used to promote the brand and support the sales and marketing of a product or service. This could include, but not be limited to, press/media kits, games, branded stationery, etc.
A11 Special Editions & Bespoke Items.
Domestic consumer objects and products that are produced in a low-volume series, as well as bespoke, one-off items.
A12 Social Media Design.
The execution of design with the intention of increasing engagement through social media platforms. This may include, but is not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and other social media platforms.
A13 Posters.
Poster design for the use of promotion and brand communication.
* Poster campaigns of more than two executions should be entered together as a single entry. Concepts developed for another medium and applied to a poster format are not eligible in this category.
A14 Promotional Items/Promotional Printed Media.
This could include, but not be limited to, calendars, invitations, postcards, tickets and seasonal greeting cards, clothing, promotional gifts and samples, etc.
A01 Brand/Corporate Identity.
Creation of a new brand or corporate identity for any product, service or organisation. This can include, but not be limited to, logos, stationery, and other branded materials.
* Please note this must be for a new brand or corporate identity.
A02 Rebrand/Refresh of an Existing Brand.
Rebrand/refresh of an existing brand identity for any product, service or organisation.
* Please provide examples of the previous branding for comparison.
A03 Packaging Design. NEW
Celebrates innovative and effective packaging that enhances the brand experience.
* Please send physical samples for the jury to experience. Please also provide a demo film of the physical samples for the jury to experience.
A04 Product Design. NEW
Design that increases brand value through functional and aesthetic resolution demonstrating brand qualities/product identity through form, function, usability, aesthetics, problem-solving, production, research and manufacturability.
* The product must have been available for purchase between 08 February 2024 and 10 April 2025. Please send physical samples for the jury to experience. Please also provide a demo film of the physical samples for the jury to experience.
A05 Publications & Editorial Design.
This could include, but not be limited to, magazines, newspapers, brochures or articles.
* Online publications should be entered into A07. Digital Design.
A06 Books.
Including editorial and cover design for printed books. The submission should indicate whether only the cover or the whole book should be considered/judged.
* E-books should be entered into A07. Digital Design.
A07 Digital Design.
The execution of design to aid the function and use of the digital product. This may include, but is not limited to, websites, online publications, digital installations, apps, data visualisation, virtual worlds, etc. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
A08 Brand Environment & Experience Design.
Work focused on the design, construction and personal experience of the brand story or message, demonstrating why the target audience found the experience remarkable, meaningful and memorable. This may include, but not be limited to, retail environments, pop-up stores, exhibition stands or branded interiors, etc.
A09 Design-Driven Effectiveness.
Work that has produced measurable, tangible business results. The work should detail how effectiveness was measured and evaluated and should demonstrate how the work was instrumental to cultural change or integral to achieving a brand’s purpose.
A10 Brand Collateral.
Collection of media used to promote the brand and support the sales and marketing of a product or service. This could include, but not be limited to, press/media kits, games, branded stationery, etc.
A11 Special Editions & Bespoke Items.
Domestic consumer objects and products that are produced in a low-volume series, as well as bespoke, one-off items.
A12 Social Media Design.
The execution of design with the intention of increasing engagement through social media platforms. This may include, but is not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and other social media platforms.
A13 Posters.
Poster design for the use of promotion and brand communication.
* Poster campaigns of more than two executions should be entered together as a single entry. Concepts developed for another medium and applied to a poster format are not eligible in this category.
A14 Promotional Items/Promotional Printed Media.
This could include, but not be limited to, calendars, invitations, postcards, tickets and seasonal greeting cards, clothing, promotional gifts and samples, etc.
B. Transformative Design
Transformational design focusing on innovative, impactful, and forward-thinking work that goes beyond traditional approaches to create meaningful change.
B01 Inclusive Design. NEW
Design work that prioritises inclusivity, ensuring accessibility and engagement for a diverse audience. The work should demonstrate a deep understanding of inclusive design principles, embracing diverse perspectives and needs, including those of individuals with disabilities, underrepresented communities, and varying socio-cultural backgrounds.
B02 Sustainability-Focused Design. NEW
Design work that champions sustainability through innovative design and messaging. The work should demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and social responsibility, integrating these values into the core of the work.
B03 Innovation in Design. NEW
Groundbreaking or experimental design that pushes the boundaries of traditional design work, utilizing new technologies, mediums or creative approaches.
B04 Use of Emerging Technology. NEW
Recognizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, AR/VR, etc, to create innovative and transformative design experiences.
B05 Design for Behavioural Change. NEW
Design solutions that successfully influence and inspire positive behavioural change. The work should demonstrate how design, through visual communication, user experience, or product innovation, has been strategically used to alter habits, attitudes, or actions toward a desired outcome—whether social, safety, or health-related.
B06 Brand Transformation. NEW
Exceptional design work that has played a pivotal role in transforming a brand’s identity. The work should demonstrate how design-led thinking has been strategically used to revitalize or reinvent a brand, whether through a complete rebrand, a visual refresh, or a shift in communication style.
B01 Inclusive Design. NEW
Design work that prioritises inclusivity, ensuring accessibility and engagement for a diverse audience. The work should demonstrate a deep understanding of inclusive design principles, embracing diverse perspectives and needs, including those of individuals with disabilities, underrepresented communities, and varying socio-cultural backgrounds.
B02 Sustainability-Focused Design. NEW
Design work that champions sustainability through innovative design and messaging. The work should demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and social responsibility, integrating these values into the core of the work.
B03 Innovation in Design. NEW
Groundbreaking or experimental design that pushes the boundaries of traditional design work, utilizing new technologies, mediums or creative approaches.
B04 Use of Emerging Technology. NEW
Recognizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, AR/VR, etc, to create innovative and transformative design experiences.
B05 Design for Behavioural Change. NEW
Design solutions that successfully influence and inspire positive behavioural change. The work should demonstrate how design, through visual communication, user experience, or product innovation, has been strategically used to alter habits, attitudes, or actions toward a desired outcome—whether social, safety, or health-related.
B06 Brand Transformation. NEW
Exceptional design work that has played a pivotal role in transforming a brand’s identity. The work should demonstrate how design-led thinking has been strategically used to revitalize or reinvent a brand, whether through a complete rebrand, a visual refresh, or a shift in communication style.