Digital Craft
The Digital Craft Lions celebrate technological artistry.
On this page
Introduction
The history of the Digital Craft Lions
In 2016 the work submitted was becoming bolder and braver with more complex and creative digital ideas. To benchmark these ideas and celebrate the exceptional technological skill required to bring them to life, the Digital Craft Lions were launched.
The inaugural Jury President for Digital Craft, MediaMonks co-founder Wesley ter Haar, emphasised the importance of Digital Craft saying that “as digital quickly becomes the de facto interface (quite literally) between brands and people there is more at stake.”
The Digital Craft Lions have continued to grow over the years. showing how digital design is vast, wide-reaching and now more than ever driven by user need and point of access. How a digital product performs and functions is just as important now as how it looks and feels.
What kind of work can be entered?
Eligible work may include but is not limited to interactive websites, mobile apps, or e-commerce platforms with outstanding user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, as well as digital storytelling projects that use multimedia elements to enhance engagement. The Lion also welcomes experiential installations utilising AR, VR, projection mapping, or motion tracking, alongside innovative uses of technology like AI, machine learning, or data visualisation. Gaming experiences, gamified content, and motion graphics with high-quality animation or CGI are also considered, as are accessibility-focused projects that set new standards for inclusivity.
What’s the Jury looking for?
The work should demonstrate design excellence, technical mastery, and originality, focusing on how well the work pushes the boundaries of digital mediums. A seamless user experience (UX), intuitive functionality, and engaging interactivity are important, as is the relevance of the execution to the chosen platform, including responsiveness and accessibility across devices.
The work should also show emotional and aesthetic impact, including the ability to tell a compelling story or leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, the work should combine technical and creative excellence to innovate and inspire within the digital space.
WITHOUT CONSENT - A MESSAGE FROM ELLA | DEUTSCHE TELEKOM | ADAM&EVEBERLIN | GOLD, DIGITAL CRAFT LIONS | 2024
The Categories
A. Form
The overall creative aesthetic value of the work entered in both sound and visuals.
Creative application of illustration within a digital context and digital manipulation of still imagery including photography.
Creative use of online video and digital footage with technical skill involved. This includes but is not limited to 360 and interactive video.
Creative use of motion graphics design and animation in a digital context.
Creative use of music and/or sound design. This includes but is not limited to sonic branding, music/brand partnerships and music-initiated work.
The overall achievement in aesthetic composition and fluidity of digital/graphic design.
Design practice focused on the emotional and behavioural response to a digital product or service with relevant, seamless and consistent user experience at every point of interaction, with particular focus on the overall support, structure and usability.
Immersive large- or small-scale digital experiences and events that are set up to engage and strengthen relationships with the consumer. This may include but is not limited to VR, AR, installations, voice-activated technologies, multiscreen/multidimensional experiences, the metaverse and virtual worlds. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
B. Content
The creative use of content, placement and delivery of messages in a digital context.
Creation of cross-platform digital content that develops or embodies a brand identity. This may include, but is not limited to, desktop, rich media, mobile, wearable technology, outdoor installations, billboards, retail experiences, etc.
Creation of real-time or near-real-time content allowing brands to respond to world events, public affairs and other real-world, real-time activity in an immediate and meaningful way.
Dynamic, intuitive, targeted and highly relevant content or digital experiences created for specific audiences.
Beautifully crafted and effective image descriptions used to convey information, establish a mood and express a brand for people who are blind and partially sighted.
The image description should be complete, accurate, and concise and all work must have run within the eligibility period.
C. Data & AI
The presentation of data and artificial intelligence used to enhance brand experience.
The creative use of data to convey a brand story. The work should demonstrate how the curated data/insight was used in order to engage or develop a meaningful relationship with a specific audience, culture or community.
The creative application of real-time near-real-time contextual data. This could include, but not be limited to, GPS, time, weather, real-time social trends and transactional data to deliver an experience in a creatively engaging way.
Creative visual representation and presentation of digital data and insights.
The creative collection, tracking and use of multiple sources of data to deliver a strategically and creatively insightful user experience or piece of design/content in a unique and significant way. This may include, but is not limited to, non-traditional interfaces, user data capture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, social listening/analytics, GPS, internet of things, biometrics, etc.
The creative use of artificial intelligence to engage or develop a meaningful relationship with a specific audience or community. The work should demonstrate how true intelligence or machine learning was utilised.
D. Technology
The value of applied technology as a platform for creative digital content and how it is executed to enhance the user experience.
Existing or new technology used to enhance the user experience and/or brand communication. This could include, but not be limited to, smart automation, AI applications, chatbots, avatars, virtual influencers, utility apps, on-demand services, content crowdsourcing/distribution, cloud services and marketplaces. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
The creative use of built-in and existing integral features of a mobile/desktop or other digital device. This includes cameras, microphones, touchscreens, Bluetooth, mobile sensors, GPS, etc.
Digital creative work that balances beautifully executed aesthetic craft with an unparalleled level of technical understanding/advancement in order to contribute to the overall progress of digital communications/experiences.
The creative application of immersive experiences that creatively push the boundaries of technology within digital craft. This could include, but not be limited to, AI, AR, VR, XR, wearable tech and mobile devices, voice technology, video mapping, blockchain technology, gamification, virtual worlds, the metaverse and all other emerging platforms. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
Eligibility
Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 – 10 April 2025.
Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?
There’s no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Digital Craft.
DAYS OF HIRAYAMA PERFECT DAYS OFFICIAL SITE | PERFECT DAYS | DENTSU INC., TOKYO | BRONZE, DIGITAL CRAFT LIONS | 2024
Previous Winners
Spreadbeats
Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix FCB New York, New York / Spotify / 2024
The creative application of immersive experiences that creatively push the boundaries of technology within digital craft. This could include, but not be limited to, AI, AR, VR, XR, wearable tech and mobile devices, voice technology, video mapping, blockchain technology, gamification, virtual worlds, the metaverse and all other emerging platforms. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
SPREADBEATS | SPOTIFY | FCB NEW YORK, NEW YORK | GRAND PRIX, DIGITAL CRAFT LIONS | 2024
Why the work won
The Digital Craft Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for its exceptional ability to innovate and push boundaries using old technology, demonstrating that creativity and craftsmanship are not limited to cutting-edge tools. The seamless execution of the work highlighted the creators’ deep understanding and mastery of the medium, proving that even decades-old technology can produce groundbreaking results when approached with ingenuity and skill.
Jury President Kentaro Kimura commended the work, stating, “This achieved an amazing level of craft through the use of decades-old technology instead of advanced technologies like AI.” His remarks emphasise how the project stood out for its unconventional approach, choosing to revisit and reinvent older methods rather than relying on the latest digital advancements. This decision not only showcased exceptional technical expertise but also highlighted the enduring potential of classic tools to create meaningful, impactful work in a modern context.
SPREADBEATS | SPOTIFY | FCB NEW YORK | GRAND PRIX, DIGITAL CRAFT LIONS | 2024
Inside the Jury Room: Digital Craft Lions
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
Entries & Judging
What are the judging criteria?
The main criteria considered during judging will be the execution and experience.
What do I need to provide with my entry?
To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.
You’ll also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.
All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.
Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.
What if I don’t have all the details right away?
Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.
The Written Submission
Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Digital Craft Lions, go to our Awards page.
The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.
When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).
The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.
Questions
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide any brand and cultural context that would help the jury understand any cultural, national or regional nuances applicable to this work.
You should outline why this piece of work was created for this particular brand, in this market, at this particular moment in time, with all of the cultural and market conditions.
The word limit for this section is 250 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please select the objective(s) that were most important when creating this work – what the work set out to achieve.
For the jury to accurately assess the work, it must first establish its objectives. As you progress through the entry system, you must link your results back to each objective selected.
- Overachieve on brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- Change consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- Create short-term sales growth (e.g. sales, promotions, discounts)
- Improve brand health (e.g. consideration, preference)
- Create sustained sales success (e.g. profit, sales)
- Create long-term brand and sales growth (e.g. shareholder value, retention, loyalty)
There is no word limit for this section.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide a summary of your entry. describe the background and context behind the work what creative challenges did the work face
This should be an overview of the work and an analysis of its effectiveness. You should describe how the objectives of the campaign have been successfully met.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the creative idea of the work
- Does the work cross boundaries/have the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries or categories?
- Does the work evoke surprise/have the power to continue captivating attention?
- Does the work transcend the original challenge?
- Does the work incorporate breakthrough thinking?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the execution
- How effectively was the concept brought to life?
- What specific implementation strategies were employed to ensure success?
- Was the execution timeline realistic and well-managed?
- Which channels were utilised for placement, and were they optimal for reaching the target audience?
- How extensive was the scale of the execution in relation to the defined objectives?
- Did the execution adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes in the environment?
The word limit for this section is 300 words.
This question is compulsory.
- Yes
- No
This question is compulsory.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Please outline how this piece of work has aligned with the brand’s sustainability strategy. This could involve either operational measures to reduce the impact on the environment, and consumer strategies to encourage positive behaviour change, or both.
Please provide details of the benchmarks used for measuring the success of this piece of work’s contribution to the overall strategy. This could include, but is not limited to, targets around advertising business operations - advertising production - media planning and buying.
This question is optional.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Based on the brief, what consideration was given to representation and diversity of the team(s) involved?
What consideration was given to accessibility in the work and what role did DEI thinking play throughout the development of the work?
This question is optional.
If there are additional results you wish to disclose to the jury but prefer to keep confidential, please enter them below.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is optional.
THE ENDANGERED TYPEFACE | ANF|WWF & JARDIM ZOOLÓGICO DE LISBOA | BAR OGILVY, LISBON | BRONZE, DIGITAL CRAFT LIONS | 2024
Contact us
Everything you need to know to enter
For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.
From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.
We are here to help
As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:
- Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2025
- Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
- Discussing your work and relevant categories
- Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.
Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.
Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155