This category celebrates evidence-led design. It honours research that moves beyond observation to drive change, where insight influences product strategy, service transformation, or creative direction. Entries should show how rigorous inquiry translated into real-world impact.

Who should enter

  • Researchers leading discovery or evaluation projects.
  • Product or service teams embedding research in design decisions.
  • Organisations establishing research maturity or new methods.
  • Agencies or practitioners shaping strategy through insight.

Selection criteria

Judges will look for clarity of method, relevance of insight, and traceability from research to outcome. Entries should show that evidence materially improved the design or direction.

  • Robust and transparent research approach.
  • Direct influence of insights on design or decision-making.
  • Tangible business, customer, or societal impact.

Entry tips

Focus on the story of discovery, the problem you sought to understand, and how insight guided change. Demonstrate rigour, clarity, and the bridge between evidence and creativity.

  • Include frameworks or artefacts that visualise insights.
  • Explain how findings shaped priorities or strategy.
  • Show how research built empathy or reduced uncertainty.
  • Research plans, artefacts, or synthesis outputs.
  • Case studies showing insight-to-action links.
  • Evidence of impact such as product outcomes or organisational adoption
Enter now Applications open December 1, 2026
Category
Design
Related
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Submission deadline
Entry fee
$250.00
Applications
Applications open December 1, 2026