The internationally acclaimed A' Design Award and Competition has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, inviting creative professionals worldwide to showcase their most compelling and innovative works. The prestigious competition, which celebrates exceptional design across multiple disciplines, aims to foster global appreciation for innovation and outstanding creative achievements. The submission deadline for the 2026 awards is set for February 28, with winners to be announced on May 1st.
One of the competition's most dynamic categories is Good Industrial Design, which recognizes products that successfully combine practical functionality with aesthetic appeal. This category celebrates the philosophy that industrial design should transcend mere utility to bring joy and delight into people's daily lives. Past winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform ordinary objects into sources of happiness, featuring everything from innovative lighting solutions to creative homeware and ingenious toys.
Among the standout winners from recent years is the Nostalx Speaker, designed by Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia, and Siyu Zang, which earned a Bronze award in the Digital and Electronic Device Design category in 2025. The project, which also involved designers Weijing Zhao and Qijun Nie, exemplifies how technology can be made more approachable and enjoyable through thoughtful design. Another notable winner is the U Table Lamp by Monica Pinto de Almeida, which received a Silver award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2023, showcasing how functional lighting can become an artistic statement.
The competition spans over 150 categories, extending far beyond industrial design to encompass architecture, fashion, and communication design. This comprehensive approach allows the A' Design Award to recognize innovation across the entire spectrum of creative disciplines. The Good Industrial Design category specifically focuses on products that enhance the domestic environment, making everyday life easier and more enjoyable through thoughtful, inspiring design solutions.
Recent Gold award winners in furniture design include the Color Roller Furniture Set by Chuheng He and the Hug Me Sitting by Zipeng Zhou, both recognized in 2025 for their innovative approaches to functional furniture. Additionally, the Altocumulus Light Lamp by Jun Wang, developed in collaboration with designers Zhenghua Hu, Yuxi Mao, Jiangyang Zhao, Xin Wang, and Yang Yang, earned a Bronze award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2023.
Winning the A' Design Award provides significant benefits beyond recognition, offering substantial career advancement opportunities and enhanced brand visibility for designers. Laureates receive international exposure through exhibitions, features in leading design publications, and inclusion in an exclusive annual yearbook. Winners are also invited to prestigious networking events, including the award gala night, providing valuable industry connections.
The comprehensive A' Design Prize package includes inclusion in the World Design Rankings, project translations into over 100 languages, and extensive public relations services to maximize global reach. Each submission undergoes rigorous evaluation by a distinguished Grand Jury Panel comprising over 300 respected professionals, academics, and industry experts. This thorough review process ensures that only the most innovative and impactful designs receive recognition for their excellence and ability to bring joy and improvement to people's lives worldwide.
