Key Tips for Winning a Dezeen Award
Dezeen Awards judges seek exceptional projects that excel across rigorous criteria. Winning entries consistently demonstrate these core attributes:
Compelling Narrative Clarity
Articulate your project's purpose, process, and impact with precision. Judges prioritize:
- Concise problem statement and design intent
- Rationale behind material/technical choices
- Demonstrable outcomes that match initial goals
Outstanding Visual Communication
Presentations must instantly communicate quality and innovation:
- Hero images with strong composition and professional lighting
- Technical drawings demonstrating meticulous execution
- Authentic visuals avoiding excessive rendering or artificial staging
Genuine Innovation
Judges look for paradigm-shifting approaches, not superficial novelty:
- Original solutions addressing contemporary challenges
- Proof of conceptual evolution through sketches/prototypes
- Tangible advancements beyond aesthetic trends
Integrated Sustainability
Environmental responsibility must be intrinsic, not tokenistic:
- Lifecycle analysis with measurable carbon data
- Material sourcing transparency and circular strategies
- Long-term adaptability and resource efficiency metrics
Rigorous Execution
Technical mastery and attention to detail are non-negotiable:
- Flawless construction documentation and manufacturing details
- Evidence of craftsmanship and material integrity
- Comprehensive user-experience validation
Submit only thoroughly resolved projects. Judges increasingly reward entries that balance creative ambition with quantifiable real-world impact.
