Celebrating Design Excellence Since 1953
The iF Design Award is taking entries for its 2027 edition, with the submission period open until 2 November 2026. Founded by the iF Design Foundation in Germany, this prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions in architecture and design, attracting nearly 10,000 entries globally each year.
Spanning 93 Categories Across Nine Disciplines
Encompassing a wide range of categories—from product design to interior architecture—the iF Design Award welcomes participants from local studios to international design powerhouses. The entry process covers nine disciplines, including product, packaging, branding, communication design, service, system, UX, UI, architecture, and concepts.
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Evaluating Beyond Appearance
Unlike many design awards, the iF Design focuses on more than just visual appeal. Each submission is meticulously evaluated based on five evenly weighted criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation, and sustainability. This comprehensive approach ensures that design projects “hold up beyond aesthetics,” said iF Design to Dezeen.
A Transparent and Rigorous Judging Process for the IF Design Award Entry
The award’s judging process involves over 130 international design experts who rigorously evaluate submissions over two rounds. Each participant receives a detailed feedback chart, offering insights into their project’s strengths and suggested improvements.
A Platform for Inspiration and Excellence
“The iF Design Award is a crucial global stage for designers to challenge themselves and stand out,” said iF Design CEO Uwe Cremering. Awardees see this recognition as a reflection of excellence, with past winners including renowned figures like Patricia Urquiola and Norman Foster.
Celebrating Remarkable Projects and Architects
In 2026, standout winners included The Grand Ring by Sou Fujimoto, honored with the Gold Award for architecture. Also recognized was the wireless Music Studio 5 speaker by Erwan Bouroullec, receiving the Gold Award for product design.
Enriching Design Discourse and Education
Beyond the award itself, iF Design contributes to the industry with initiatives like the iF Design Trend Report, Trend Conference, and the award-winning Future of XYZ. Their iF Design Academy offers specialized courses for design leaders.
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Final Call for the 2027 iF Design Award
As the deadline nears, designers, brands, and studios are encouraged to enter their exemplary projects. With the international design competition closing on 2 November 2026, this is the last opportunity to showcase innovative work on an international platform.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
When is the submission deadline for the 2027 iF Design Award?
The submission period for the 2027 iF Design Award is open until 2 November 2026.
What criteria does the iF Design Award use to evaluate submissions?
The iF Design Award evaluates submissions based on five evenly weighted criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation, and sustainability.
How many categories are available for entry in the iF Design Award?
There are 93 categories across nine disciplines for entry in the iF Design Award.
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