Better Design Award 2025
Overview
The Better Design Award (BDA) returns for its second international edition, organized by the Shenzhen Industrial Design Profession Association. This global competition celebrates cutting-edge design projects that transform industries, improve lives, and lead technological progress. For 2025, a brand-new category on AI and Robotics has been added to reflect emerging design frontiers. With over 300 cash prizes and a generous award pool of €510,000, participation is completely free, making this an exceptional opportunity for designers worldwide. The final deadline to submit is 15 August 2025.
Why You Should Participate
The BDA is more than a design contest—it’s a platform to:
- Showcase your work internationally
- Expand your professional network
- Gain global visibility and media attention
- Compete for significant cash prizes
- Engage with the future of design, including innovations in AI and Robotics
- Align with international design values: empowering change, enhancing life, and leading development
Key Highlights
- Eligibility: Open to individuals, teams, companies, agencies, and academic institutions globally.
- Main Focus Areas:
- Empowering Industrial Change
- Creating a Better Life
- Leading Future Development
- NEW in 2025: AI and Robotics
- Entry Cost: Participation is completely free.
Entry Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration | Free |
| Submission | Free |
Prizes and Recognition
| Award Category | Prize Type |
|---|---|
| BDA Product Grand Awards | Cash Prize |
| BDA Grand Award | Cash Prize |
| BDA Product Awards | Cash Prize |
| Concept Grand Award | Cash Prize |
| BDA AI+Robotics Design Awards | Cash Prize |
| BDA Gold Award | Cash Prize |
| BDA Concept Grand Awards | Cash Prize |
| BDA Concept Awards | Cash Prize |
| BDA Design for Industry Award | Cash Prize |
| Total Cash Prizes | €510,000 (approx.) |
Submission Details
- Submission Format: Online submission of digital files + physical works (later stage)
- Submission Period: 01 May 2025 – 15 August 2025 (Beijing time)
- Languages Accepted: English or Chinese
- Who Can Submit: Open to all global participants, including individuals, teams, companies, and institutions
Important Dates
| Phase | Date/Range |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | 15 August 2025 (Midnight Beijing Time) |
| Preliminary Evaluation | Late August 2025 |
| Submission of Physical Works | Late August – Early September 2025 |
| Secondary Evaluation | Mid-September 2025 |
| Final Evaluation | Late September 2025 |
| Awards Ceremony | End of October 2025 (Tentative) |
How to Join
- Create an account and register via the official BDA platform.
- Upload your digital entry between 1 May – 15 August 2025.
- Prepare for physical work submission if nominated.
- Await jury evaluation and results.
- Join the award ceremony in October if selected as a finalist or winner.
Judging Criteria
- Design Innovation and Originality
- Social and Industrial Impact
- Technical Excellence
- Aesthetic and Emotional Appeal
- Functionality and User-Centered Design
- Relevance to AI, Robotics, and Future Development (if applicable)
Registration Deadline
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