Overview
The SEGD Global Design Awards 2025 is the only international awards program honoring excellence in experiential graphic design. This prestigious competition celebrates designers and studios worldwide who create environments that connect people to place, inspire communities, and transform the built environment. Since 1987, the SEGD Global Design Awards have recognized exceptional projects in wayfinding, placemaking, branded environments, exhibitions, public installations, and digital experiences.
This competition is open to designers, students, and studios globally, highlighting the power of design in shaping how people navigate and interact with the world. The winners will be announced at the SEGD Conference Experience in San Francisco from November 13–15, 2025.
Why You Should Participate
Participating in the SEGD Global Design Awards offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain International Recognition: Winners receive exposure through SEGD’s global platform and press coverage.
- Showcase Your Work: Winning projects will be presented at the SEGD Conference Experience, the premier gathering for experiential designers.
- Be Acknowledged by Industry Leaders: The competition is judged by a multidisciplinary jury of renowned designers and thought leaders.
- Highlight Design Innovation: Recognizes work that enhances human experiences through storytelling, interaction, and space design.
Key Highlights
Eligibility
- Open to designers, studios, and students worldwide.
- Projects must have been completed within a specific timeframe (usually within the last three years).
- Multiple entries are permitted.
Award Categories
- Branded Environments: Spaces designed to embody an organization’s brand identity.
- Digital Experiences: Technology-driven experiences enhancing visitor interaction.
- Exhibition Design: Displays using graphic, media, and object elements for education and engagement.
- Placemaking: Projects strengthening the connection between people and place.
- Public Installations: Art and design interventions enhancing public spaces.
- Strategy/Research/Planning: Masterplans, standards, and research in experiential graphic design.
- Wayfinding: Information systems guiding people through physical spaces.
Jury Panel
The competition will be judged by an esteemed panel of multidisciplinary experts, including:
- Jonathan Alger – Managing Partner and co-founder, C&G Partners (Jury Chair).
- Ujijji Davis Williams – Founder, JIMA Studio, expert in placemaking.
- Chad Finken – Experiential Design Director, IA Interior Architects.
- Natasha Jen – Partner, Pentagram, known for graphic and spatial innovation.
- Roger Mann – Co-founder, Casson Mann, specializing in exhibitions.
- Timothy McNeil – Professor of Design, University of California, Davis.
- Judy K. Suh – Creative Director, Journey’s New York studio.
- Julie Vogel – President, Clearstory, focused on community spaces.
- Jocelyn Zhao – Graphic designer at Google Creative Lab.
Entry Fees
| Submission Type | Early Bird (Jan 31, 2025) | Late (Feb 28, 2025) | Final (Mar 15, 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Entry | $375 | $450 | $525 |
| SEGD Member Entry | $275 | $350 | $425 |
| Student Entry | $100 | $125 | $150 |
Prizes and Recognition
| Award Level | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Best of Show | Highest honor for a single project. |
| Honor Awards | Outstanding design achievements across categories. |
| Merit Awards | Recognizing exceptional work in experiential design. |
| Sylvia Harris Award | Recognizing excellence in social impact design. |
Submission Details
Participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Project Eligibility: Must fit into one of the official award categories.
- Submission Format: Includes written descriptions, images, and optional videos.
- Evaluation Criteria: Projects are judged based on innovation, creativity, functionality, and human impact.
- Example Entry: “Seat at the Table” is an SEGD Sylvia Harris and Honor Award winner, demonstrating strong project storytelling through descriptions, images, and video.
Important Dates
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Deadline | January 31, 2025 |
| Late Submission Deadline | February 28, 2025 |
| Final Submission Deadline | March 15, 2025 |
| Winners Announced | November 13–15, 2025, at the SEGD Conference Experience |
How to Join
- Review Guidelines: Read the category descriptions and submission criteria.
- Create a Login: Register on the competition platform (not connected to SEGD.org).
- Submit Entry: Upload project details, images, and descriptions.
- Make Payment: Complete the entry fee payment based on the deadline tier.
Judging Criteria
The judging panel evaluates submissions based on:
- Innovation: How the design pushes boundaries and redefines experiences.
- Creativity: Originality and artistic excellence.
- Functionality: Practical application and effectiveness of the design.
- Human Impact: Enhancing how people interact with spaces.
The SEGD Global Design Awards 2025 presents a prestigious platform to celebrate creativity and innovation in experiential design. Enter now and showcase your work to a global audience!
