Red Dot Design Award

🔴 Meet the Red Dot Team: Julia Jakovljevic From translation to client service — Julia Jakovlević, Junior Project Manager at Red Dot since May 2025, is the first point of contact for participants throughout the entire Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2026 journey. Coming from a background in Translation Studies with a focus on English and Italian, Julia studied in Innsbruck before moving to Gelsenkirchen and spending two years as a project manager in the translation industry in Bochum. The search for a new challenge brought her to Red Dot. 💬 What does your role look like during the submission phase? During the submission phase, I support my key accounts and first-level participants, guiding them through the entire submission process. I am the first point of contact for any questions regarding the competition, whatever the issue may be. 💬 What questions do participants most often come to you with? I often get questions about the submission process, for example, when photos can’t be uploaded due to technical requirements. Participants also frequently need help choosing the right category for their project. So the questions cover a wide range of topics and also depend on which stage of the project you’re currently at. 💬 What is your most important tip for a smooth submission? My top tip: make sure you grab a copy of our Guide to Success. It really does contain everything you need to know to ensure a stress-free and smooth submission process. Taking a look at it will save you time and hassle in the long run. 💬 What was your favourite winner project in the Red Dot Award: Brands and Communication Design 2025? "The Revived" by Peter Schmidt Group, BRAND UKRAINE and BBDO Germany moved me deeply from the very first second. The idea of using AI to let fallen Ukrainian athletes talk about their dreams of winning medals is incredibly moving and impressive. It is a deeply emotional campaign that handles a difficult and sensitive subject with respect. And that is precisely why it is so important – because it encourages us to take notice and talk about it. When the project, which later was awarded with a Red Dot: Grand Prix, was shown during the gala, you could feel in the room just how deeply it had moved the guests. Take a look at the project: https://lnkd.in/eXzAjtSn 👉 Julia and the team are here to support you every step of the way. Start here: https://lnkd.in/dhPQTkJE #RedDotAward #MeetTheTeam #BrandsAndCommunicationDesign #DesignCommunity

🏆 Meet a winner in the Red Dot: Junior Award — Lara Wilkin She overcame a major accident, reimagined her design approach and was honoured with a Red Dot: Best of the Best. Twice. Lara Wilkin was awarded a Red Dot: Best of the Best in the Red Dot: Junior Award in both 2015 and 2021 for her final thesis projects. She’s now pursuing a PhD at the intersection of design, scientific research, and upper limb prosthetics. 💬 What did being awarded in the Red Dot: Junior Award mean to you personally?  The award came at a time of significant personal and professional transition. During my master’s studies, an accident resulted in the loss of my dominant hand, requiring me to relearn my design skills entirely. Both award-winning projects were therefore created under exceptional circumstances, without the design community being aware of the situation.  The recognition by an international jury represented not only professional validation, but also a personal affirmation that new paths can emerge even when life circumstances change fundamentally. 💬 How did the award shape your career long-term?  The connections established through the award have, in part, endured to this day and evolved into a resilient international network. This network continues to support professional exchange, collaboration, and the ongoing development of projects. 💬 What would you say to young designers hesitant to submit?  Submitting offers the opportunity to position one’s work within an international context and to receive a professional evaluation. Regardless of the outcome, the process itself constitutes a valuable experience and may open new perspectives. 👉 Curious what award-winning work looks like? See Lara's projects for yourself:  ✦ #LazarusEffect (Red Dot: Best of the Best 2021): https://lnkd.in/ep-XGDQh  ✦ Battlefield Wilderness (Red Dot: Best of the Best 2015): https://lnkd.in/eq2HpTJ8 🏆 Ready to submit your own work? The Red Dot: Junior Award is waiting: https://lnkd.in/eb-XX9hw #RedDotAward #JuniorAward #BrandsAndCommunicationDesign #DesignCommunity 

🔴 Meet the Red Dot Team: Lorenz Beckmann From your very first question to the award ceremony — Lorenz Beckmann, Junior Project Manager at Red Dot since 2024, supports participants throughout the entire journey of the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design. Coming from the creative industry, Lorenz brings hands-on experience in design and strategy: After completing his training in design technology, he joined the creative studio marcellini in 2017, where he worked until 2024. During this time, he supported clients in projects, brand and strategy workshops, worked in web design and development and, in parallel, helped build the in-house gallery Yes.Baby. 💬 How do you support clients during the award phases? We support and guide our participants throughout the entire competition cycle – from registration to the award ceremony and beyond. During the registration phases, we clarify participants' questions and uncertainties. We also review all submissions and, if necessary, provide recommendations regarding categories, presentation material or physical delivery. After the results are announced, we remain a point of contact for the winners and support them with all questions regarding winner packages, publication dates and ticket booking up to the award ceremony. Ideally, we then have the opportunity to personally congratulate the winners on their success at the Red Dot Gala. 💬 Which advantages do participants often underestimate when submitting early? The earlier you register, the more time you have to ask questions. Missing a deadline because unexpected problems arise during the submission process is particularly painful. 💬 What is the most important tip for a smooth submission? Use the Guide to Success and keep it open until you complete your registration. Chances are your questions are already answered before they even come up. 💬 What was your favourite winner project in the Red Dot Award: Brands and Communication Design 2025? My favourite winner project was the "Design & AI Symposium 2024". This project caught my attention already during the submission phase through the exchange with CLEVER°FRANKE. It is a visually and conceptually exciting project that was executed in an outstanding way. Take a look: https://lnkd.in/ez8-rX3i 👉 Ready to submit — or do you still have questions? Lorenz and the team are here to support you every step of the way, starting here: https://lnkd.in/dhPQTkJE #RedDotAward #MeetTheTeam #BrandsAndCommunicationDesign #DesignCommunity

Jury Session ✅ Thank you to our Red Dot Jury for three inspiring and intense days. We look forward to celebrating the Red Dot winners 2026 with you in Essen on 7 July. #RedDotDesignAward #ProductDesign2026

Design is often about rethinking the familiar — even in objects as timeless as the classic vase. With the ICONIC HOME vases, Designscape Creative GmbH introduces a new dimension of depth, where light, shadow and perspective continuously reshape the object and create a dynamic visual experience. Combining architectural thinking with innovative 3D printing and sustainable materials, the collection redefines how craftsmanship and technology can interact. In interview with Red Dot, Nicolas Woll shares insights into his design approach, the influence of architecture and the role of sustainability in shaping these unique pieces. 🔴 To what extent has your study of architecture influenced your understanding of design and your approach? It has greatly influenced my work. For me, architecture means working with proportions, structures, light and shadow, and understanding how objects change throughout the day. I analyse the sun’s movement and the effect of depth – purposely applying this to the scale of every object. Much like a building, the shape of the ICONIC HOME vases is built up layer by layer, which gives them their structure, rhythm and spatial depth. The vase is not a static object; its effect differs depending on viewing angle and lighting. It is precisely this interplay of calm and dynamism – so familiar from architecture – that fascinates me.  🔴 What role does sustainability play in your creative process and how is it reflected in the finished product? For me, sustainability is an integral part of the design process and of product development. In ICONIC HOME, this is apparent in the use of bio-based materials, local manufacturing and made-to-order production. 3D printing allows for an extremely accurate use of materials and prevents surplus production. However, I believe that the most sustainable form of design is to create an object that remains relevant for many years. 🔴 What significance does the combination of craftsmanship and modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing hold for you? This combination is at the heart of ICONIC HOME. Our unique vases are premium, off-the-shelf pieces that aim to convey the tactile qualities and warmth of craftsmanship, even though they are produced using modern technology. The visible contour lines are not flaws but manifestations of the process. I regard 3D printing as an evolution of craftsmanship. It allows us to combine the aesthetics of artisanal objects with a precision that was previously unthinkable. It’s about using technology in such a way that objects are not merely functional but truly resonate with people. More about ICONIC HOME vases: https://lnkd.in/e7RNy5Tb Take a look at the interview: https://lnkd.in/edTz9_Ae #RedDotDesignAward #ProductDesign #Vases #InteriorDesign

🚨 This is your last chance! The Late Submission Phase for Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026 is now open! The Red Dot is an international seal for creative excellence but it is more than a recognition. Be ready to grow your brand value confidently, give your vision a chance to take shape, and let your name travel further. Whether your work is emerging or in preparation for launch, the Red Dot Design Award celebrates that moment. 🌍 Gain international visibility Present your concept to an international jury and reach a global audience through exhibitions, media coverage and the Red Dot network. 🏆 Strengthen your creative reputation Receiving a distinction in the Red Dot Award signals design excellence and positions your work at the forefront of innovation. 🌱 Opportunities for young designers Design students and professionals under 30 can enter as Next Gen projects and compete for the Red Dot: Peter Zec Prize, that comes with a prize of 10,000 Singapore Dollars sponsorship. ⏳ Late submission deadline: 29 April 2026 👉 Submit your concept and share your vision with the world: https://lnkd.in/eNrTMyWk #RedDotDesignAward #DesignConcept #DesignInnovation #Innovation #NextGenDesign

Japanese design in focus 🇯🇵🌍 In December last year, JIDA and Red Dot welcomed around 40 selected guests, including Red Dot winners from Japan, to a special dinner in Tokyo. The evening was dedicated to exchange, cultural connection, and a shared vision: bringing the strength of Japanese design to the international stage. A series of short speeches highlighted different perspectives on Japanese design. Among the speakers were Professor Dr. Peter Zec (Founder and CEO of Red Dot), Jova Zec (Vice President Red Dot) and Chiaki Murata (President of JIDA), as well as several distinguished guests from Japan’s design scene. Afterwards, the guests enjoyed dinner together and engaging conversations. The event was one of many initiatives within the ongoing partnership between Red Dot and JIDA, which has been extended following a successful first phase. Together, JIDA and Red Dot will continue to highlight the strength of Japanese design and foster dialogue between Japan and the global design community. #RedDotDesignAward #JIDA #JapaneseDesign

👋 Welcome Venia Giota to the Red Dot Jury 2026 Venia Giota studied Product and Systems Design Engineering at the University of the Aegean and later completed a master’s degree at Domus Academy in Milan. She began her professional career in the corporate design environment, working with multinational companies such as 3M and BIC, before collaborating with renowned design studios and designers in Milan. Her international career then took her to Beijing in 2011, where she worked as Creative Director for CBD Group and co-founded Pinvita大品大爱, a designer-led home brand focused on everyday consumer products. In 2015, she moved to Shanghai and founded her own design studio, working across product and spatial design projects for international clients. Since 2019, Venia has been based in Greece, continuing her global collaborations through her independent practice. 🔴 A global perspective with an eye on the future Venia brings to the Red Dot Jury a truly international design perspective shaped by her work across Europe and Asia. Alongside her professional practice, she is currently pursuing doctoral research in AI and Design Thinking, exploring how emerging technologies influence creativity and decision-making in design. This combination of hands-on design experience and forward-looking research allows her to evaluate products not only within today’s context, but also in terms of their potential for the future. 👉 Meet the whole Red Dot Jury 2026: https://lnkd.in/exxeutkr 🔍 Click here for more information about the Red Dot Award: Product Design: https://www.red-dot.org/pd #RedDotJury #ProductDesign #DesignThinking #AI

📲 Red Dot Design Award is now on WhatsApp! Staying up to date with the latest Red Dot Design Award news just got easier. Follow our official WhatsApp channel to receive key updates directly on your phone. 🔴 What can you expect? From submission deadlines for Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept to announcements, exhibitions, collaborations and magazine features — all the important news in one place. 👉 Join the official Red Dot Design Award channel on WhatsApp: https://lnkd.in/eBMiU9p5 🚀 Stay informed, stay inspired. #RedDotDesignAward #WhatsApp #DesignCommunity #DesignUpdates

🤝 Meet Susanne Lippitsch-SL DESIGN – Red Dot Jury 2026 Mag. art.ᵃ Susanne Lippitsch is a Vienna-based packaging designer and founder of SL Design, specialised in three-dimensional packaging solutions that combine function, form and brand identity. She studied industrial design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and at Elisava School of Design and Engineering in Barcelona, where she focused on packaging design. Since 2001, she has been working as a freelance designer, shaping distinctive packaging concepts that balance aesthetics with resource efficiency and contributing significantly to the establishment of professional packaging design in Austria over the past two decades. Alongside her design practice, Susanne has been active in teaching for more than two decades, lecturing on packaging design and related disciplines at several institutions including FH JOANNEUM in Graz since 2001, the Advertising and Design Academy in Salzburg, the New Design University in St. Pölten and also, since 2022, SRH Berlin School of Design and Communication. Her long-standing involvement in education keeps her closely connected to emerging talent and the evolving demands of sustainable packaging design. 🔴 Why her perspective matters Susanne brings to the Red Dot Jury extensive experience as a designer, educator and international juror. Through her work with students, industry partners and major packaging awards, she remains closely engaged with both the next generation of designers and the future challenges of packaging. This perspective enables her to recognise solutions that unite strong design quality, brand clarity and responsible material use. 👉 Get to know the whole Red Dot Jury 2026: https://lnkd.in/exxeutkr 🔍 Read more about the Red Dot Award: Product Design here: https://www.red-dot.org/pd #RedDotJury #ProductDesign #Packaging