iF DESIGN AWARD 2026
Global seal of excellent design
With around 11,000 submissions from almost 70 countries, the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the world's largest and most prestigious design competitions. Since 1954, the iF label has served as a reliable indicator of excellent design for consumers and the design community alike. The award is presented by an international jury of over 130 independent design and sustainability experts, following a transparent and fair process.
The Online Preselection of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 will take place from 1-4 Dezember 2025 – covering nine disciplines and 93 categories.
iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 - Overview
Disciplines & Categories
There is a discipline and category for every design - yours too. If you can't find one that fits, contact award@ifdesign.com - we're here to help!
1.01 Automobiles / Vehicles
Examples:
Cars
Buses
Trucks
Agricultural vehicles
Motorcycles
Scooters
Airplanes
Drones
Caravans
Rail vehicles
Ships/boats
Cranes and lifting gear
Charging systems
Accessories and components
Entertainment systems
1.02 Bicycles
Examples:
Electric bicycles of all kinds
Trekking-, touring- & urban bikes
Folding bikes
Cargo bikes
Mountain bikes
Race bikes
Gravel bikes
Children's bikes
Special bikes
Bike helmets
Bike computers
Bike lighting
Bike clothing
Bike components and accessories
1.03 Sports / Outdoor
Examples:
Sports equipment
Sportswear
Sports & outdoor footwear
Fitness and activity trackers
Camping equipment
Outdoor clothing
Outdoor tools
GPS devices
Solar chargers
Binoculars
Backpacks
Tents
Hiking gear
1.04 Leisure/Lifestyle
Examples:
Eyewear
Bags
Handbags
Luggage
Wallets
Suitcases
Umbrellas
Non-electronic games
Creative tools
Pet products
1.05 Watches/Jewelry
Examples:
Watches
Smart watches
Mechanical watches
Clocks
Alarm clocks
Accessories
Jewelery
Rings
Necklaces
Earrings
Bracelets
1.06 Babies/Kids
All products for babies and kids such as:
Clothing
Strollers
Buggies
Child bike seats
Car seats
Toys
Furniture
Bikes
Baby monitors
Hygiene and nursing equipment
Playground equipment
Kitchen aids
School essentials
Teaching supplies
1.07 Beauty/Wellness
Examples:
Skincare tools
Dental care products
Hairbrushes
Grooming products
Hairdryers
Shavers
Massage devices
Erotic toys
1.08 Musical Instruments
Examples:
String instruments
Keyboards
Wind instruments
Drums
Percussion
Studio & stage equipment
Home recording equipment
Microphones
1.09 Medicine/Health
Examples:
Clinical and laboratory equipment
Hospital devices
Health analysis and visualization devices
Medical & care robot
Surgical products
Medical & healthcare equipment
Rehabilitation devices
Assisted living products
1.10 Audio
Examples:
Audio recorders
Players
Amplifiers
Earphones
Hi-fi devices
Mobile speakers
Loudspeakers
Soundbars
Audio receivers
Radios
Accessories
1.11 Computer
Examples:
Business and personal notebooks & laptops
Tablets
Accessories
Desktop computers
AIO
Computer loudspeaker systems,
Webcams
Copiers
E-readers
In- and output devices
Keyboards and mice
Monitors
Peripherals
Printers
Scanners
Servers
Storage devices
1.12 TV/Cameras
Examples:
Cameras
Lenses
Tripods
Camera backpacks
Camera accessories
Media players
TVs
Presentation equipment
Projectors
Set-top boxes
Recorders
Remote controls
Surveillance cameras
1.13 Gaming/AR /VR
Examples:
Gaming devices
Gaming PCs
Gaming laptops
Gaming consoles
Gaming mice
Gaming keyboards
Gaming controllers
Gaming monitors
Dedicated gaming phones
Gaming AIOs
Gaming headsets
Gaming furniture
Gaming PC chassis
Gaming PC components
Gaming accessories
VR/AR headsets
Smart eyeglasses
VR/AR accessories
1.14 Telecommunication
Examples:
Cell phones
DECT devices
Batteries
Power banks
Charging devices
Telephones
Phones cases
Telephone systems
Networking technology,
Routers
2-way radios
VOIP devices
Audio / video devices for conferences
Accessories
1.15 Office
Examples:
Conference furniture
Filing systems
Office accessories
Office fittings
Office furniture
Plugs & mobile sockets
Presentation systems
Reception areas
Office stationary
Writing implements and pens (analog and digital)
1.16 Furniture/Home Decoration
Examples:
Living room and bedroom furniture
Shelves
Cabinets
Non-offices desks & tables
Sideboards
Fixtures and fittings
Mirrors
Wall clocks
Home decoration and accessories
Vases
Candle holders
Ovens and pellet stoves
1.17 Lighting
Examples:
Desk lamps
Floor lamps
Ambient lamps
Outdoor lamps
Wall lamps
Pendant lamps
Chandeliers
Ceiling lamps
Lighting systems
Recessed lighting
Track lighting
String lights
Flashlights
Safety lights
Workplace lighting
1.18 Wall/Floor/Textiles
Examples:
Wallpaper
Wall coverings
Tiles
Acoustic panels
Wood paneling
Wall stickers and decals
Carpets
Raised floor systems
Resin & epoxy flooring
Curtains
Paints/coatings
Acoustic fabric
Upholstery textiles
Veneers
1.19 Kitchen
Examples:
Ovens
Stoves
Microwaves
Refrigerators and freezers
Cooker hoods
Sinks
Dishwashers
Fixtures and fittings
Kitchen appliances (Coffee machines, mixers, juicers, egg cookers etc.)
Kitchen furniture
Kitchen systems
Water purifiers
Water dispensers
1.20 Household Tools & Appliances
Examples:
Household utensils (trashcans, mops etc.)
Household robots
Cooking utensils
Pots
Pans
Cooking knives
Flasks
Vacuum cleaners
Devices for disinfection of everyday objects
Rroning and pressing equipment
Ventilators
Table air purifiers
Sewing machines
Washing machines
Dryers
1.21 Tableware
Examples:
Cutlery
Glassware and ceramics
Plates
Drinking glasses
Cups
Serving utensils
Chopsticks
Carafes & pitchers
Plates
Trays
Salt & pepper mills
1.22 Bathroom
Examples:
Bathroom and sanitary wares
Smart bathroom systems
Bathroom furniture
Control elements and systems
Showers, tubs
Toilets
Washbasins
Faucets & mixers
Washstands
Towel racks & holders
Bathroom cabinets
Fxtures and fittings
Saunas
Whirlpools
1.23 Garden/Outdoor Living
Examples:
Garden furniture
Garden tables
Chairs & benches
Outdoor sofas
Sun loungers
Gardening tools
Barbecues
Sunshades
Lawn mowers
Trimmers
Irrigation technology
Wheelbarrows
Outdoor fireplaces
Grills
Smokers
Outdoor pizza ovens
Patio heaters
Planters & pots
Bird feeders & houses
Pressure washers
1.24 Building Technology
Examples:
Built-in air conditioning
Floor stand air purifiers
Balconies
Conservatories
Doors
Fittings and systems
Garages
Gates
Switches
Door handles
Heating technology
Plumbing technology
Marquees
Railings
Roofs
Security technology
Solar systems
Smart home products
Temperature control technology
Windows
1.25 Industry/Tools/Machinery
Examples:
Conveyor technology
Industrial robots
Hoisting technology
Industrial scanners
Logistic systems
Materials handling
Production safety
Measuring tools
Testing technologies
Analyzing tools
Robotic technology
Systems engineering
Hand and power tools
Construction equipment
Components
1.26 Public Use/Retail
Examples:
Furniture and furnishing systems for public spaces
Bus stops
Park infrastructure
Playground equipment
Social areas
Streetlamps
ATM systems
Exhibition systems
Outdoor advertising systems
LED screens for events
Retail interiors
Shop & POS systems
Terminals for public spaces
Wayfinding
Orientation & information infrastructure
1.27 Connected Product Ecosystems
Examples:
A series of a minimum of three connected products coming from three or more areas (i.e. Telecommunication, Kitchen and Watches). The focus of evaluation is on the product design including the interface and connected operation of these devices.
2.01 Beverage Packaging
All types of packaging for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as bottles, containers, tea and coffee packaging.
2.02 Food Packaging
All types of packaging for food and pet food.
2.03 Beauty/Health/Wellness Packaging
All types of packaging for perfume, care products, cosmetics, hygiene products, pharmacy products.
2.04 Medicine / Pharmaceutical Packaging
All types of packaging for medicine, natural remedies and medical products.
2.05 Electronics Packaging
All types of packaging for electronics for example ICT products, laptops, headphones, household appliances.
2.06 Consumer Product Packaging
All types of packaging for products such as jewelry, watches, household products, cleaning supplies, clothes and accessories, sports articles, toys, music, games and videos.
2.07 Unbranded/B2B Packaging
Non-branded packaging and all types of packaging for industrial and business-to-business products.
3.01 Company Branding
Branding and branding elements focused on companies for example:
Corporate identity
Company logos
Brand colors & materials
Corporate fashion
Signage
Stationary & print collateral
Branding guidelines & style guides
3.02 Public & Cause Branding
Branding for public institutions for example:
Museums
Cities
Regions
Countries
Institutions
Foundations
NGOs
Public organizations and other public institutions including branding for a social, environmental, or political cause
3.03 Product & Service Branding
Branding of specific products or services consisting of for example:
Product/service logos
Product/service identity
Product/service colors & materials
Product/service-related fashion
Guidelines & style guides
3.04 Campaigns / Advertising
Examples:
Campaigns and campaign elements
Social media campaigns
Influencer marketing
Public cause campaigns
Banners
Direct marketing materials
Mailings
Newsletters
Posters
Product and advertising brochures
POS advertising
Content marketing
Out-of-home advertising
3.05 Websites
Examples:
Corporate websites
Brand sites
Shopping sites
Web platforms
Portfolio websites
News & media websites
Educational website
Government & nonprofit websites
Community websites
3.06 Apps / Software
Examples:
Productivity software
Creative software
Communications & collaboration tools
Health & fitness apps
Shopping apps
Social media apps
Finance & banking apps
Security and privacy software
Streaming & entertainment apps
Developer tools
3.07 Film / Video / Animation
Examples:
Commercials
Ads
Image videos
Corporate films
Educational videos
Tutorials
Music videos
Video podcasts
Motion graphics
3D animation
Stop motion
Product videos
VR & 360° videos
3.08 Sound / Music Use
Examples:
Audio branding
Sound logos
Brand songs
Music for ads
Theme music
Corporate voices
Notification sounds
System feedback sounds
Audio used in AR/VR
Gaming and interactive media
Voice assistants
Trailers
Promo music
3.09 Digital & Print Publications
Examples:
Digital or print publications such as books
Annual reports and brand publications
Calendars
Catalogues
Posters
Comics
Magazines
Newspapers
3.10 Typography / Signage / Illustration
Examples:
Logotypes
Typefaces
Symbols
Pictograms
Wayfinding and orientation systems
Architectural signage
Street & urban signage
Event & exhibition signage
Editorial illustration
Storybook & children's book illustration
Educational illustration
Character design
Medical & scientific illustration
3.11 Data Visualization
All type of data visualization including:
Dashboards
Infographics
AR/VR data visualizations
Management overviews
Control panels
Heatmaps
Network visualizations
Charts
Statistics
Maps
Timelines
Histograms
3.12 Live Event & Exhibition Branding
Examples:
Concerts
Conferences
Executive meetings
Company parties
Product launches
Networking events
Festivals
Virtual or on-site training sessions
Team building activities
Virtual and on-site recruiting events
Corporate hackathons
Experimental marketing activations
3.13 Writing for Design
Examples:
Copywriting
Taglines
Slogans
Copywriting
Brand & product names
Website content
Social media copy
Email marketing campaigns
Video scripts
Brochures
Headlines
4.01 Residential Interiors
Examples:
Residential homes
Model appartments
Apartments as well as single rooms like bedrooms
Dressing rooms
Kitchens
Living rooms
Bedrooms
Home offices
Dining areas
Entryways
Outdoor living spaces
Private wellness & fitness areas
4.02 Public Space/Mixed Use Interiors
Examples:
Administration buildings
Government buildings
Religious & spiritual spaces
Airports
Convention centers
4.03 Corporate/Office Interiors
Examples:
Banks and financial institutions
Service centers
Insurance companies
Law practices
Office buildings
Production facilities
4.04 Hotel/Restaurant/Hospitality Interiors
Examples:
Hotels
Bars
Bed & breakfasts
Cafés
Casinos
Lounges
Restaurants
Spas and recreational areas
Resorts & beach clubs
Entertainment venues
Fine dining
Tea houses
Lobbies & reception areas
Conference and event spaces
Staff canteens
4.05 Retail / Service Interiors
Examples
Flagship stores
Concept stores
Real estate sales center interiors
Department stores
Pop-up shops
Supermarkets
Electronics & tech stores
Kitchen & bathroom showrooms
Booksstores
Beauty & perfume stores
Brand experience centers
4.06 Health/Medical/Scientific Interiors
Examples:
Hospitals
Clinics & outpatient centers
Dental clinics
Nursing homes,
Mental health facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Pediatric care centers
Veterinary clinics,
Medical spas & wellness clinics
Pharmacies & medication dispensaries
Biotech & pharmaceutical facilities
Research facilities
Laboratories
4.07 Educational / Institutional Interiors
Examples:
Schools
Universities
Colleges
Academies
Kindergardens
Daycare centers
Libraries
Auditoriums
Lectur
Halls & seminar rooms
4.08 Sports / Special Use Interiors
Examples:
Gymnasiums & fitness centers
Home gyms
Dance studios
Martial arts
Yoga & pilates studios
Saunas
Boulder halls
Bowling alleys
4.09 Art & Cultural Exhibitions / Installations
Examples:
Museums
Art galleries
Concert halls
Exhibition halls
Cultural centers
Theater & performance spaces
Cultural heritage sites
Installations in public spaces (digital, interactive, brick-and-mortar, etc.) in exhibitions, on sales floors, in shopping malls, at trade fairs, in museums, in urban or outdoor areas
4.10 Trade Fairs / Temporary Exhibitions
Examples:
Exhibition and trade fair architecture as an element of brand, product or service communication.
Experimental and conceptual designs, commissioned works that have not yet been published, studies and research projects, innovative design concepts whose implementation is not planned or expected before 2027, in the following categories:
5.01 Product Concepts
5.02 Packaging Concepts
5.03 Branding & Communication Concepts
5.04 User Experience (UX) Concepts
5.05 User Interface (UI) Concepts
5.06 Service, System & Process Concepts
5.07 Architecture Concepts
5.08 Interior Architecture Concepts
Service design projects which focus on creating or optimizing services by considering all touchpoints of service delivery, ensuring seamless interaction, increased efficiency and high-quality outcomes. It involves designing services that meet both customer needs and organizational goals through a user-centered approach.
System design projects which define the architecture, components, and interactions within a complex system, ensuring that all parts work together efficiently. It is a broader approach that focuses on how individual elements of a system interact to achieve the desired functionality.
Process design projects which focus on defining and organizing the sequence of steps, actions, or interactions required to achieve a specific outcome, whether in technology, workflows, or organizations.
Projects in Service, System & Process Design can be entered into the following categories:
6.01 Retail / Sales
6.02 Transportation / Logistics
6.03 Industry Productivity / Maintenance Systems
6.04 Financial Services / Insurance
6.05 Education / Learning
6.06 Healthcare / Wellness
6.07 Culture / Tourism
6.08 Social Behavior / Responsibility
6.09 Government / Institutions
7.01 Public Architecture/Master Planning
Examples:
Civic centers
Community buildings
Governmental buildings
Cultural buildings
Libraries
Playgrounds
Embassies
Theatres & opera houses
Concert halls
Conference centers
Coos
Religious buildings
Roads
Bridges
Parking facilities
Airports
Bus stations
Port facilities
Railway stations
Urban master plans
Infrastructure master plans
City development
7.02 Mixed Use Architecture
Buildings combining different kinds of usage scenarios.
7.03 Landscape Architecture
Examples:
Public parks & green spaces
Urban plazas & squares
Campus landscaping
Waterfront development
Botanical gardens
Resorts and hotel landscapes
7.04 Residential Architecture
Examples:
Single-family homes
Model houses
Townhouses
Apartments
Condominiums
Cottages
Costal houses
Vacation homes
Mansions
Multi-unit housing
Social housing
Student housing
7.05 Commercial Architecture
Examples:
Office buildings
Production facilities & factories
Banks and financial institutions
Corporate headquarters
Logistic centers
Data centers
Agricultural buildings
Parking facilities
7.06 Hospitality Architecture
Examples:
Cafés
Casinos
Hotels
Lounges
Restaurants
Spas and recreational areas
Resorts & beach clubs
Entertainment venues
Fine dining
Cinemas
Tea houses
Amusement parks
Conference and event spaces
Staff canteens
7.07 Retail Architecture
Examples:
Standalone stores
Shopping centers & malls
Temporary real estate sales architecture
Flagship stores
Departments stores
Supermarkets & grocery stores
Showrooms
Pop-up stores
Kiosks and market stalls
7.08 Science Facilities / Healthcare Architecture
Examples:
Research laboratories & centers
Observatories
Testing centers
Science parks
Medical centers
Hospitals
Care centers
Rehabilitation hospitals
Clinics
Mental health institutions
Nursing homes
7.09 Educational / Institutional Architecture
Examples:
Schools
Universities
Colleges
Kindergartens
Training centers
Museums
Institutional buildings
7.10 Sports Facilities / Arena Architecture
Examples:
Stadiums
Arenas
Gyms
Sport parks
Training facilities
Racetracks
Recreational centers
Sport courts
Golf clubhouses
Climbing centers
8.01 Product UX
Projects focusing on the user experience of products.
8.02 Vehicle / Mobility UX
Projects focusing on the user experience of vehicles and mobility systems.
8.03 Entertainment / Gaming UX
Projects focusing on the user experience in entertainment and gaming.
8.04 Health / Wellness UX
Projects focusing on the user experience in health and wellness.
8.05 Retail / Banking UX
Projects focusing on the user experience in retail and banking.
8.06 Workplace / Production UX
Projects focusing on the user experience in workplaces and production.
8.07 Education / Creative Tools UX
Projects focusing on the user experience in education and creation.
9.01 Product Interfaces
Digital interfaces for physical objects. To put it simply: everything that happens on the screen of a product.
9.02 Interfaces for Digital Media
Interfaces for non-physical entries. For example: websites, apps and software.
SHORT TEXT ABOUT THE YEAR’S WINNERS. LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET CONSECTEUR ADENDUM THESE COMPANIES SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGN.
Jury Process
The iF DESIGN AWARD jury process is divided into two stages: An online preselection, sorting out about 50 percent of all entries - and a physical final jury, deciding on the winners.
All entries are evaluated based on five updated criteria, developed together with a team of international design experts. Each juror enters his or her detailed assessment of each entry into the iF Digital Jury Tool©, which will then be available to ALL participants as a feedback chart.
Task: Does the design achieve what it sets out to do?
Relevance: Is the design relevant?
Fit for purpose: Is the idea appropriate?
Emotional appeal: Does the design engage the target group?
Execution: How is it made?
Aesthetics: Why does it look the way it does?
Usability: Is it easy to use?
Efficiency: Does it work well?
User Benefit: Does it serve the user?
Innovation: Is it new?
Brand Differentiation: Does it fit to the brand?
Social Benefit: Does it benefit society?
Sustainability: Is it sustainable?
Dates for the 2026 Award
Early Bird Registration Deadline | 27 June 2025 |
Regular Registration Deadline | 26 September 2025 |
Last Chance Registration Deadline | 5 November 2025 |
iF Online Preselection | 1– 4 December 2025 |
iF Final Jury in Hamburg | 10 – 12 February 2026 |
iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT 2026 in Berlin | 27 April 2026 |
iF Design Trend Conference 2026 in Berlin | 28 April 2026 |
Fees at a Glance
Registration Fees | |
|---|---|
Early Bird Deadline until 27 June 2025 | EUR 300 per entry |
Regular Deadline until 26 September 2025 | EUR 400 per entry |
Last Chance Deadline until 5 November 2025 | EUR 500 per entry |
Jury Fees | |
|---|---|
For all entries qualified for the iF Final Jury | EUR 300 per entry |
Winners Fees | |
|---|---|
Product Design / Packaging Design | EUR 3,300 per entry |
For all other disciplines | EUR 2,900 per entry |
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