Shaping the future: A fascinating outlook with the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 winners
How to conserve resources without sacrificing comfort? What is the role of craftsmanship in a digitalised world? And how can design become a tool for greater inclusion? The winners of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 provide groundbreaking answers to these questions - and raise new ones at the same time.
The award-winning projects of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 provide pioneering answers to these questions - and at the same time pose new ones. They offer a glimpse of a future in which design takes responsibility.
Old techniques, new applications
The 'Weaving Collection', designed by estudi{H}ac JMFerrero, is an impressive demonstration of how traditional craft techniques can find new forms of expression. The project uses textile weaving methods to transform aluminium chains into three-dimensional, dynamic textures that can be used both aesthetically and functionally in modern architecture and interior design.
Rethinking sustainability
A dominant trend among the winners of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 is the consistent incorporation of sustainability into the design process. It's no longer just about using recycled materials — materials are being rethought from the ground up. One outstanding example is the 'Tezeus C8' e-bike. With its full carbon frame, recyclable brakes, and highly efficient battery, it successfully combines sustainability with top performance, setting a precedent for the future of mobility.
Focus on inclusion and accessibility
The social aspects of design, such as inclusion and accessibility, are becoming increasingly important. Denkwerk's “A11y-AI” uses artificial intelligence to assess the accessibility of websites. This technology offers developers valuable support and actively contributes to making digital content more usable for people with disabilities, which is a decisive step towards an inclusive digital future.
Ergonomic Deisgn
The “Plasmacluster Drape Flow Dryer 900 Series” from Sharp, winner of the 2025 iF Design Award, sets new standards with its innovative “Drape Flow X4” technology. Its unique four-directional airflow dries hair gently and evenly. The appliance's ergonomic design reduces physical strain thanks to its gentle airflow and optimised handle. It is a prime example of how intelligent technologies can make everyday life more efficient and comfortable.
A look ahead
The winning projects of the iF Design Award 2025 demonstrate that designers are increasingly viewing their work as an interface between aesthetics, functionality and responsibility. It's not just about using sustainable materials; it's about rethinking them. Digital technologies are merging with physical products to conserve resources and modify usage habits.
Inclusion is also no longer seen as an add-on, but as a natural part of the design process.
These developments demonstrate that design is a tool for change. The award-winning projects provide precise answers to the most pressing questions of our time, offering a clear vision of how design will shape our future: innovatively, responsibly, and with an in-depth understanding of societal needs.