As an invited juror for the 18th Annual International Design Awards, I was honored to have the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable talent and innovative spirit of today’s design community. With over 30 years of experience in the design field, I was particularly excited to see how these talented designers are pushing boundaries and embracing new, cutting-edge trends. The program, dedicated to recognizing and promoting exceptional design visionaries across the globe, provides a platform for celebrating design excellence and contributing to the recognition of talented designers in fields like Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, and Fashion Design.
Among the standout winners were two Gold Award recipients that particularly captured my attention, demonstrating the power of design to both engage audiences in profound ways and create truly inclusive environments. These winning projects, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra website and the BBC London Broadcasting House environmental design, offer compelling examples of design excellence in the digital and physical realms.
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Website:
- Designer: Insight Creative (New Zealand)
- Concept: The website opens with a 3D view of the concert hall. As users zoom in, they experience musical performances and see the AP logo’s sound wave move harmoniously with the music. The immersive experience places users on stage with the orchestra, encouraging them to explore the site further.
BBC London Broadcasting House Environmental Design:
- Design: Sheppard Robson (London)
- Concept: A branding and wayfinding strategy was developed to improve navigation for over 7,000 occupants. Color-coded floors and graphic icons help with orientation. The design incorporates neurodiversity-conscious elements to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for everyone.
