Better Design Award 2026

The Better Design Award is an international award for industrial design, open to finished products and to design concepts. The 2026 edition, the award's third, is free to enter and offers a prize pool of RMB 4.1 million, about €547,700, with 26 cash prizes. Submissions close at midnight Beijing time on 12 December 2026. International entries are made through the Desall platform, where the award guide can be downloaded in English and Italian.

Prizes at the Better Design Award

The cash prizes are split across three groups:

• Product Grand Awards — 10 prizes of RMB 200,000 each
• Concept Grand Awards — 6 prizes of RMB 100,000 each
• Design for Industry — 10 prizes of RMB 150,000 each

Beyond the cash prizes, the jury selects 200 Product Design Awards and 100 Concept Design Awards, so a much larger group of entrants receives recognition.

Who Can Enter the Better Design Award?

The award is open internationally to industrial designers, design studios, manufacturers and students. Products already on the market compete in the product track; unrealised ideas compete in the concept track. Read the award guide for the exact eligibility rules, including any limits on when products were launched.

Why Enter the Better Design Award?

Free entry is rare among major design awards, and the prize pool is one of the largest in industrial design. For a young studio or a student with a strong concept, there is no entry cost to weigh against the chance of winning. The large number of design awards beyond the cash prizes also raises the odds of some recognition for good work.

Physical Works

The schedule includes a stage for physical works between mid-December 2026 and early January 2027. Shortlisted entrants may need to send a product or prototype, so plan for shipping time and costs, especially if you are outside China. Check the guide for which entries need to send physical work and where it should go.

Preparing a Product Entry

For a product, show it clearly in use and in detail: strong photography, a short explanation of the problem it solves and how it is made, and evidence of its market launch. Judges of industrial design awards look for innovation, function, aesthetics, quality of manufacture and responsibility in materials and production. Explain each of these briefly rather than relying on renderings alone.

Preparing a Concept Entry

A concept needs a convincing story. Explain who it is for, what problem it solves and why the solution is feasible to produce. Use clear renderings, sketches and diagrams, and show that you have thought about materials, manufacturing and use. A concept that could realistically reach the market tends to score better than a purely speculative one.

Design for Industry

The Design for Industry prizes reward design that serves manufacturing and industrial use. If your work is a tool, machine, component or system for professional use, this track may suit it better than a consumer product category.

Before You Submit

Read the award guide in full before you register, as it sets out the categories, required materials and judging stages. Prepare high-resolution images, a concise English description and any documentation of patents or launch dates. Register before 12 December, remembering that the deadline is midnight in Beijing, which is earlier in the day for entrants in Europe and the Americas.

Things to Consider

• Free to enter.
• Deadline in Beijing time (GMT+8).
• Physical works may be needed for shortlisted entries.
• Deadline: 12 December 2026.

Enter the Award

Ready to put your product or concept in front of the jury?

Enter the Better Design Award

The award guide, categories and rules are on the Desall portal for the Better Design Award.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 7, 2026