IN:SENSE Design Award 2027

The IN:SENSE Design Award is an international competition for sensory design: work that engages sound, touch, smell, space and the body as well as sight. Its 2027 edition has four categories, covering products, spaces, interactive and AI systems, and art and research. Student and general entries are judged separately. Early-bird entry runs until 15 November 2026, and the final deadline is 31 January 2027.

The award is organised by the International Sensory Design Association and AUDIAS, a company based in Seoul. Note that, besides the entry fee, finalists and winners pay further fees (see below).

Categories

• Object & Sensation: products, devices, wearables, packaging and furniture where sensation is a core design intent
• Space & Environment: architecture, interiors, soundscapes, scent design, installations and therapeutic spaces
• Interaction & AI: interactive installations, haptic or audio UX, AR and VR, voice interfaces and adaptive sensory systems
• Art & Research: art, illustration, animation, performance, speculative concepts, theses and research

Who Can Enter the IN:SENSE Design Award?

Designers, artists, researchers, architects, technologists, students, teams, brands and organisations from anywhere. Students need proof of enrolment for reduced fees. The award may interest:

• Product and industrial designers working with sound, touch or scent
• Interior and exhibition designers
• UX, sound and interaction designers
• Design students and researchers in multisensory design

Fees

• Entry fee: $45 early bird or $90 regular per entry; students $20 or $40
• Finalist review fee: $200; students $130
• Winner package: $80; students $40

Entry fees are refundable within three days of payment if screening has not started. Finalist and winner fees are non-refundable once invoiced. Read the terms carefully before entering, as the total cost for a winning entry is higher than the entry fee alone.

What Do Winners Receive?

Winners and selected works receive certificates, a place in the online winner gallery and exhibition, the winner package and possible priority invitations to future ceremonies, workshops and showcases. No cash prizes are listed.

Judging Criteria

The jury looks at five criteria: sensory experience, idea and innovation, human relevance, design quality and execution, and impact and potential. Using more senses does not raise your score; what matters is how meaningfully the sensory elements serve the experience.

Submission Requirements

Upload one to four JPG or PDF files of up to 5 MB each (16:9 JPGs at 3840 × 2160 recommended), with optional MP3 audio files, supporting documents and a YouTube link. Choose one category and complete the online form.

Tips for Entering

Because the senses beyond sight are hard to show on screen, use audio files, video and clear diagrams to explain how your work feels and sounds. Describe the user's experience step by step. Compare the total cost, including finalist and winner fees, with the visibility you expect before entering.

What Is Sensory Design?

Sensory design treats every sense as design material. A product can be recognised by the click of its button or the texture of its handle; a space can feel calm because of its acoustics, scent and temperature; an interface can guide users through sound or vibration as well as screens. It matters especially for accessibility, since people with visual or hearing impairments rely on other senses, and for wellbeing in places such as hospitals and care homes.

Things to Consider

• Further fees for finalists and winners.
• No cash prizes.
• Separate judging for students.
• Deadline: 31 January 2027.

Enter the Award

Want to enter your sensory design work?

Enter the IN:SENSE Design Award

Categories, fees and terms are on the official website.

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

Last verified: November 2, 2026