This year's categories include:
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
Projects that put accessibility front and center, whether it's packaging, products, or spaces
APPS AND GAMES
Software and/or digital experiences that run on phones, tablets, consoles, and other platforms
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (NEW)
Systems, platforms, and UIs that leverage algorithms (machine learning and AI) to create media, shape products, and alter behaviors to positively redefine the way we live
AUTOMOTIVE
New cars, features, or products that make the driving experience safer, more pleasant, and more sustainable
BIO DESIGN (NEW)
Products, materials, and spaces that are either created from organic matter or directly inspired by nature
BRANDING
Innovative approaches to creating or growing a brand
CIRCULAR DESIGN
Products, packaging, and built projects designed to eliminate waste and reuse resources and that have a meaningful and demonstrable impact
CRYPTO/ BLOCKCHAIN/ WEB3 (NEW)
The world of innovations based upon blockchain technologies, token-based systems, and the general decentralization of the internet
DATA DESIGN
Projects that harness the power of data to create better experiences for users, whether it’s an algorithm, a visualization, or an interface
DESIGN COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The most innovative design company of the year. Companies will be judged on the quality, breadth, and ambition of their submitted work
ENTERPRISE
Innovative approaches to B2B products and services
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Spaces, systems, or products that deliver an innovative and compelling user experience
EXPERIMENTAL
Concepts, prototypes, and pioneering designs intended to push the boundaries of what’s possible in an industry and excite the imagination
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Products, services, and environments that reflect—and enhance—who we are and what we wear
FINANCE
Banking apps, trading tools, and other products and services that use human-centered design to help people manage their money
GENERAL EXCELLENCE
The most innovative contemporary designs with no specific category restrictions
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Visual design, whether static or interactive, that has social, cultural, or business impact
HEALTH
Products, services, and environments designed to improve people’s health and solve problems in the healthcare industry
HOME
Innovative products, services, and environments for better living
HOSPITALITY
Innovative approaches to buildings, products, or services that are targeted at the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, tourism, and recreation
IMPACT
Any design move, no matter how big or small, that has a major impact
LEARNING
Projects that use human-centered design to engage learners and promote excellence in education
MARKETING
The most creative ads in print and digital, and other media
MATERIALS
Material innovations that lead to greener, better products
PACKAGING
Innovative uses of materials, graphics, and industrial design to solve packaging problems
PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Designs meant to mitigate either the health effects of COVID-19 or the economic effects of lockdowns
PERSONAL FINANCE (NEW)
Banking apps, trading tools, and other products and services that use human-centered design to help people and companies manage their money
PRODUCTS
Hardware and industrial design geared toward mass consumers and niche markets
RAPID RESPONSE
Innovative projects, products, or services that are designed to react quickly to current events
RETAIL
Brand activations, digital platforms, and other retail concepts that bring a company, service, or product to life
SECURITY (NEW)
Physical and digital products that create a safer, more secure world
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Products, services, systems, and platforms that help underserved communities or developing countries
SPACES AND PLACES
Buildings, structures, and interior designs that solve problems in the built environment
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Products, services, and environments designed to elevate the game for athletes, amateurs, or fans
STUDENTS
Innovative design work created while attending either an undergraduate or graduate program, or within a year of graduation
SUSTAINABILITY
Projects that use inventive design to meaningfully reduce harm to the environment
TRANSPORTATION
Projects that dramatically improve how we get around, including apps, public transit and other non-car solutions
URBAN DESIGN
Built projects that improve cities and neighborhoods, including architecture, landscapes, civic design, apps, and platforms
USER EXPERIENCE
Projects that consider a user’s journey, from beginning to end, whether in an app, a physical product, or a brick-and-mortar experience
WELLNESS
Consumer products, services, and environments that to promote a healthy lifestyle
WORKPLACE
Buildings, interiors, furniture, desk accessories, and tools built to make workers happier and more productive
BEST DESIGN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
The most innovative designs overall in the Asia-Pacific region
BEST DESIGN EUROPE-MIDDLE EAST, and AFRICA REGION
The most innovative designs overall in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
BEST DESIGN LATIN AMERICA REGION
The most innovative designs overall in Latin America
BEST DESIGN NORTH AMERICA REGION
The most innovative designs overall in North America
ON THE RISE: 0-4 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business less than 4 years
ESTABLISHED EXCELLENCE: 5-14 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business between 5 and 14 years
ENDURING IMPACT: 15+ YEARS IN BUSINESS
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business 15 years or more.
SMALL AND MIGHTY
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have fewer than 100 employees
MID-SIZE MERIT
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have between 100 and 999 employees
See last year's winners and finalists.
Have any questions or concerns? Email us at ibdawards@fastcompany.com
Click the following to apply to 2023 Innovation by Design