According to the awards, winners can use the Red Dot 'seal of quality' on all channels in order to communicate their design strength effectively at an international level.

Applicants can use the Digital Solutions category to enter their digital solutions (whether newly developed or repurposed) that contribute to further development.

Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot, says, "We consider optimisation of utility an important criterion for quality in design. This is particularly true of the design of digital applications and processes."

For example, applicants use can promote communication and interaction, says the awards. Alongside the new category, participants in the Red Dot Award can enter their communication design works in 17 other categories in the Communication Design section. These include:
  • Corporate Design and Identity
  • Packaging Design
  • Illustrations, and
  • Film and Animation. 
In the Brands section, companies in the manufacturing and service industries can submit their integrated brand designs for evaluation. Companies from all sectors are invited to take part in the Automotive, Cosmetics, Outdoor and Watches categories.

Students and young professionals are also encouraged to put their design abilities to the test. The best project entered by an up-and-coming designer will receive the Red Dot: Junior Prize, as well as prize money.

The works and brands entered in the competition will be assessed by the Red Dot jury, comprising roughly 25 members. They only award projects that win them over through good design performance.

The registration phases are as follows:
  • Early Bird: Monday, 22 March to Tuesday, 20 April
  • Regular: Wednesday, 21 April to Tuesday, 8 June
  • Latecomer: Wednesday, 9 June to Friday, 25 June
For further information, visit www.red-dot.org