NEW CONCEPT DESIGN DISCIPLINE ANNOUNCED
- Published on: 12 March 2025
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Every breakthrough begins with a bold idea – one that challenges conventions and dares to shape the future. This is the essence of the new Concept Design discipline.
New for 2025, we’re excited to introduce the new Concept Design discipline, which aims to recognise the pivotal role innovative ideas play in driving progress. This new discipline celebrates the innovators and creators that push boundaries and explore new possibilities in design, technology, materials, and user experiences.
Enter now and put your design concept on the world stage!
A SPACE FOR GAME-CHANGING IDEAS
Concept Design welcomes early-stage concepts from concept cars and pre-production projects to forward-thinking designs across all fields.
“We’re excited to spotlight innovators who are challenging the status quo, with ideas that blend form, function, and feasibility to create lasting, meaningful impact across industries,” said Rachel Wye, Managing Director of Good Design Australia.
“Design thinking should be thoroughly researched, carefully structured, and should demonstrate a high level of rigour and attention to detail.”
“We want to explore whether these concepts, if realised, have the potential to work in the real world – are they actually feasible, do they have potential to set a new standard and will they inspire progress,” she added.
Good Design Australia is excited to highlight concepts that demonstrate vision – from leveraging new materials and technologies, to employing new approaches that help address global issues. Concepts should not only be sustainable but also scalable, with the potential to inspire change and shape future markets.
The Jury will be looking for concepts that set the benchmark for creativity and innovation and have the potential to make a tangible positive impact.
Entrants will also have the opportunity to mark which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), align with their project, highlighting where the concept aims to have impact.
“It’s about more than just creative ideas. It’s about getting designers to use their skillsets to start tackling real-world challenges with solutions that can create positive change for people, place and planet,” Ms Wye added.
[REVR, 2024 Next Gen Gold Winner]
THE POWER OF CONCEPT DESIGN
Think of some of the world’s most transformative innovations – electric vehicles, biodegradable packaging, AI-driven healthcare. Each one began as a concept. Concept Design is the first step in bringing these ideas to life, and provides designers an opportunity to dream big and generate ideas that eventually evolve into solutions that could change industries.
“At the core of great concept design is the willingness to experiment, take risks, and push the boundaries of possibility. It’s about asking, ‘What if?’ and dreaming big,” said Rachel.
“This category is for those who don’t just imagine the future – they actually create it.”
[Crysosack: Independent Hospital in the Home Recovery. 2024 Next Gen Gold Winner]
WHAT MAKES A GOOD DESIGN CONCEPT?
Judging will focus on four key areas:
- Good Design – The concept’s form, function, feasibility and safety. Is the concept design well-researched? Does it have potential for development?
- Design Innovation – The extent to which the concept challenges traditional thinking, explores new materials or technologies, and sets new benchmarks in creativity, user experience, or industry practice?
- Design Impact – Its potential to drive change, inspire industries, and create impact.
Click here to view full evaluation criteria.
[Cadence: Assistive Wearable for Parkinson’s Disease, 2024 Next Gen Award Winner]
LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THE FUTURE
The Australian Good Design Awards offer a platform for transformative ideas that redefine how we live, work, and interact. Recognition is a chance to gain exposure, credibility, and support from industry leaders. Your concept could attract investment, forge collaborations, and inspire future advancements.
“At Good Design Australia, we believe design is a catalyst for change. It’s a force that shapes the future. The Concept Design discipline embodies this vision, recognising bold ideas that defy constraints and open the door to better solutions,” concluded Rachel Wye.
If you have a concept or pre-production project that deserves recognition, start your project now.
Concept Design welcomes entries from individuals and companies from around the world. There is no age restriction to enter.
