Idea Design 2026 - Call for Entries: UDA International Design Competition | 8/20/2026

Idea Design 2026 – Call for Entries: UDA International Design Competition | 8/20/2026

Posted by: Ping

The Ideas Design Competition encourages designers to address major challenges through innovative solutions that prioritize effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and harmony. Participants are encouraged to apply design thinking to critical issues such as sustainability through circular design, accessibility for diverse communities, and improved urban living through smart technologies. Potential solutions may include adaptive modular systems, accessible tools, and cultural preservation initiatives that use technology to connect traditional practices with contemporary approaches. From climate resilience and ethical technology to education reform, the competition provides a platform for transforming complex challenges into meaningful, purposeful, and functional design solutions that can make a positive impact on society.

https://uniteddesigns.org/idea-design-2026

HONORARY JURORS
UDA invited nationally and internationally distinguished designers and educators to be the jurors of the UDA Annual International Design Competitions. Visit uniteddesigns.org to see our list of jurors.

IDEA DESIGN LAYOUT PREPARATION
All design projects must be laid out following the provided layout sample.
The layout must contain copies of the title, problem, idea, solution, and images explaining the process and final design.

DESIGN AND SUBMISSION SPECIFICATION
Please follow this design specification. If you do not, we cannot guarantee your submission. Furthermore, you can only submit bitmap images (A3-size: 11.7″X16.5″ JPEG with CMYK 300 DPI resolution), not vector images.
Step 1. You must use the following method for naming your files (JPEG file & MS Excel file):
Filename: Your Status (Designer or Student)_FirstName LastName_Title
Example: DES_John Doe_Milk or STU_John Doe_Milk
Step 2. Must save your file as a JPEG file (A3 size in horizontal format, CMYK, 300 DPI) with ‘Image Options: Quality: 12 Maximum’ and ‘Format Options: Baseline (“Standard”)’
Step 3. Submit your design (JPG file) and Entry Form (MS Excel file) via email to applyuda@gmail.com.
Step 4. Send your submission fee to your PayPal account:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/udalliance. Please make sure you have the correct name and address.

SUBMISSION FEE
Professional Designers
– Single Entry: $20 USD
– Multiple Entries (Max 5) from one designer: $60 USD
Design Students
– Single Entry: $10 USD
– Multiple Entries (Max 5) from one student: $30 USD
– If a student’s instructor is a UDA member, a student can submit up to three entrees for free. SO you can subit three works for free if your works were created in my classes.

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026

Award Announcement: Monday, November 30, 2026
UDA will announce all awarded designs at www.uniteddesigns.org.
Please download the entry form here

AWARD CERTIFICATE & PUBLICATION
All winners receive an Award Certificate via email.
All winners are permanent collections of the UDA archive.

Mock-up Templates