Take a glance at the most prestigious recognitions in furniture, books and objects
Design is a fundamental part of our daily lives, from the furniture we use to the books we read and the objects we handle.
International design awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, and creativity across various disciplines.
This article explores some of the most prestigious awards in the categories of furniture design, editorial design (books), and object design, as well as the visionary creators behind them.
Furniture Design Awards
Furniture design combines functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, and awards in this field highlight designers who achieve a perfect balance between these elements.
Red Dot Design Award
Established in 1955 in Germany under the original name “Design Innovationen” this award was transformed in 1991 by Peter Zec, who rebranded it as the Red Dot Design Award in 2000.
Zec, an expert in communication and design, developed the “Red Dot” concept as an international symbol of quality in design.
His vision was to create an award that not only recognised excellence but also served as a global platform for innovative designers and companies.
The Red Dot Design Award evaluates innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics, and sustainability.
Winning a Red Dot is a significant achievement that can greatly enhance a designer’s or company’s career.
Good Design Award
Founded by Masaru Katsumie and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Japan.
Launched in 1957 as part of a government initiative to improve the quality of Japan’s industrial products, Masaru Katsumie, a prominent Japanese designer, was a key figure in the award’s creation.
The Good Design Award has become a symbol of design excellence, known as the “G Mark.”
This award seeks to identify and honour products that enhance the quality of life through outstanding design.
Furniture recognised by this award stands out for its usability and ability to integrate seamlessly into everyday environments.
Compasso d’Oro
Founded in 1954 by the Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti, in collaboration with La Rinascente, the Compasso d’Oro is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in industrial design.
Ponti, a key figure in 20th- century design, created this award to highlight excellence in Italian design.
Today, the Compasso d’Oro evaluates the aesthetic, functional, and cultural impact of designs.
Winning a Compasso d’Oro confers the highest distinction within the design community.
Books
Editorial design combines typography, illustration, and graphic design to create visual experiences that enhance written content.
Awards in this category emphasise the importance of design in the perception and enjoyment of books.
British Book Design & Production Awards
Organised by the British Printing Industries Federation, these awards are among the most prestigious in editorial design.
They evaluate the quality of design based on originality, functionality and suitability for the intended market.
This award underscores the crucial role of design in creating attractive and high quality books.
Deutscher Fotobuchpreis
It translates as German Photo Book Award and it celebrates excellence in the publication of Photography books.
This award values both the quality of the photography and the accompanying editorial design, thus creating an object of art in its own right.
Prix du Livre d’Art
It was founded by the Ministry of Culture of France in collaboration with various cultural and literary institutions.
It is celebrated annually at the Salon du Livre in Paris.
Its goal is to recognise the best art book of the year.
This award is particularly relevant for editorials, as it recognises the importance of design in the presentation and communication of visual art.
The winning books are evaluated based on their graphic design, print quality and ability to convey the essence of documented art.
Objets
Object design covers a wide range of products, from kitchen utensils to electronic devices.
International awards in this category recognise pieces that redefine user experiences through creative solutions.
iF Design Award
Founded in 1953 by Die Gute Industrieform e.V. in Hanover, Germany, the iF Design Award was created to promote quality in industrial product design in the post- war period.
The award quickly became a benchmark for excellence in design, focusing on innovation, functionality, and sustainability.
Today, it is one of the most prestigious accolades worldwide.
IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards)
Established in 1980 by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the IDEA Awards highlight innovation, creativity, and the social and environmental impact of object design.
Over the decades, the IDEA have become one of the most respected awards internationally, influencing the evolution of industrial design.
German Design Award
Instituted in 2012 by the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung), it was established in 1953 to support the design industry in Germany.
This award recognises pioneering products in design and innovation.
The German Design Award is distinguished by its focus on sustainability and the cultural relevance of the winning products.
Impact of Design Awards
International design awards play a crucial role in the development and promotion of new trends and standards within the industry.
They not only provide a platform for designers to showcase their work but also guide consumers in identifying high-quality and innovative products.
For designers, winning a prestigious award can mean solidifying their reputation and opening new market opportunities.
In an increasingly globalised world, these recognitions offer a platform for designers from any part of the world to present their work to an international audience.
For companies, being awarded a design prize can translate into greater visibility for their products and a significant competitive advantage.
The distinction provided by these awards can be a decisive factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions, who seek products that are functional, innovative and aesthetically pleasing.
Visionaries of the future
The founders of these international design awards have been visionary in establishing platforms that recognise excellence and innovation for future times.
From Peter Zec and the Red Dot to Gio Ponti and the Compasso d’Oro, these awards not only celebrate talent but also drive the advancement of design on a global scale.
Their legacy continues to define quality and creativity standards in the design industry today.
