The iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and sustainability, showcasing the very best in global design. This prestigious award, which has long been a benchmark for excellence in the field, placed a strong emphasis on five key judging criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation, and sustainability. Over three dynamic days in December 2024, a panel of design experts gathered at Schuppen 52 in Hamburg, Germany, to meticulously evaluate the finalists. This final judging stage followed an extensive Online Preselection process, where nearly 11,000 entries from around the world were narrowed down to the top 50 percent. Each product, project, and concept was carefully examined and debated by a panel of three design experts, ensuring that only the most outstanding works made it to the final round.
The iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 was open to submissions across nine diverse disciplines, including Product Design, Communication Design, Packaging and Service Design, Architecture and Interior Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and Professional Concept. This broad range of categories reflects the award’s commitment to recognizing innovation across all areas of design. The judging process was not only rigorous but also collaborative, with a special focus on sustainability. For the first time, the iF Sustainability Working Group played a central role in the evaluation process, ensuring that ecological and social sustainability were integral to the decision-making. This partnership allowed the jurors to assess each submission more comprehensively, taking into account both its creative merit and its environmental and social impact. The result was a more informed and forward-thinking selection of winners.
This year’s award highlighted the dynamic interplay between design, technology, and societal trends. According to Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF Design, the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 reflects the latest developments in the design world, with sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as key themes across nearly all disciplines. Cremering praised the jurors for their dedication and expertise, as well as the sustainability experts who worked tirelessly to integrate environmental and social considerations into the evaluation process. With nearly 11,000 submissions from 66 nations and 131 jurors from 23 countries, the award truly represented a global celebration of design excellence. In total, 2,211 entries were selected as winners, hailing from 50 countries, with 75 designs receiving the highly coveted iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 Gold award.
The iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of design excellence. On April 28, 2025, the grand stage of Berlin’s iconic Friedrichstadt-Palast will host 2,000 guests, all gathered to honor the outstanding winners of this year’s award. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 75 iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 Gold awards, with each winner receiving a coveted gold sculpture from Uwe Cremering. This moment will symbolize the pinnacle of design achievement, recognizing the creativity, innovation, and sustainability of the winning entries. The event promises to be a night of inspiration, celebration, and connection, bringing together design enthusiasts, industry leaders, and visionaries from around the world.
The following day, on April 29, 2025, the iF Design Trend Conference 2025 will take place at AXICA, a stunning architectural landmark near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Under the theme “How can design help shape the transformation to a future worth living?”, the conference will explore the role of design in driving meaningful change and creating a better future for all. Renowned speakers from the design and industry worlds will share their insights on global and interdisciplinary design trends, offering a glimpse into the future of the field. Attendees will not only gain valuable knowledge but also receive the iF Design Trend Report 2025, a comprehensive guide to the key ideas and directions shaping the future of design. This event will serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring attendees to think creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
In summary, the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 was a testament to the power of design to inspire, innovate, and transform. From the rigorous judging process to the star-studded award night and forward-thinking conference, this year’s event was a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and excellence. With its global reach, diverse categories, and strong focus on sustainability, the iF DESIGN AWARD continues to set the standard for design excellence, shaping the future of the industry and encouraging designers to think boldly about the challenges of tomorrow. Whether you’re a designer, industry leader, or simply a design enthusiast, the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 was an event to remember, offering inspiration, insights, and a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
