For both Spark Concept and Spark Pro, we have tried to create a very open entry system, for every possible type of design. Thus, we have listed a large number of categories. Sometimes, a design may even fit more than one category. Don't worry about choosing the "best" one when registering. Everything is judged on its merits.
Designs are not judged within a category, but rather, in the context of our Criteria. There are no rigid divisions—categories are listed here so a designer feels that their work is appropriate and welcome. We can have any number of winners—or none in any given area. All depends on the work, and the design sensibility of jury. That's why we work hard to find tough, fair and collegial judges.
If you have a design that you consider one of your true "classics," Spark has a perfect opportunity. We have launched the Spark Classics category. Any design, in any media may be submitted, including designs previously submitted to Spark competitions. Designs must have been created in 2000 or later. Fees, deadlines and terms are the same as the rest of the competition.
DESIGN CATEGORIES ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS Buildings Public Architecture Interior design, living spaces Offices, working spaces Universal access systems Temporary structures Infrastructure, urban planning Arches, bridges, viaducts and gateways Landmarks, symbolic structures, memorials Public spaces, parks, vistas, plazas Pedestrian walkways, amenities Community planning and design
DIGITAL Games Video: interstitials, PSA’s, station ID Digital video effects & animation Web and interactive
BRAND Brand and business strategy and organization
EXPERIENTIAL Exhibition booths and pavilions. Events. Environments. Simulators.
GRAPHIC Identity, logos Print: publishing, advertising or direct mail Corporate and financial Packaging, point of sale Wayfinding, informational kiosks and terminals
PRODUCT Leisure, sports, health and outdoor recreation Industrial and consumer tools and equipment General consumer goods and appliances Kitchen and bath Electronics—telecom, home entertainment, computers, etc. Lighting Jewelry, timepieces. awards, trophies and luxury goods
FURNITURE & OUTDOOR Residential Street furniture and fittings Office/Work
MOBILITY Vehicles Air, marine and space Mass Transit and transportation
MICRO Wire EDM, Circuit, and Nano Tech-- component designs in top-end watches, micro machines and robotics
ADVERTISING Design-driven marketing themes
GREEN Carbon-lowering and environmental EcoDesign
SYSTEM Education, software and data Design Engineering
WORLD-CHANGING Frugal design and design for the other 90% The policies, systems and services needed to design a sustainable existence
MEDICAL Medical devices and related equipment
Note: the Spark categories have been established to provide a helpful way for designers to describe and organize their entry. If the jury feels that an entry would be better served in another, it may move that entry.
