Call for Entries
UDA Annual Int’l Design Competition 2026
Submit before Monday, October 26
Award Announcement on Monday, November 30
The Ideas Design Competition encourages designers to tackle major challenges with innovative solutions that focus on effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and harmony. Participants can use design thinking to address critical issues such as sustainability through circular design, accessibility for diverse groups, and the enhancement of urban living environments through the integration of smart technologies. Potential solutions include adaptive modular systems, accessible tools, and cultural preservation efforts that utilize technology to connect traditional and modern practices. Whether dealing with climate resilience, ethical technology, or education reform, the competition provides a platform to turn complex problems into meaningful solutions that are purposeful, functional, and carefully crafted, ultimately aiming to make a positive impact on society.
HONORARY JURORS
UDA invited nationally and internationally distinguished designers to serve as jurors for 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 include copies of the title, problem, idea, solution, and images that explain the process and the 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 JPEGs with CMYK at 300 DPI).
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 (PDF 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: us$40
– Multiple Entries (Max 3) from one designer: us$60
Design Students
– Single Entry: US$20
– Multiple Entries (Max 3) from one student: US$30
– If a student’s instructor is a UDA member, the student can submit up to three entrees for free.
DEADLINES
Submission Deadline: Monday, October 26
Award Announcement: Monday, November 30
UDA will announce all awarded designs at www.uniteddesigns.org.
AWARD CERTIFICATE & PUBLICATION
All winners receive an Award Certificate via email.
All winners are added to the UDA archive as permanent collections.
Copyright: The entrant will be responsible for all the entry’s copyright matters. All designs will become part of the United Designs Alliance Collection. The United Designs Alliance reserves the right to use all entrants’ information and the right to publish, exhibit, or reproduce all designs entered for the competition.
