The festive season is now over and with it has gone the buffer of Christmas. There is only a couple of short weeks until the 2019 deadline on 24 January.
For more than a decade the award has been elevating the excellent from the ordinary in the field of design.
If you are thinking of submitting an entry, remember: looks aren’t everything. Our judging panel aren’t just deliberating on the aesthetics of a piece. There are eight criteria they use to determine the extraordinary from the everyday.
It’s worth properly considering them before starting your application.
Are the materials appropriate?
The judges will want to know what your piece is made from and the reason behind the selection. Incongruous materials will be noticed and questioned.
Are the materials from sustainable sources?
Lots of companies claim that their products are environmentally friendly, but our judges want to see the evidence. If your piece has genuine green credentials, make sure you specify them.
Does the piece show new thinking?
Excellent design attempts to answer a problem. It champions original thought. The Design Guild Mark judges want to see something new, not rehashed ideas.
Does it represent value?
Everyone has a budget that they work towards, whether they are sourcing a piece for themselves or a company. And for what you spend, you expect value for money. The judges will assess the price of your design and the perceived value of it.
Does it solve a problem?
The maxim ‘form follows function’ is apt when considering this criteria. A product that is all style and no substance might cut it for some, but not for our Design Guild Mark judges.
Is it fit for purpose?
A design needs to be suitable for its designated role. For example, a fabric manufactured for public transport seating needs to be hard wearing. There is no point if it doesn’t meet its intended need.
Does the design have longevity?
Will the piece stand the test of time? There are no restrictions on the time the design was first produced, but it must currently be in production. However, new designs will need to stand out as classics in the making.
Has the design been refined for and is it capable of being produced in volume?
This is one of the most important criteria. The Design Guild Mark is an award for excellence in volume production. You’ll need to show evidence of the piece having sold over 100 pieces, or how it’s been refined for volume. If there is even a shred of evidence to suggest it is more of a bespoke piece, your design won’t pass the bar.
Good luck if you are submitting an application! Make sure you read through your form carefully before sending it off.
