Delivering the "Now" of the GOOD DESIGN AWARD
The thoughts that go into the application for the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, The thoughts that go into the judging of the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, Various thoughts intersect and connect The process of exploring "GOOD DESIGN" will be delivered to you.
The First Screening for GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2025 has started! The results are announced on July 1
2025.07.01
A four–month–long GOOD DESIGN AWARD screening began on June 4! In the first screening (paper screening), the First Screening Session of about 100 judges active in Japan and overseas was held on June 23, and entries selected for the second screening were decided.
In the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, groups called “screening units” are created for each field of design. Each unit is made up of four or five judges, who carefully screen the entries in their charge.
The interior space category was newly added this year. There are 20 units in total. Through the screening, the judges were addressing questions such as “Is it appropriate for this screening unit?” and “How should we evaluate the public nature?” And they discussed each entry, checking the website of each entry and award-winning objects in the past.
The judges conduct the screening with five ideals and four screening perspectives in mind.
How is the first screening performed?
The first screening is based on the information registered on the entry site. The judges vote in advance online. At the First Screening Session, they engage in discussion based on the results. At the session, they review the contents of each entry, and decide which designs pass the first screening by consensus, not by majority rule.
This year, 12 new judges were added. In addition, two in-house designers have participated every year since two years ago. Efforts are constantly being made to incorporate new perspectives. A system is being put in place to ensure that the screening is conducted from more objective and diverse perspectives.
Also this year, one intern from a design university or graduate school nationwide participated in each unit in the first screening. They supported the screening process, which was a valuable opportunity to learn about ideas of designers and experts active on the front line.
Judges from overseas participated in the newly established interior space unit. There were many languages in the room. The judges got up from their chairs and had an enthusiastic discussion. It was a lively screening scene where diverse and global perspectives intersected.
Widening perspectives of screening and cross-unit dialogue
Mr. Seiichi Saito, Chairperson, once again explained that this year’s theme “A Small Step, Design Leaps” would support judges when they were lost in the screening. He also said, “I would like the chair, vice chair, and judges to promote dialogue across the units and defy the boundaries of units.” He talked about the possibility of creating a deeper and richer understanding through discussion by bringing together various expertise and viewpoints.
Messages from the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are here
The first screening results are announced on July 1
Applicants are notified of the results of the first screening on July 1. Those who have passed the first screening will start registering information for the second screening. And the preparation for the Second Screening Panel at Makuhari Messe will begin in earnest!
At Makuhari Messe, the screening will take place over three days. Judges examine the objects, panels, and materials on display, touch the actual objects, and actually use them. Please see the GOOD DESIGN AWARD official website for a detailed schedule and subsequent process.
Chieko Asakura
Writing
While working at a bookstore, she creates books and videos. She participated in Tokyo Art Book Fair (TABF) 2024. She is also active as an actor, participating in the theater company chelfitsch’s Five Days in March Re-creation and Metamorphosis of a Living Room.
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