Designing for Humanity.
Celebrating Innovation.
Join the global movement that recognizes innovative and inspiring designs for products, services, and experiences that put people first.
Why Human-Centered Design
This award celebrates solutions that put people first—designs that inspire, uplift, and create meaningful progress for individuals and communities. From enhancing everyday experiences to shaping systems for the greater good, the Award recognizes those who design with purpose and empathy.
Key Benefits
Gain recognition from leading Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Design experts.
Showcase your work on an international stage for advancing Human-Centered Design.
Celebrate and highlight the achievements of your design teams.
Strengthen organizational visibility in business, design, and human factors communities.
Demonstrate your commitment to Human-Centered Design and Ergonomics.
Connect with companies, the design industry, research institutions, and emerging talents.
Entry Requirements
The Awards are open to solutions from all industries and fields of application.
At the time of submission, the market launch—or the start of the development process—must not date back more than two years.
Eligible participants include corporations, companies, consultancies, institutions, organizations, labs, and design professionals worldwide. There is no limit to the number of entries per category.
Submissions may include products, services, and experiential environments that are already on the market or scheduled for launch within one year of the entry date.
Design Award Timeline
Submission Deadlines and Announcements
Activity
Date
Activity
Registration and submission via the participant portal.
Nov 2025 – Mar 2026
Winner Notification (1st Award Stage)
Review of all submissions by the jury, selection of a limited number of Award winners.
Apr 2026
Winner Announcement
Public announcement of the winners, launch of online exhibition.
May 2026
PR Campaign Nominees
Mixed-media campaign on social media
Jun – Jul 2026
Gold Winner Announcement
Announcement of Gold winners, highlighted presentation in the online exhibition.
Aug 2026
PR campaign Winners
Mixed-media campaign in social media and online, bespoke events.
Aug-Sep 2026
Awards and Categories
First Award Stage
All submissions are reviewed by the jury. Selected projects will be shortlisted as winners and proceed to the second stage.
Second Award Stage – Winners
In the second award stage, all entries will compete for the HCD Gold Award.
HCD Award
All shortlisted entries will receive the HCD Award, recognizing their excellence in Human-Centered Design.
HCD Award
All shortlisted entries will receive the HCD Award, recognizing their excellence in Human-Centered Design.
The granting of HCD Gold and HCD Awards is based on a detailed review against the jury’s criteria. For each competition, the jury determines how many projects are awarded.
Awarded entries will benefit from extensive PR campaigns and long-term visibility in the online exhibition.
Fees & Membership
Take advantage of our exclusive launch discounts and enjoy additional benefits when you sign up early!
Registration Fees
Early Bird Rates
SGD 250
SGD 100
Fees after Launch Discount
Regular Rates
SGD 350
SGD 200
Fees after Launch Discount
*Upon joining, participants will automatically receive an offer for Corporate membership.
Finalist Fees
For Entries Qualified for Final Jury
SGD 3,000
Key Activities
Open Call
Participants must successfully register, create their profile in the HCDA website, and submit their proposed design.
1st Screening & Selection of Winners
The judge's panel will evaluate all entries and select the winners of the 1st screening stage. Winning entries will proceed to the 2nd screening.
Announcement of Winners
Entries shortlisted during the 1st screening will be announced publicly as winners of the HCD Award, with their work to be published in the website Gallery. Winning entries will proceed to the 2nd screening stage.
2nd Screening & Selection of Gold Winner
Judges will select the Gold Award Winner from the shortlisted entries. The top entry will be highlighted among the gallery entries and announced publicly.
Human-Centered Design Award
Winner’s Benefits
HCDA Gold Winner
HCDA Winner
Winner’s Interview
Dedicated Social Media Post
List in Website Gallery
Winner Certificate
Winner Mark
Judging Criteria
The HCD Awards follow a rigorous multi-stage judging process.
The Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Singapore (HFESS) appoints jury members based on their expertise, knowledge, and experience across design and user experience.
With their extensive professional backgrounds, the independent experts ensure a fair evaluation of all submissions and uphold the highest standards of the competition.
Make A Mark in the History of Human-Centered Design.
With their extensive professional backgrounds, the independent experts ensure a fair evaluation of all submissions and uphold the highest standards of the competition.
Judging Criteria
The Human-Centered Design Award logo embodies the principle of placing people at the heart of design.
The stylized human figure at the center of the circle represents how innovation begins with human needs, aspirations, and experiences.
The circular form symbolizes unity and inclusiveness. The orange color conveys energy, warmth, and creativity, symbolizing optimism and the drive to design with empathy and purpose.
The logo reflects the commitment to human-centered design as a foundation for meaningful progress.