The global design community is once again turning its attention toward the intersection of visual storytelling, functional utility, and cultural impact. The prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition has officially launched its latest international call for entries, inviting forward-thinking creatives, studios, and agencies from around the world to submit their most innovative work ahead of the upcoming February 28 deadline. As the international design sphere eagerly anticipates the official announcement of the 2027 victors on May 1st, prominent cultural platforms like designboom are looking back at a curated selection of standout winners from previous cycles, specifically celebrating excellence in graphic design, packaging innovation, and social design.
Dedicated to advancing creative innovation across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, the A’ Design Award fosters a widespread, global appreciation for design that actively shapes contemporary culture. The selected projects from the competition’s recent showcases demonstrate how modern visual communication can transcend traditional boundaries. By merging striking aesthetics with functional utility and community-driven solutions, these awarded works deliver meaningful impact and fundamentally transform everyday consumer touchpoints. For contemporary creatives looking to leave their mark, the competition offers a vital platform where boundary-pushing ideas are evaluated not just for how they look, but for how they solve real-world problems and enrich human experience.
At the heart of these achievements are visionary creators whose works exemplify the highest standards of the profession. Among the celebrated honorees in the graphics, illustration, and visual communication design category is the striking "Guangzhou Academy of Arts" project by Shi Chun Sheng, which earned a coveted Gold award for its sophisticated visual execution and cultural resonance. Similarly, Paul Robb captured a Gold award in the same category for "Aisling Sans," a meticulous typeface project that showcases the profound depth achievable through modern typography.
The breadth of talent recognized by the international jury extends across multiple tiers of achievement. In the realm of visual communication, Jiayi Lu was honored with a Bronze award for the evocative "Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre" branding, while Usee Advertising Company secured a Silver award for "Time Slide." Brazil-based designer Jesmynny Morais also earned a Silver award in graphic design for the vibrant "Orla 55" project. Meanwhile, corporate and brand identities made a strong showing, highlighted by Tomohiro Kaji’s Gold-winning "Dotline Corporate Identity," which impressed the jury with its sleek, cohesive application across various touchpoints.
The competition’s commitment to meaningful solutions is further embodied by projects that address social needs and community engagement. Earning a Gold award in the Social Design category, the "Pocket Spaces Social Playbook" by Lee Ngai Man—developed in collaboration with a talented team including Pak Hei Wang, Hiu Man Chiu, Julytha Nga Suet Ho, and Kai Yin Lin—demonstrates how graphic formats and playbooks can be leveraged to activate public spaces and foster social cohesion. In the realm of product and hobby design, Efsane Selin Erdogan received a Bronze award for "Dreams," a beautifully crafted set of playing cards evaluated under the toys, games, and hobby products design category.
The rich tapestry of winning entries continues with works that blend traditional motifs with contemporary sensibilities. The intricate project titled "Hua Shanday," created by the collaborative team of Chen Zilong, Huang Yan, and Zhu Xuguan, secured a Bronze award in visual communication design. Lisa Winstanley earned a Silver award for "Devil," while Paul Robb expanded his design footprint by taking home a Bronze award for another typography project, "Lubea Serif." Bruno Oro was similarly recognized with a Bronze award for "Designable," a universal design toolkit that underscores the practical, inclusive potential of graphic design methodologies.
Packaging design also emerged as a critical arena for innovation during the recent award cycles. Bongran Zhao captured a Bronze award in the packaging design category for "Horse Year," a project that reinterprets cultural heritage through inventive structural and visual packaging. This was complemented by other notable graphics and illustration entries such as "New Chinese Style" by Pan HS, Zhong MM, and Wang Xh, and "94Hilook" by Eason Liu and Elvis ku, both of which received Bronze accolades. Rui Deng was similarly awarded Bronze for the "Jiangnan Collection," while Paul Robb secured another Bronze award for "Paraid Sans."
Further cementing the global reach of the competition, Zhou Jingkuan earned a Silver award in packaging design for "Tao Hua Ji," showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and narrative depth. In the visual communication sphere, Ibrahim Badri of Tellart was honored with a Silver award for "Hued," a compelling project that explores color and perception. Additionally, the collaborative team of Zhu Jinliang, Han Lu, and Lin Huangshan received a Bronze award in packaging design for "Innovate Depict Inspire," rounding out a diverse and inspiring group of recognized talents.
Spanning more than 100 distinct categories, the A’ Design Award and Competition serves as a comprehensive global stage for creative fields far beyond graphics and packaging. The competition regularly evaluates exceptional entries across Industrial Design, Architecture, Product Design, and Fashion Design, among many others. Every submission is rigorously assessed by an influential international jury composed of seasoned industry experts, academic scholars, prominent press representatives, and forward-looking business leaders. This diverse panel ensures that winning projects demonstrate exceptional standards of design execution, conceptual originality, and genuine purpose.
For those who earn a place among the victors, the recognition is accompanied by the comprehensive A’ Design Prize. This extensive award package is designed to provide winners with maximum international exposure and professional validation. It includes an official certificate, a physical winner’s trophy, permanent inclusion in the annual edition yearbook, and extensive press outreach designed to spotlight the creators across global media networks. Furthermore, victors receive the exclusive winner logo license and are invited to participate in the prestigious global exhibition and celebratory gala ceremony held annually in Italy, offering a unique networking environment for the world’s top design talent.
As the international design community looks toward the future, submissions for the 2027 award cycle are officially open. Creatives from every design discipline—ranging from architecture and interior environments to visual identity, packaging, and industrial products—are invited to submit their visionary projects and engage with a global audience of peers, critics, and industry leaders.
