Categories
From fashion and accessories to consumer electronics and vehicles, household appliances and furniture – you can choose from 52 different categories when taking part in the Red Dot Award: Product Design.
In addition to the traditional product groups, you can also enter your product in the metacategories “Sustainable Design” and “Innovative Design”.
Winners‘ Benefits
Visibility, valuable industry contacts and moments to celebrate with the entire team – winners in the Red Dot Award: Product Design can look forward to the following benefits:
Global visibility for your product and your brand across different sectors
Positioning as a design-oriented company and an enhanced image
Content for your corporate communications
Access to an international community of designers, manufacturers and potential customers
Global perception as an attractive employer
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Distinctions
Two different distinctions are awarded as part of the Red Dot Award: Product Design. The Red Dot: Best of the Best is the highest distinction in the competition and is awarded to pioneering designs. The Red Dot is awarded for high design quality.
Taking part, dates, deadlines and costs
Register in just a few steps via the My Red Dot portal. All important information on the terms and conditions of participation, the registration process, deadlines, and costs can be found here.
Award ceremony
On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, a glamorous evening awaits you at the Aalto Theatre in Essen. The winners of the Red Dot: Best of the Best will receive their trophy from Professor Dr Peter Zec and a juror on the stage of the Aalto Theatre. The award ceremony will be accompanied by a varied stage programme. The Designers' Night will transform the evening at the Red Dot Design Museum into a festive event. It also marks the start of the exhibition opening, where you will have the opportunity to see the award-winning products.
Red Dot: Design Team of the Year
Each year, the honorary title “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year” is used to recognise a design team that has proved itself through its consistently innovative, top-class design achievements. These designers have set new standards in their industry. No company or designer can compete to win this title. You can find all the award winners in our Hall of Fame.
Young Professionals Application Day
On 19 November 2025, trained designers who have graduated within the past five years have the chance to enter a draw for one of 50 free registration places. In addition to taking part in the competition, career starters who win an award benefit from extensive free measures to communicate their success to a global audience.
Anna Maria Sand Jensen took part in the Young Professional Application Day.
The Unwasted tile collection impressed the Red Dot Jury and was awarded a Red Dot.
Red Dot Jury
Informed by the motto “In search of good design and innovation”, the Red Dot Jury assesses the design quality of the entries and decides on the Red Dot distinctions to be awarded. Around 40 international experts from different specialist areas test, discuss and assess each product individually. Criteria that play a role here include the level of innovation, functionality and longevity.
David AndersenProf. Masayo AveOmri Bar-ZeevMartin BeehArch. Luisa BocchiettoGordon BruceGisbert L. BrunnerRüdiger BucherEstelle BurtonChi-Yi ChangVivian Wai-kwan ChengProf. Wan-Ru ChouSilvia D’AlesioMartin DarbyshireAudrone DrungilaiteRobin EdmanProf. Lutz FügenerNorio FujikawaVenia GiotaHideshi HamaguchiProf. Renke HeJulian HergetSimon HussleinProf. Steffi HußleinGuto Indio da CostaBenjamin KochAnnette LangJun LiQin LiJoe LinSusanne LippitschUwe MelicharNina MihovecProf. Jure MiklavcProf. Dr. Ken NahKen OkuyamaPierre-Yves PanisHon. Prof. Dr. Sascha PetersDirk SchumannProf. Song Kee HongKazuo TanakaAleks TaticProf. Danny Venlet
FAQ
How can I register my product for the Red Dot Award: Product Design?You can use the My Red Dot portal to register for the Red Dot Award: Product Design and complete the entry forms. You will also find a list of your entries as well as all documents needed for taking part in the competition there. You can interrupt the registration at any time and continue it at a later stage.
What is a metacategory and how is it different from the normal categories?Metacategories are superordinate categories of the traditional categories. Currently, you can enter your products in the metacategories “Sustainable Design” or “Innovative Design”.
There is a more specific focus for assessment in the metacategories. During the jury session, products registered in these groups are first assessed holistically and then evaluated in a second walkthrough with more specific aspects in mind. While the focus of sustainable designs is on durability, adaptability, and material and energy efficiency, innovative designs, on the other hand, are evaluated by experts based on their degree of innovation. This can be reflected in technical optimisations as well as reimagined forms, new materials or a revolutionary approach to use.
If your product wins an award, you receive an individualised Red Dot winner label that clearly communicates the focus of the distinction.
When will I receive my result?You will receive an e-mail at the beginning of April 2026.
What costs are incurred if my product wins an award?If you win an award, you must order the Winner Package. You will find an overview of the costs here.
We have summarised other frequently asked questions about the Red Dot Award: Product Design here for quick reference.
ContactDo you have questions?Red Dot TeamRed Dot Award: Product DesignWe look forward to providing you with comprehensive advice.E-Mail: pd(at)red-dot.deTel.: +49 201 838885–45 You don't want to miss any more deadlines? Subscribe to our Red Dot Updates. An overview of all contact persons of the Red Dot Design Award can be found here.