The Design Exchange Awards promote Canadian design excellence and recognizes the critical role of design in all types of organizations including commercial entities (large and small businesses), not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. The Awards celebrate the success stories achieved through close partnerships between clients and designers. The DXAs are Canada’s only award program to judge design by results, balancing function, aesthetics, and economic success.

Important Dates

2010 Call for Submissons: MAY 2010
2010 Earlybird Submission Deadline: JULY 20, 2010
2010 Submission Deadline: SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

These Awards are Designed to

• Expand national understanding of design as an essential resource
• Demonstrate that investment in design impacts overall business success
• Celebrate effectiveness in all design disciplines
• Highlight the critical role of design in enhancing quality of life
• Reinforce the value of strong client/designer partnerships
• Promote the critical role of design in sustainability

A jury of leading business executives, designers and community leaders will select a Gold, Silver, Bronze and two Honourable Mentions in each of the twelve categories.

Designers from all disciplines and/or businesses operating in Canada are eligible to submit entries. Project entries may be built or manufactured in other countries - as long as the design team is Canadian.

Projects must have been completed between August 2008 and August 2010. Products must be in production.

You may submit as many entries as you wish in the categories outlined. However, you must complete a separate registration form and pay the registration fee for each entry. If a project falls into more than one applicable category, we encourage you to apply to the category best suited to your submission.

Project Criteria

You may want to address some or all of the following in your project description.

1. Function
Performance of the design solution in relation to stated objectives and user needs.

2. Profitability
Including positive financial returns, strengthening of corporate brand positioning, relationship building, cost reduction, enhancing employee satisfaction and/or improving operational efficiencies.

3. Aesthetics
Alignment of all elements in the design solution for maximum physical, intellectual and emotional appeal.

4. Innovation
Ability to apply new thinking, new methods and/or new technologies to address a specific challenge or opportunity. Ability to show added value to the profession.

5. Accesibility andSuCCESSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Design that makes daily life easier, safer, more comfortable and more affordable for everyone regardless of age, size, background or ability; surpasses code compliance to current legislation. Also minimal impact on the environment, reduces resources, minimizes waste, energy resource efficiency, surpasses conformance to current legislation and promotes knowledge & positive behaviours concerning environmental & social responsibilities.

Categories

ARCHITECTURE – COMMERCIAL
Public and corporate structures

ARCHITECTURE – RESIDENTIAL
Private residences

ENGINEERING
Building Technology, Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer (including software), Environmental, Mechanical, Product, Structural, Transportation, New Materials

APPAREL/FASHION DESIGN
Textiles, Footwear, Jewelry and Accessories, Uniforms, Outerwear, Safety Gear, etc.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Industrial products produced for industry and/or consumer products available to the public

INTERIOR DESIGN – COMMERCIAL
Retail, public and corporate interiors

INTERIOR DESIGN – RESIDENTIAL
Private interiors

INTERIOR DESIGN – TEMPORARY or PORTABLE
Set, Theatre, Exhibit, Showrooms and model suites

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Commercial, residential and public landscapes

URBAN DESIGN
Streetscapes, Infrastructure projects, Master plans, Interventions

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS: BRAND and IDENTITY
Marketing, Way-finding, Package, Corporate identity, etc.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS: CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND EDITORIAL
Brochures, Newspapers, Publishing, Interactive media, Websites, etc.

Special Award (by Nomination)
CANADIAN COMPANY OR CEO WITH THE BEST DESIGN STRATEGY
The CEO with the Best Design Strategy will be the leader of an organization that uses design and innovation as a major component of its business strategy. Please contact rosa@dx.org if you have any questions about registration/submissions.

Submitting:

I. Ensure that your project fits in the Eligibility Guidelines
II. Compile a Project Summary + Visual Materials package
III. Complete Registration Form, incl. authorization from both Designer & Client
IV. Review Checklist, and send in package to Design Exchange by September 30th including completed Registration Form with proper payment