Most design “awards” are not what they seem to be.

Expectation: a scouter is looking for the best design out there.

Reality: juries review only designers who apply and pay $60–2250.

It might be obvious to people who have been in the industry for a while. Although young designers and clients may have a wrong perception of what these awards are.

Here is how it works

Designers submit their designs and pay:

• Awwwards: $60–150
• reddot: $450–750 (+ $4500–6900 if you win)
• UX Design Awards: $320–2250
• FWA: $90

(Physical trophies often cost extra)

So only the designers who are actively looking to get the award are considered.

Reddot award application fees

Awwwards website submission fees

I’ll give you another insight into the awards industry. A few years ago, a design company you’ll know well wanted to give me an award (I didn’t have to apply). The condition for getting the award was to promote their products and events on my social media accounts. When I refused to post their materials on my Twitter and IG, they withdrew my award.

Today an “award-winning” designer or agency for me
= someone who is putting effort into marketing (nothing wrong about it)
≠ someone who is great at design.

Originally shared in my book The Path to Senior Product Designer and LinkedIn.