D&AD has made some key changes in categories for its 2022 Awards. These, which reflect changes in the creative industries, aim to maintain the awards position as the most relevant benchmark for creative excellence in design and advertising.
“To reflect and represent the evolving landscape in the creative sector, D&AD has introduced a new focus on categories that recognise the work of those who have risen up and found solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time,” stated Donal Keenan, Awards Director at D&AD.
The Upstream Innovation subcategories will award those who are rethinking products and services at the design stage so that they fit within a circular system. Whether it be developing new concepts and materials, applying reuse models or finding other ways to circulate components, entries in these subcategories are intentionally designing out waste and plastic pollution.
A new range of Responsible subcategories across Experiential, Product and Spatial Design will continue to champion work that’s mindful of people and the planet and demonstrates how the constraints of responsibility can be a catalyst for great creative ideas.
In response to the huge increase in the use of augmented, virtual and mixed realities to convey a brand’s message, D&AD has included dedicated subcategories for AR, VR and MR work in Experiential, Gaming and Entertainment. In addition, Use of XR subcategories will recognise this work in six other areas of the Awards, alongside emerging technologies that create an immersive experience; reimagining how brands interact with consumers.
Health and wellbeing have never been more prominent. D&AD has included eight subcategories under Health & Wellbeing, from awareness campaigns to portable healthcare products across health, wellness, fitness and nutrition.
Creative Transformation replaces Design Transformation to cover a broader and more inclusive range of creative work that has transformed businesses.
To continue its commitment to improving accessibility and diversity in the creative sector, D&AD has announced 40% off all entries received by January 12 2022.
Now in its 60th consecutive year, the D&AD Awards has grown to incorporate more than 40 categories, judged by nearly 400 of the world’s leading creatives from design, advertising, craft, production and impact disciplines. Among them, Tara Ford, chief creative officer at The Monkeys, will be leading the Digital category; Trevor Robinson OBE, executive creative director at Quiet Storm, is heading up the Entertainment jury; and Nils Leonard, founder of Uncommon Creative Studio, will drive the Writing for Advertising selection.
D&AD will continue its digital-first approach into the 2022 Awards to guarantee the safety of its jury and participants. Judging will be done virtually for all categories except Graphic, Product, Packaging, Book, and Magazine & Newspaper Design categories, where in-person judging is essential.
The D&AD Awards Ceremony will be held over two nights on May 25 and 26 2022 and broadcast live, as many international travel restrictions may still be in place. Watch parties localised in global cities, such as New York, São Paulo, London and Sydney, will aim to bring back some of the in-person element to the Awards.
This reduces the carbon footprint of those travelling to and from the events, as D&AD recently signed up to the Ad Net Zero Group and is set on a journey to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
Also part of its commitment to drive a positive change to address the climate crisis, D&AD reinstated a £25,000 Impact Fund to support sustainable designs and initiatives that are being developed to benefit society. The Fund will be open to applications from all entrants shortlisted in the Future Impact category. Additionally, the organisation has partnered with 2019 D&AD Future Impact winner, theOtherDada, to plant a tree for every Pencil awarded. Known as The & Forest, in recognition of the many partners and award winners that have made this forest possible, it will be located in the Chiyah area of Lebanon, planted and maintained by youth, people from the community, and with the support of local NGO Himaya.
D&AD Awards will open for entry in December, coinciding with the launch of a new entry site developed to improve ease of entering for all participants. A full list of key dates can be found in the Notes to Editors.
Find full details on categories, judging criteria, pricing and deadlines here.
The 2022 jury presidents are:
