How can you win a design challenge on a budget?

1 Use free or low-cost tools

You don't need to spend a fortune on design software or subscriptions to create stunning projects. There are plenty of free or low-cost alternatives that offer similar features and functionality. For example, you can use GIMP, Inkscape, or Canva for graphics, Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for UI/UX, and Blender, SketchUp, or Tinkercad for 3D modeling. You can also find free fonts, icons, images, and templates on sites like Google Fonts, Font Awesome, Unsplash, and Creative Market.

2 Be resourceful and innovative

One of the key aspects of design is problem-solving. You can use your creativity and ingenuity to overcome budget constraints and find new ways to use existing resources. For example, you can repurpose or recycle materials, use cardboard, paper, or clay for prototyping, or borrow or rent equipment from friends, libraries, or makerspaces. You can also look for inspiration from other designers who have done amazing projects with limited resources, such as the winners of the Cardboard Challenge, the IKEA Hackers, or the Design for Change.

3 Focus on the brief and the criteria

The most important thing to remember when entering a design challenge is to follow the brief and the criteria. These are the guidelines that the judges will use to evaluate your work, so make sure you understand them and address them in your project. Don't get distracted by adding unnecessary features or details that don't contribute to the main goal or message of your design. Instead, focus on the core functionality, usability, and aesthetics of your solution, and how it meets the needs and expectations of the target audience.

4 Showcase your process and story

Another way to stand out from the competition and win a design challenge on a budget is to showcase your process and story. This means documenting and explaining how you came up with your idea, what research you did, what challenges you faced, what feedback you received, and what iterations you made. You can use sketches, wireframes, mockups, prototypes, videos, or slides to demonstrate your work. You can also tell a compelling story about the impact and value of your design, and how it relates to your personal or professional background, vision, or passion.

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

Finally, don't be afraid to seek feedback and collaboration from others. Getting constructive criticism and suggestions from fellow designers, mentors, experts, or potential users can help you improve your design and avoid mistakes or oversights. You can also collaborate with other designers who have different skills, perspectives, or experiences, and create a more diverse and inclusive team. You can find feedback and collaboration opportunities online, such as on social media, forums, blogs, or platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or Skillshare.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?