What are some of the common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid in concept design competitions and awards?

Incorporating a SWOT analysis into your research can help you uncover and explore areas beyond a standard Creative Brief Questionnaire. Many designers overlook the valuable information they can harvest from a SWOT analysis and apply it to their design decision-making process. I've applied SWOT analysis research when conducting massive redesigns across trade shows, experiential, digital, and print, with positive outcomes. Leveraging a SWOT analysis in your research process can help ensure your design concepts are visually appealing and strategically align with the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—ultimately aligning with its mission and contributing to its success in the market.

In my experience, receiving feedback and embracing critique are invaluable in the design phase. Constructive feedback helps identify areas of improvement and potential pitfalls, leading to a more refined and robust design. Collaboration with others, including team members, mentors, and peers, fosters an environment of creativity and shared knowledge. It allows designers to learn from different perspectives, pushing them to think outside the box. By not working alone, designers can leverage the collective expertise of others, ultimately creating stronger and more impactful designs in concept competitions.

In my experience, a polished presentation is vital in concept design competitions. It showcases your design effectively, leaving a lasting impression on judges. Focus on visually appealing materials, using high-quality images, concise text, and appropriate colors and fonts. Ensure a logical flow, starting with an introduction and ending with a strong conclusion. Engage your audience emotionally by narrating a compelling story, highlighting the human aspects of your design. A well-crafted presentation not only enhances your design's impact but also helps you connect with decision-makers, increasing your chances of success.

Throughout college I volunteered for the local ADDY Awards. There were two aspects I grasped more clearly during my volunteerism (actually three!) 1) Craftsmanship Matters. It was shocking to see poor craftsmanship in some entries. Even if your concepts are rockin' they must be presented professionally and with attention to detail. Presentation absolutely matters! 2) Deadlines Matter. While missing deadlines is disrespectful of other people’s time and efforts, no excuse can make up for missing a final entry deadline (and then asking for special treatment.) This behavior comes off entitled and is to be avoided. 3) Volunteering in your creative community bears incredible benefits toward your development and in your career!