The 8th International Idea Award for Universal Design(Design for All)

Overview

The 8th International Idea Award for Universal Design (Design for All) seeks innovative ideas that embrace universal design principles to create environments, products, and services usable and safe for everyone, regardless of disability, gender, age, or nationality. The competition is organized by the Korea Development Disabilities Policy Institute and sponsored by multiple Korean government ministries and organizations. Participants are encouraged to develop solutions that adhere to the seven core principles of universal design. The challenge extends across three main categories: Architecture, Tourism, and Product design. Submissions should demonstrate how their ideas enhance accessibility and usability for a diverse population. Additionally, projects that incorporate universal design within various sports environments or products will receive special bonus points, highlighting the importance of inclusive physical activity. Beyond tangible designs, the competition also welcomes proposals for universal design policies, including operational systems, service programs, and manuals. These policy-oriented entries should aim to improve user services and accessibility across all sectors, promoting a holistic approach to universal design implementation. The goal is to foster a society where design genuinely serves all individuals. The competition runs from March to September 2026, with a submission deadline in late July. A two-stage screening process will culminate in an open audition, followed by an announcement of results and an award ceremony in September. Winning works will also be featured in an exhibition.

What to build

Participants must propose ideas related to universal design, designed to be safe and usable for everyone, regardless of disability, gender, age, or nationality, following the seven principles of universal design. Entries can be in Architecture, Tourism, or Product categories. Special bonus points are awarded for projects that incorporate universal design into sports environments (fitness centers, sports facilities, sports viewing environments, sports facilities within tourist attractions) or related products. Submissions may also include ideas for universal design policies, operational systems, service programs, or manuals aimed at improving user services across these sectors.

Prizes

Key dates

• Public NoticeMarch 19, 2026
• Submission Period BeginsJuly 20, 2026
• Submission DeadlineJuly 24, 2026 until 15:00 (GMT+9)
• 1st ScreeningAugust 5, 2026
• Announcement of Preliminary ResultsAugust 7, 2026
• 2nd Screening (Open Audition)August 20, 2026
• Results Announcement and Award CeremonySeptember 4, 2026
• Exhibition of Winning Works (planned)September 3, 2026 ~ September 9, 2026

Eligibility

The competition is open to everyone worldwide. Individuals and teams of 3 or fewer participants are eligible to enter.

How to enter

1. Prepare your universal design idea according to the competition topics and categories.
2. Submit your entry on the official website (www.koddi.or.kr/ud) between July 20, 2026, and July 24, 2026, until 15:00 (GMT+9).

Judging criteria

• Adherence to the seven principles of universal design.
• Applicability to specified categories (Architect, Tourism, Product).
• Consideration for bonus points criteria, such as integration of universal design in sports environments or products.
• Innovation and practicality of the idea.
• Potential for improving user services and accessibility.

Sponsors & partners

Resources

• Official Competition Homepage
• Online Inquiry Form