COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Celebrating vibrant visual communication and dynamic digital experiences, this category includes graphic design, packaging, advertising, multimedia, and user interface design. It spotlights creations that engage audiences, influence culture, and make technology more intuitive and accessible through creative and impactful solutions
Through the African International Design Awards – Integrated Communication Design category, we celebrate the power of visual storytelling and strategic communication in shaping perceptions, experiences, and cultural narratives.
With 35 categories spanning branding, print, packaging, digital experiences, UX design, website and motion graphics, this award honors the creativity and innovation of African designers who craft impactful messages and visual identities across platforms. The AIDA Awards highlight the vital role of communication design in connecting ideas, communities, and cultures.
CATEGORIES
PRINT AND DIGITAL
Corporate Identity
Annual Report
Book and Magazine
Poster and Flyer
Newsletter
Logo, Trademark and Symbol Design
Sign and Exhibit
Other Graphics
PACKAGING
Food & Beverage packaging
Beauty & Health packaging
Product packaging
Sustainable packaging
Other packaging
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN
Multimedia Animation
Videogame
Brand Identity
Interactive Media
Mobile & Web Application Design
Online Advertising Design
Social Media Campaign
Website Design
AI Design
Other Multimedia Designs
UX DESIGN
Product UX
Digital Experience / Service Design
UX for Emerging Technologies
Enterprise UX
Visionary UX
Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Sustainable UX
Other UX Designs
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Entries may be submitted as conceptual projects, in-progress work, or completed campaigns. The only requirement is that the project must be no more than five years old at the time of submission.
Submissions should include high-quality visuals that clearly present the design across different applications and formats — such as print, digital, packaging, motion, or spatial media. Contextual images (e.g., in-use visuals, mock-ups, or real-world applications) are strongly encouraged to show how the design functions in its intended environment.
Please provide supporting materials such as initial sketches, wireframes, design systems, brand guidelines, or mood boards that help explain the creative process and concept development.
If the project is a rebranding or redesign, include clear before-and-after visuals to highlight the transformation. For multi-part campaigns or identity systems, an overview image or layout is recommended to present the complete scope.
Submissions are accepted from agencies, independent designers, and students. Winners are selected based on a single project, not on a portfolio or body of work.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Provide a brief description of the project, including its concept, purpose, target audience, medium (print, digital, motion, etc.), and design inspiration.
- Include a profile of the designer, student, creative team, design agency, or university (if applicable).
- List all contributors involved in the project (e.g., art director, graphic designer, copywriter, strategist, developer, photographer, mentor, or professor).
- Upload up to 10 visuals showcasing the project across various formats or applications — such as logos, layouts, packaging, digital screens, motion elements, or environmental graphics. An optional company or studio logo can also be included.
- If applicable, include development materials such as concept sketches, wireframes, mood boards, mock-ups, or design systems that reflect the creative process.
- For redesigns or rebrands, please include before-and-after visuals to clearly show the transformation.
- Communication Design Specification PDF (recommended for student or conceptual submissions) — May include typographic choices, color palette, format specs, brand guidelines, or implementation notes.
For more information, please download the AIDA Awards Entry Guide 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
The Africa International Design Awards are open to anyone aged 18 and above, regardless of their country of residence. Applicants living outside of Africa should either be of African origin or submit projects that have been developed or realised in Africa. All submissions must demonstrate a clear and meaningful connection to the continent.
The AIDA Awards Jury Members for Communication Design
AIDA’s jury is composed of internationally acclaimed designers, creative directors, and cultural thinkers from across Africa and the diaspora.
JUDGING CRITERIA
The evaluation process for entries to the AIDA Awards – Communication Design category is guided by a flexible set of judging criteria. These are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving trends in design, culture, technology, sustainability, and communication practices. While not exhaustive, the criteria offer a framework for assessment — enriched by each juror’s professional experience, perspective, and cultural background.
Each jury member is committed to ensuring a fair and thoughtful evaluation. Projects are assigned according to the jurors’ area of expertise, and all submissions are reviewed anonymously and randomly, guaranteeing an impartial and equitable judging process.
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria, depending on the type and scope of the communication design project:
- Aesthetics – Overall visual impact, including layout, typography, color, imagery, composition, and material choices across various platforms.
- Innovation – Originality in concept, storytelling, medium, or execution; introduction of new communication methods or design solutions.
- Functionality / Clarity – Effectiveness in delivering the intended message; ease of understanding, accessibility, and relevance to the target audience.
- User Experience / Interaction – Quality of engagement, usability, and how the audience interacts with the design, particularly in digital or experiential contexts.
- Craftsmanship / Execution – Attention to detail, consistency, and production quality across all elements and touchpoints.
- Impact – Cultural, social, or commercial influence of the design — how it resonates with its audience or drives change.
- Contextual Integration – How well the design aligns with its purpose, brand identity, market, or cultural environment.
- Sustainability – Responsible use of materials, printing techniques, and digital tools with regard to environmental impact.
- Emotional Resonance – Does the design go beyond functionality to create an emotional response or memorable experience?
SCORING BOARD & JUDGING PROCESS
The AIDA Awards follow a multi-step judging process to ensure fairness, rigour, and expert evaluation across all disciplines.
In the first stage, jury members review and rate all submitted projects online using a dedicated scorecard. Each juror evaluates entries based on their expertise and experience within their specific field of design. The Africa International Design Awards scores projects between 10-100 points.
Once the initial scores have been tallied, jury members participate in group discussions to review the highest-scoring entries in each category. These collaborative sessions allow for the exchange of ideas, critical debate, and collective insight. Final deliberations determine the winners in the Professional, Independent Designer, and Emerging Designer categories.
ENTRY FEES 2026
To ensure access and representation across the continent and the diaspora, we offer regionally adapted pricing. Africa-based applicants benefit from a reduced fee structure to reflect local economies and support emerging voices. Diaspora and international participants are invited to contribute through a standard fee, which helps fund outreach and the awards ceremony.
ENTRY FEES 2026 – APPLICATIONS FROM AFRICAN COUNTRIES
The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.
- Professional/ Company: US$100, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$40, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Student: US$10, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
ENTRY FEES 2026 – INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.
- Professional/ Company: US$200, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$80, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Student : US$20, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
Submission fees are exclusive of VAT, unless the company is based in Switzerland. VAT, when applicable, has to be declared locally.
No Further Fees: Unlike some other design awards and competitions, there are no further fees for winning the award: Everything listed in the winner’s benefits will be provided free of charge.
DEADLINES & DISCOUNT – AIDA AWARDS 2026
- 20% Early Bird discount until October 31st, 2025
- 10% Extended Early Bird discount until November 30th, 2025
- Regular Deadline until February 15th, 2026
- Final Deadline: March 15th, 2026 (10% late fee applies) till March 31st, 2026
- The Program will close on March 31st, 2026