SDC International Design Competition 2027
Start Date: 01/10/2026
End Date: 03/09/2027
Type: SDC Educational Provider Members undergraduate and postgraduate students studying any creative discipline
Contact Email: edu@sdc.org.uk
Theme for 2027: Back to Basics – Design Where Things Are Made to Last
The competition helps entrants develop their understanding of colour and explore how thoughtful, responsible design can create products, materials, patterns and spaces that stand the text of time.
Competition Brief
The competition brief is available to download from the documents tab.
Prizes
The winner of the heat in each country will go forward to the online global grand final which will take place in Beijing in November 2027. The winner of the global grand final will receive £1,000, a trophy, and gain valuable media exposure.
Who can enter?
This 2027 competition is open to all creative disciplines for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at any university which is a confirmed SDC Educational Member Provider. If you are interested in entering the competition or would like to know more about SDC Educational Provider Membership and the benefits on offer to both students and tutors, please contact edu@sdc.org.uk.
Take a look at our introductory chat and learn more about the International Design Competition.
To give you an idea of what’s to come, colleagues from the SDC as they introduce last years competition to students from Arts University Plymouth.
To think about how your design might affect your end user (good or bad), take a look at The Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Some food for thought.
What is the role of Fashion & Creativity, post-pandemic? – Rosalind Jana
Take a read
CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) guide to tackle greenwashing
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greenwashing-cma-issues-tailored-guide-for-fashion-brands
An important contributor committed to creating a true circular economy
The Ellen McArthur Foundation
Take a look at our extensive webinar series, grow your colour and sustainability knowledge with the SDC.
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Back to Basics - Design Where Things Are Made to Last
SDC International Design Competition 2027 Brief
Download File
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Supporting resources to help with your research!
Here you will find: websites to visit, videos to watch, books to read and webinars to watch. Make use of all these resources to deepen your knowledge and make better choices.
Download File
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Myth Busting Lutz Walter Short with links
Informative information busting myths around the fashion industry.
Download File