Metropolis Magazine Next Generation Design Competition

Who Should Enter
The Application
Your Proposal
The Business Plan
Submission Process
Artwork
Eligibility
Past Winners
Winning & Copyrights

Who Should Enter

Q: Who should enter the Next Generation design competition?
A: Designers from all disciplines, practicing ten years or less; design students as individuals or as groups collaborating on projects.

Q: I am not an architect, should I still enter the Next Generation competition?
A: Absolutely. The Next Generation encourages ALL designers to enter. Design solutions come in many forms and we are committed to the entire breadth of the spectrum—interior design, urban planning, landscape design, product design, graphic design, communication design, furniture design, industrial design, lighting design—in addition to architecture.

Q: Isn’t requiring designers to be in practice 10 years or less ageist?
No, we don’t care how old you are only that you are new to the field. This competition was created to foster the ideas of people who have not yet had the time to get their voices out there.

The Application

Q: What information will I need to complete the application?
A: The application will require contact information for you and your collaborators, an explanation of the project in the form of answers to short essay questions, and supporting visuals. For more information please read the Application Instructions and Project Brief.

Q: Do I have to complete the application in one session?
A: No. You will create a login for the application and can return to it for updates as many times as you need to.

Q: In the Applications Instructions it says my submissions should be anonymous. What does this mean?
A: In order for the judging to be impartial we ask that you remove your name, images of yourself, or any personal information that would tell the judges who you are from all of your materials. The personal information is removed from your application by our system and only looked at after the judges have decided on the winners and runners up.

Your Proposal

Q: What does it mean that Next Generation® is an ideas competition? Why does Metropolis do it?
A: Many design competitions are beauty contests of finished products, buildings, landscapes, interiors, or graphics. While we believe that these competitions are important, for the Next Generation® we wanted to go much further in depth to encourage thinking about innovative solutions for design problems. We believe that young designers have an amazing amount of pluck and talent and it is an important part of what we do to foster the next generation of design. We are looking for original ideas and the burning desire to see them through.

Q: What are you looking for?
A: Submissions may be conceptual, in the early stages of development, near completion, or completed and ready for the next phase of development. Your idea must have the potential to be made, built, or otherwise realized; if you have made a working prototype, let us know. We are looking for innovative, research-based design solutions to practical problems related to inclusive design. Solutions should
include and empower audiences overlooked in design. Overlooked audiences include, but are not limited to, people who are aging and people with disabilities (permanent and temporary).

Q: What kind of proposal are you looking for? Can you give me an example?
We are looking for proposals that consider the systems of life (how we communicate, get from one place to another, meet our basic needs and enjoy life, etc.) and identify something that could really include and empower people who need it most. Your solution could be a re-design of an existing product like a kitchen utensil or a bicycle that needs to be redesigned to be used by people with mobility issues—the design changes could result in a product that is more comfortable and enjoyable for all users, even without mobility issues. Or perhaps re-design a system, like how food is stocked on store shelves or the height of street signs in order to be accessible for more people and empower them to be more independent. Another approach could be to invent something new like an app, furniture product, communication device, or housing facility that makes it possible for a wider audience to participate in more aspects of life at the same speed, or even faster, as the rest of the world.

Q: The application asks, “What makes it a winning proposal?” What do you mean?
A: We would like you to explain why your idea is important or necessary. How will it improve life for the user and how will it empower them? How is your idea also good design? We are looking for well-researched, innovative, beautiful design.

Q: What do you consider “good design” in the 21st Century?
A: Today, good design incorporates systems thinking, sustainability, accessibility, materials exploration, technology, and historical relevance. It is responsible to the Earth and living creatures. It can thrive in a global marketplace while supporting local economies. It is economically viable. It is innovative in technology and materials. It is accessible for many types of people. It is beautiful.

Q: What does it mean that the theme of this year’s competition is to “Empower with Inclusive Design?”
A: You can use this theme as a point of departure to help distill your ideas about inclusive design. For this year’s competition we are calling on designers to engage with the needs of people who have needs that are different from the audience typically designed for. “Empower with Inclusive Design?” refers to the need for solutions to not just adapt for certain needs but empower the user and be beautiful and coveted. Solutions that go beyond access make it possible for the user to engage with the same ease and enjoyment as everyone else. Your project can delve into the complexities of large social systems or focus on a specific challenge certain people face with a specific product, space, place or interaction. Concentrate on what you know best and are aching to improve in a way that deploys your training and imagination.

Q: What do you mean what you say “systems”?
A: We are referring to systems thinking, or considering the many parts we interact with in our daily lives—how all the products, spaces, surfaces and technologies we interact with are connected. For example when one goes from point A to point B they often have to deal with door knobs, sidewalks, cars, buses, transportation passes, toll booths, signs, maps, icons, parking garages, credit card machines, stairs and elevators—a well designed solution accounts for its interaction with all of the parts in that system and others.

Q: I am not sure if my idea qualifies. How can I find out?
A: In general, if your idea is original, incorporates principles of good design, and considers how design can be inclusive and empowering. If you are still unsure, email a brief explanation of your idea to NextGen@metropolismag.com and we will let you know.

The Business Plan

Q: Why do I have to submit a business plan?
A: The $10,000 prize money is meant to help you develop your idea further. Since the practical purpose of your idea is an important component of this competition we want you to think seriously about how it can be developed. Creating a business plan is not always an easy task, but it helps us understand your goals and helps you take your idea toward realization. It also helps you to think about your work as a realistic contribution to the marketplace of ideas—and not just a dream.

Q: How detailed should the business plan be? What are the judges looking for?
A: The business plan should be as detailed as possible without exceeding 500 words. We recommend explaining how you plan to use the $10,000. The business plan should show the judges that you have thoroughly researched your idea and are prepared to take the next steps. If you have never considered writing a business plan before, the Internet or your local bookstore will be full of helpful advice. Consider how your project will change lives for the better, who your ultimate clients are, how you will reach them, and where you will find your financial resources. The judges understand that most submitted ideas are works-in-progress. Please be honest about how you will use the prize money to take your proposal to the next level.

Q: Do I have to invest money in my idea?
A: We encourage you to do so.

Submission Process

Q: What will I need to submit?
A: The application process consists of six components. Your contact information including the names of your collaborators when applicable, a series of essay questions asking you to explain your proposal, supplemental information if you feel the essay questions are not sufficient for the judges to make their decisions about your work, images to back up your essays, a preview window, and payment.

Q: In the past I mailed a package to Metropolis with the application and supporting materials. Can I submit my idea using that same process this year?
A: No, the submission process is now entirely electronic. If you are a winner, or a runner-up, you will be required to sign a hard copy of your application.

Q: How many proposals can I enter in the competition?
A: Up to three. You must submit separate applications and pay the submission fee for each entry.

Q: How do I submit my project?
A: Click on the application link at www.metropolismag.com/nextgen. You will be asked to create a login that will allow you to return to the application as many times as you need to before submitting.

Q: Is there a fee for entering?
A: Yes, the fee for entering is $75 per project. The entry fees are necessary to offset the cost of running the competition. We do not make a profit from them.

Q: What credit cards does Metropolis accept?
A: We accept MasterCard, VISA, AMEX, and Discover.

Q: My idea is in the form of a written paper rather than a physical product. Can I submit the paper instead of the requested images?
A: The ability to submit supplemental information is available, but we strongly prefer that you summarize your project in the allotted space and provide visuals to illustrate it. And remember, this is a design competition.

Q: How do I submit supporting documents on the application?
A: There is a section of the application where you will be able to upload supporting documents in PDF format.

Q: What if I do not have the capability to create PDF files?
A: If you are unable to provide PDF files you may submit DOC files. We strongly prefer that materials are submitted in PDF format as this ensures that your formatting remains intact and the documents appear as you intend them to look.

Artwork

Q: How many images can I submit and how big should they be?
A: You can submit up to ten (10) JPG images to support your submission, such as photographs or renderings. These images will be considered on-screen by the judges and should not exceed 1000 pixels in width or 1000 pixels in height. These are the maximum dimensions; it is ok for your images to be smaller. A space for captions will be available when you submit them. If you win or are selected as a runner up you will need to provide high resolution publication quality images.

Q: When I submit my images does it matter what resolution they are?
A: No, as long as they are the correct pixel dimensions.

Q: If I win, am a runner-up, or am otherwise selected for publication do I need to submit additional images?
A: Yes, you will be required to submit high resolution publication quality images. This is generally defined as being 300 dpi at 10” x 12”. You will also be asked to provide image credits (i.e. who took the photo or drew the rendering).

Q: How do I resize my images to be no larger than 1000 pixels wide and 1000 pixels high?
A: The process for resizing your images varies depending on what program you are using.

For Adobe Photoshop click, image -> image size, from the toolbar menu. Check the boxes for Resample Image and Constrain Proportions if they are not already checked. Be sure that you are resizing for pixels (rather than inches or centimeters etc.) in the pull down menu. Enter in the desired pixels dimensions and click ok.

For Adobe Photoshop Elements click, image -> resize -> image size from the toolbar menu. Check the boxes for Resample Image and Constrain Proportions if they are not already checked. Again, make sure you are working with pixels in the pull down menu.

If you do not have Photoshop or another imaging software, there is a handy freeware program called IrfanView which you can download from www.irfanview.com. To resize with this program click Resize/Resample from the toolbar menu. Check the box for Preserve aspect ratio if it is not already checked. Make sure “pixels” is checked for units, and type in the new dimensions.

Important: Please do not rescale your images to be larger as this degrades the quality of your image. It is better that your images are small than that they are fuzzy.

Q: What if I have a movie or an audio file?
A: You can submit audio and movie files in the image submission section. Files should be saved as a QuickTime MOV file. Movies should not exceed 320 pixels wide x 240 pixels high. No file should exceed 10MB.

Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible?
A: The Next Generation design competition is open to any designer or architect practicing for ten years or less, design students, or student groups who wish to submit a class project.

Q: My project is collaborative, are we eligible?
A: Yes. Collaborations between individuals, firms, disciplines, and consultants are encouraged.

Q: Are students eligible to enter?
A: Yes, we encourage students to enter, both as individuals and as part of an inter-disciplinary group working on a project.

Q: I’ve been out of school for more than ten years, but I’ve never worked as a designer until recently. Do I qualify?
A: Yes, as long as you have been working in the field of design for less than 10 years.

Q: I do not live in the United States, am I eligible to enter this competition?
A: Yes, international submissions are welcome.

Q: I’ve read through the guidelines but I’m still not sure if I qualify.
A: Email NextGen@metropolismag.com explaining why you think you do or do not qualify. Our publisher will make the final determination.

Past Winners

Q: Where can I see information on past winners?
A: Previous winners and runners up are listed in the Past Years section. You can also consult back issues of Metropolis for in-depth articles on winners and runners-up.

Winning & Copyrights

Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Evidence of inclusive design, systems thinking, sustainable methods and materials, excellence of aesthetic expression, technological innovation, historical relevance, economic potential of your idea, and a viable business plan for taking your proposal into production.

Q: When will you announce the winner, and how will the winner be notified?
A: We will announce the winner in the June 2013 issue of Metropolis. The winner will be notified around the last week in March.

Q: Are there any consolation prizes?
A: There is only one cash prize, but the runners-up will get plenty of clips from print and online coverage, in Metropolis and metropolismag.com, to help generate buzz for their projects.

Q: Will any portion of the application be made public?
A: Yes, the names, ideas, and images of the winner, runners-ups, and sometimes other projects of interest will be published in print in Metropolis and online at metropolismag.com. In general we will contact you prior to publishing your work, but we are not required to do so. By submitting the application you are agreeing that Metropolis can publish your materials. We will always give you full credit.

Q: What about copyrights? Should I be concerned that someone will steal my idea?
A: We believe that promising young designers have many great ideas. Sometimes you have to throw your idea out there and see what comes back. And of course, there are risks associated with doing this. We encourage you to take the risk. If you are very concerned, we suggest you do some research on copyrights, patents, and trademarks and get acquainted with copyright laws before submitting your application.

Q: The competition’s guidelines state that Metropolis will have full rights to use the work as they see fit without any prior approval from the designer. Does this mean that Metropolis assumes the right of ownership to the submitted design or product idea?
A: No, it does not mean that Metropolis assumes the right of ownership to the idea. It means that you are granting us physical and electronic rights to the images and information submitted. We have the right to publish them freely, and without notifying you or further obtaining your permission.

Q: What are my obligations as a winner or a runner-up?
A: Obligations of the winner and runners-up are listed on the official rules.

Q: Where can I read the official rules of the contest?
A: The official rules are available here at metropolismag.com/nextgen

Q: Can I still enter if I do not have a credit card?
A: Yes, contact NextGen@metropolismag.com to make special arrangements.

Q: My question was not addressed in the FAQ, who can I contact?
A: NextGen@metropolismag.com