September 16, 2009
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 competition 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.
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 as impartial as possible was 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 section 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 competitions are beauty contests of finished products, buildings, 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. While we are happy to accept completed projects as entries, it is not necessary to have a completed project to enter this competition, it is necessary to have an original idea and the burning desire to see it 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 and/or innovative proposals for new materials, spatial uses, land and other resource uses, building types and methodologies, or means of communication—which relate to this year’s theme of One Design Fix for the Future.
Q: What kind of proposal are you looking for? Can you give me an example?
A: Your Fix could take the form of improving a tiny object and make it smart or a dense, urban neighborhood that supports a local community; it could improve your home’s energy efficiency or your grandfather’s favorite chair; it could improve an existing way-finding system that currently ignores the needs of the sight impaired, the aging, and others with special needs; it can rethink the threads of a fabric or the pitch of a chair; it can improve circulation in an entire building or fix the doorknob. We challenge you to fix any product or process that you want to change for the better and make it less environmentally harmful. We want you to show us and the world that you’re truly concerned about making our homes, workplaces, and play spaces better, more sustainable, more accessible, more fitting to the needs of the 21st century. We want to show the world that as a generation of environmentally-concerned, technically-savvy designers you are key to our future well-being. For more examples of the breadth and scale of approaches you might take, see our Past Years Section.
Q: The application asks, “What makes it a winning proposal?” What do you mean?
A: We would like you to explain why your Fix is important or necessary. How will it improve life and better the world? 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 beautiful.
Q: What does it mean that the theme of this year’s competition is “One Design Fix for the Future”?
A: Good design determines how well products, spaces, and systems work from the beginning. We think that great design ideas can make things work even better. “One Design Fix for the Future” challenges you to prove us right. We are looking for ONE design fix you can make NOW in your designed environment—the products you use, your home, your workplace, your city or any commercial application—that, in scale or as an inspiration, can improve our future. Provide one small (but brilliant and elegant) fix that can lead to an incremental (or dramatic) change in making our world sustainable. Your fix needn’t have anything to do with “environmentalist engineering” to make a difference. Concentrate on what you know best, are aching to improve in a way that deploys your training and imagination.
Q: My project has previously been published. Can I still enter it?
A: Yes, but you must include its publication history in the supplementary information requested on the application form and you must have permission to publish the images.
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 is a credible Fix, it qualifies. Submissions vary from ideas that are just starting off on paper to projects with prototypes and marketing plans—we are delighted to consider this entire range. If you are still unsure, email a brief explanation of your idea to NextGen2010@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 implement your idea. 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 find investors down the line. 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 execute it. If you have never considered writing a business plan before, the internet or your local bookstore will be full of helpful advice. Consider what role your project will play, who your customers 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 where you are in the process and how you will use the prize money to take it 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 a decision 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 chosen as a runner-up you will be required to sign a hard copy of your application at that time.
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. 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 600 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 600 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 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, or disciplines often foster big ideas.
Q: Are students eligible to enter?
A: Yes, we encourage students to enter, both as individuals and as part of a group working on a project.
Q: I’ve been out of school for more than ten years, but I’ve never worked as an 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: E-mail NextGen2010@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 the winners and runners-up.
Winning & Copyrights
Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Evidence of systems thinking, sustainable methods and materials, universal accessibility, excellence of aesthetic expression, technological innovation, historical relevance, economic potential of your idea, viable business plan, and a credible design Fix.
Q: When will you announce the winner, and how will the winner be notified?
A: We will announce the winner in the May 2010 issue of Metropolis , which hits newsstands on or around May 20, 2010. The winner will be notified by phone around the last week in February.
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 on 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 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.
Q: Can I still enter if I do not have a credit card?
A: Yes, contact NextGen2010@metropolismag.com to make special arrangements.
Q: My question was not addressed in the FAQ, who can I contact?
A: Eve Dilworth; NextGen2010@metropolismag.com.
