May 15, 2007
Quo Vadis, Spark! Where Are You Going—
And Where Have You Been?
Many people have asked “What is the Spark competition?” “Why are so many designers—and just ordinary folks
excited about this?”
Some even ask, “Why do we need another competition–there are so many already?” “Why should we care?”
Because there are important things happening to our world, and innovation and design can help. This recognition—
that design can make a difference, and that design has responsibilities beyond selling products—this is what Spark is about.
We chose a competition format as our platform, because awards are interactive, they help find and encourage new talent,
they shine a light on innovation and they are fun! We want to explore the great issues of our time, like sustainable design,
advanced transportation, public architecture and universal design.
We assembled a brilliant Advisory Council of designers, architects, educators and experts.
Our friends were very clear about one thing—they were not interested in another highly commercial design competition.
As one friend said— “We already have many of those. We’re looking for something better—a higher cause—a way to promote
advancement and innovation—and not just ourselves.”
We support design that is aspirational, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and global—Design that makes a difference.
We showcase designs that can help save the world.
THE SPARK MOTTO IS “ONE FOR ALL”
Spark is a competition and community for all types of designers.
We include every discipline—graphic design, product design, interface design, architecture and many others.
We support creativity at all levels, from students to the highest-level professional.
We help the best formgivers to rise to the top.
HOW DOES THE JUDGING WORK WITH SPARK?
We strive to have a very fair Judging process. We have a large number of Jurists—from 12 to 25, chosen from each
discipline of design, as well as journalists, teachers and other experts.
No Spark staff participates, nor influences the vote. There is a new jury every year. This prevents the same group from
dominating the results over the years.
WHAT DO THE SPARK JUDGES LOOK FOR?
Inventiveness and innovation
Does the design enhance the human experience in a tangible new way?
Sustainability
How environmentally sustainable is the design, from manufacture, through packaging, to use and final disposal?
Elegance & beauty
Of course!
Functionality
How well does the design perform its function—and work? Is it efficient, economical—essential?
Integration
Does the design fit the system? Does it mesh well and achieve more than the concept alone?
Durability
Is the design’s lifespan appropriate to its usage and good sustainable practice?
Implementation
What was the design strategy—how was progress measured—was the process itself innovative?
Was the process multi-disciplinary? Did the design fulfill its goals?
Safety and ergonomics
Is the design safe and user-friendly? How well does the design suit a wide (and appropriate) range of users?
Personal connection
Does the design help create feeling? Joy, delight, pleasure, inspiration or reverence?
Aspiration
Does the design contribute in significant ways to overarching societal goals? Is it truly “design that makes a difference?”
This last one, Aspiration, really sums up what Spark is all about.
Not every criterion will be achieved by the Spark entrants. They are ideals to strive for. The Spark Winner Gallery
images represent designs that the jury liked, and met several of these criteria.
They are the works of creative people just like you!
We hope you will become part of Spark too.
In Summary, Successful Designs = Better World.
Creativity and innovation exist at all levels. Help us shine a bright light and Spark these dreams, wherever they are found.