QSDC - Certificates and Trophies

Assigning a Quality Score for Design Competitions - Certificates and Trophies

Abstract: Different from the award prizes, the certificates are written proof that a design competition has been won. They are indeed important elements of a design competition should be definitely provided to participants by a good design competition. Furthermore, design awards should also license the usage of a winners’ logo to participants. The last aspect is the existence of a trophy. While some competitions will use the existing trophies available in mass-market, true design competitions always have a unique trophy designed for them.

Please note that for the Certificates and Trophies score other information such as certificate costs, gala nights, exhibition possibilities etc are not discussed in this section as they are discussed in detail in other sections.

Collected Information: ---

Certificates and Trophies Score Sheet:

1. Printed Certificates for Participants
1. No, Score++
   If the competition does not send a hardcopy certificate for joining it is not respecting the entries much, in any case sharing this information is positive.
2. Yes, Score++20
   If the competition sends a hardcopy certificate for joining it is a clear indication that the competition respects the designers that join the competition.
2. Printed Certificates for Winners
1. No, Score++
   If the competition does not send a hardcopy (printed) certificate to even winners it is a signal of the overall inexistence of quality; in most cases, printed certificates will be send to winners, this is not only the best practice or industry standard but it is also a good practice.
2. Yes, Score++30
   If the competition sends a hardcopy (printed) certificate to winners, as is the industry practice, it is a sign that the competition is indeed respecting designers.
3. Winners Receive an Award or Trophy
1. No, Score++
   If the competition does not send or distribute a physical trophy or an award, it is a sign that the organizer does not respect the participants or lack the experience as an award is a permanent indicator of success that could be exhibited.
2. Yes, Score++50
   If the competition sends or distributes a physical trophy or an award to winners, that is a positive quality indicator.
4. Providing or use of a "Winner" Logo
1. No, Score++
   If there is not a winners-logo for the competition, the competition organizer not only loses chance to make additional advertisement, but also kind of accepts that the competition is not on a good level to indicate a high design quality.
2. Yes, Score++20
   If the winners of the competition can use a winners-logo or badge to promote thier products and designs, this not only increases the competitions visibility and credibility but also acts as a positive quality indicator for the competition.

Maximum Possible Score (120) is achieved with a competition with the following configuration:

Certificates and Trophies Score Sheet:

1. Printed Certificates for Participants
1. Yes, Score++20
   
2. Printed Certificates for Winners
1. Yes, Score++30
   
3. Winners Receive an Award or Trophy
1. Yes, Score++50
   
4. Providing or use of a "Winner" Logo
1. Yes, Score++20

Short Notes: Please note that ++ means to increase by one (1), and -- means to decrease by one (1), so score ++ means, score will increase by one (1). Score ++n means to increase score by n (n) points; Score ++3 means to increase score 3 points. Score // means does not affect score.

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• Assigning a Quality Score for Design Competitions - What are the core qualities that makes a design competition good, fair and effective. (Theory)