The design briefs

Student Design Awards The briefs

Apply AI

How might we empower communities to use AI to tackle the local challenges of climate change?

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Download the brief

Flourishing places

How might we collectively reimagine a regenerative future of the built environment to enable all life to flourish?

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Download the brief

In your skin

How might we increase the skin confidence of every young person to enable their unique identity to flourish?

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Download the brief

Caring culture

How might we improve the lives of older adults and their carers by encouraging and enabling cultures, and higher standards, of care?

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Download the brief

Made natural

How might we create sustainable, nature-based solutions which use trees to protect the environment and strengthen communities?

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Download the brief

Centenary celebrations

How might we celebrate and bring to life 100 years of the RSA Student Design Awards?

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Download the brief

Rules & guidelines

Entry rules and guidelines for the competition

Useful resources

Resources to inform and inspire your thinking

Global Bursary

Needs based bursary

A bursary for student to cover the costs of the SDA submission fees. Submit your application by 28 Feb 11:59 GMT.

Apply for the bursary

Student Design Awards sponsors and partners logos

More information on the Student Design Awards

  • Student Design Awards

    We invite young designers from across the globe to answer design briefs that focus on the most pressing social and environmental challenges.

  • Information for students

    By getting involved in the Student Design Awards you will be elevating your learning experience as you apply your creativity and innovation to a real-world problem.

  • Information for educators

    If you work in higher education and you’re using the RSA Student Design Awards briefs in your curriculum, you can request a briefing from the RSA team.

  • Student Design Awards judging

    Find out about the judging process and criteria for the Student Design Awards.