Lexus Design Award 2020: Call for Entries Now Open

01 Sep 2019

  • Lexus continues its commitment to nurturing up-and-coming designers by launching the eighth Lexus Design Award
  • The program offers a unique opportunity for six finalists, handpicked and mentored by some of the most respected names in the design industry
  • Prototypes to be showcased to a global audience at the world-renowned Milan Design Week

Announcing the launch of Lexus Design Award 2020, Lexus International is calling talented creators to submit their entries to its annual design competition. Now in its eighth year, the prestigious award provides a unique platform for aspiring designers to demonstrate and further develop their talents.

Founded in 2013, the program continues to evolve and inspire innovations in design that lead to a better tomorrow, and each year has seen a steady increase in the number of entries from across the world. Last year, creators from 65 countries submitted 1,548 design proposals, many of which leveraged the power of technology.

Inspired by its “Design for a Better Tomorrow” directive, Lexus is looking for design that goes beyond the mastery of shape, form and function, and anticipates the future needs of individuals and society, by incorporating three principles fundamental to Lexus; Anticipate, Innovate, and Captivate.

“We are excited to launch the eighth edition of this celebrated award and invite ground-breaking and captivating entries from emerging creatives who will benefit from this opportunity to translate their ideas into new possibilities under the expert guidance of acclaimed professionals,” said Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. “Breaking conventions and going beyond the boundaries of imagination are at the heart of Lexus’ approach to design, and the Lexus Design Award offers us an opportunity to take this approach forward and continue our passion for creating amazing experiences that ignite the emotions. We would like to thank all of the design enthusiasts and past participants for contributing to the long-standing success of this program and inspiring Lexus and this year’s entrants to scale new heights of creativity.”

In early 2020, Lexus will announce the six finalists who will go on to participate in an extraordinary and exclusive mentorship program in New York City, under the guidance of prominent design leaders from a variety of design fields. With an individual production budget of up to JPY 3 million (over USD 25,000), each finalist can develop their design concept into functional prototypes, which will be exhibited at the Lexus design installation at Milan Design Week[1] 2020.

The Lexus Design Award will conclude with the announcement of the Grand Prix winner following the presentation of prototypes by each of the six finalists on a world stage during Press Day at Milan Design Week. The complete list of Lexus Design Award 2020 judges and mentors will be announced in the fall of 2019.

Entries to the Lexus Design Award 2020 competition will be accepted through October 14, 2019. Please visit LexusDesignAward.com for additional information.

 

Title

Lexus Design Award 2020

Last Submission Date

October 14, 2019

Judging criteria
  • Anticipate

Do the concept and design anticipate not only the needs of user experience but also society?

  • Innovate

Does the design demonstrate new thinking and originality in its proposal and execution?

  • Captivate

Is the design intriguing and compelling when in concept and execution?

Judges

To be announced in Fall 2019

Mentors

To be announced in Fall 2019

Award categories
  • One Grand Prix winner (selected from the six finalists)
  • Six finalists

Prizes/benefits
  • Six finalists invited to the mentorship―a session with mentors from diverse fields who provide guidance to help elevate prototype design.
  • Six finalists invited to Milan Design Week 2020[2].
  • Six prototypes exhibited at the Lexus exhibition space during Milan Design Week 2020.
  • Six finalists receive up to JPY 3 million (over USD 25,000) each to cover prototype production costs. Prototypes are to be produced between January and March 2020.

Organizer

Lexus International

Application Process

For more information, visit LexusDesignAward.com

 

About Lexus Design Award:

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for each of six finalists to work with a globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events.

About Lexus:

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid electric sales leader, Lexus delivered the world's first luxury hybrid electric and has since sold over 1.5 million hybrid electric vehicles[3].

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide.

Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

[1]The world's largest design exhibition, also known as Salone Del Mobile, presents events and exhibits by brands and designers in many categories including furniture, fashion and textiles.

[2] Note: Only one person per entry is invited, regardless of individual or group submission

[3] 1,567,242 units as of June 2019