Update: this competition is now closed for entries and the finalists will be announced on Dezeen in September 2019.
The Samsung Mobile Design Competition is a global contest that challenges contestants to come up with innovative new ways for Galaxy mobile devices to be used in the future.
There are two categories to enter. The Next Mobile + category is to design a new accessory for Galaxy smartphones, tablets and wearables – such as smartphone cases, tablet covers, watch straps or earbud cases – which enhances the device and provides added value for the user.
The Next Mobile Wallpaper Paradigm category is to create a new wallpaper design for Galaxy devices with screens, which could incorporate elements such as interactivity and contextual awareness.
Who can enter?
It is free to enter the competition. Entries from designers or teams will be accepted, and entrants are free to enter one or both of the categories.
All entrants must be over 18, professional designers or design students, and able to present their work to a panel of English-speaking judges.
Entrants will need to be available to travel to the UK from 24 to 26 September 2019 to present their concept to the jury in London. In addition, the top three will also be invited to the Samsung Developer Conference in San Jose, USA, from 28 to 31 October 2019 for the award ceremony and exhibition of the designs.
If contestants enter as a team, they will be asked to select a single representative to attend the judging and awards ceremony.
Brief and judging criteria
Samsung is looking for fresh perspectives and ideas for how Samsung Galaxy devices could be used in the future. This is part of Samsung's wider strategy of incorporating user feedback and open collaboration with a wide variety of different designers to inform the future development of its products.
For the Next Mobile + category, contestants must design a new accessory for a Samsung Galaxy device – whether that is for a smartphone, tablet or a wearable device like a smartwatch or earbuds. The judges will be looking for innovative accessory designs that provide interesting new interactive functionality or features, which create a new experience for the user.
For the Next Mobile Wallpaper Paradigm category, contestants are free to design a new wallpaper for a Galaxy mobile device or devices, whether static, animated or live. The judges will be looking for designs that suggest new possibilities for future mobile devices, such as interactive wallpapers that respond to the user's touch and movement, or generative designs that transform depending on the user's data or situation.
Winners and prizes
The competition has total prize money of $40,000. In each category, the winner will receive a top prize of $10,000, the runner up will receive $5,000 and third place will receive $3,000. The fourth- and fifth-placed entrants in each category will receive $1,000 each.
How to enter
Contestants will need to submit their entry via this form and include the information listed in the guidelines below.
The entry requirements are different for each category, so please read the submission guidelines carefully.
Please note – the top five finalists in each category will be required to make a short video presenting their idea and documenting the making process for Samsung's promotional material for the contest. This video is not a part of the evaluation criteria, and entrants do not need to submit this video when they enter the competition. But contestants should be prepared to make the video if they are selected as a finalist.
Next Mobile + submission guidelines
Contestants can design any kind of accessory for a Galaxy mobile device or devices. However, Samsung are particularly interested in innovative accessories that interact digitally with Galaxy devices to provide enhanced functionality and create unique new user experiences.
Those entering the Next Mobile + category should submit a full description of their concept, as well as detailed information on the product’s specifications and target audience, and a lifestyle image depicting the product in use.
Contestants will need to submit their entry via this form and include the following information:
› The name of your design, which will appear on all communication and media coverage. The name should end with the words "of Galaxy", to emphasise the relationship with Samsung Galaxy devices.
› A description of your design explaining the concept and any relevant features (maximum 300 words).
› 3D CAD files of your design (Parasolid, IGES or STEP).
› A hero product render clearly showing the design.
› A lifestyle image showing the accessory in use by the target audience.
› A visualisation showing the accessory next to existing Samsung Galaxy mobile devices.
› A PDF presentation (maximum 10 pages) featuring renders, technical drawings and text explaining your design and target audience.
› Optionally, a video or animation showcasing your design and its features.
The three images (product render, lifestyle image and visualisation next to existing Galaxy devices) should be single images without logos, frames or text. They should be either JPG or PNG, in a landscape format, with a maximum resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum file size of 1 mb each.
The PDF presentation should be in a landscape format, with a maximum resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum file size of 5 mb.
The optional video or animation should be MPEG4 in a MOV or MP4 container, with a maximum file size of 25 mb.
Contestants should upload all their submission material in a single ZIP file, with a maximum total file size of 1GB. In addition, they should upload their hero product rendering and (optionally) a video preview showing their design in the separate fields, as indicated on the form.
Next Mobile Wallpaper Paradigm submission guidelines
Contestants can design any kind of wallpaper for Galaxy devices. It could be static or animated. It could be an interactive wallpaper that responds to the user’s input or gesture, or it could be a generative wallpaper that changes based on the user’s data or surroundings.
To create your design, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download this package of reference files and use the canvas PSD template to ensure that your wallpaper artwork is the correct size and will look good on mobile devices in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Step 2: Create your wallpaper design using the software and digital design tools of your choice.
Step 3: Use the relevant PSD template to select the best view for your wallpaper that will appear on the lockscreen of a smartphone. There is a dark version and a light version of the template – please choose whichever is most suitable for your design.
Step 4: Use the relevant PSD template to show how the wallpaper can be extended across various different Galaxy devices in order to provide the user with a holistic experience.
Contestants will need to submit their entry via this form and include the following information:
› The name of your design, which will appear on all communication and media coverage. The name should end with the words "of Galaxy", to emphasise the relationship with Samsung Galaxy devices.
› A description of your design explaining the concept and any interactive or generative functionality (maximum 300 words).
› A still hero image showing your wallpaper design on the lockscreen of a Galaxy smartphone (using the provided template).
› A still image showing your wallpaper design on different Galaxy devices (using the provided template).
› Your final design, output as either a still image, a video, or an APK file. If your wallpaper is designed to be animated, interactive or generative, then please ensure this functionality is clearly demonstrated in your submission.
Resolution for your final design should be 3040 by 3040 pixels.
Images must be PNG or JPEG. Videos must be MPEG4 in a MOV or MP4 container and must be between 5 and 40 seconds long.
Contestants should upload all their submission material in a single ZIP file, with a maximum total file size of 1GB. In addition, they should upload their hero image and (optionally) a video preview showing their design in the separate fields, as indicated on the form.
Closing date
All entries must be received by 23:59 GMT on 4 August 2019. Any entries received after this date will not be considered.
The top five entries in each category will be announced after 4 September 2019. The finalists will then be invited to present their ideas in London on 25 September 2019 before a jury including Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson, Samsung executives and a panel of designers. This jury will then select the competition's first, second and third winners.
Each of the top three winners will need to attend the award ceremony at this year’s Samsung Developer Conference from 29 to 30 October 2019 in San Jose, USA – where they’ll officially receive their awards. Further information on the Samsung Developer Conference will be available at www.samsungdeveloperconference.com from early August 2019.
Mock-ups of the top five entries in each category will also be showcased at the conference.
Contact
Any questions about the competition, and all press enquiries, should be emailed to [email protected].