D&AD Awards 2020 is now open for entries

It comes after some feedback from both judges and entrants in last year's competition, which hope to "better reflect the industries we serve," the organisation says.

And to further improve accessibility and diversity in the creative industries, the non-profit association has also announced discounts for freelancers and businesses with fewer than ten employees.

As for categories, among the biggest changes is the launch of the Design Transformation category, which will award projects that use "design thinking" as a driver of business transformation and growth. This category will recognise "operational, technology-led, experience and holistic business transformation".

The D&AD Impact Awards will also coincide with the 2020 D&AD Awards, replacing the Creativity for Good category, which launched in 2012. The aim of the award remains unchanged: to recognise creative ideas that drive positive changes.

Meanwhile, Future Impact, a 12-month accelerator programme – which launched this week – will remain open for submissions until 15 July and be awarded in New York in November during the Impact week.

Digital Design, as a continuously evolving field, expands its sub-categories to recognise work across digital product, service and experience design. Likewise, Digital Marketing also sees new categories including e-commerce, use of AI, in-game advertising and creative use of data.

Elsewhere, D&AD has also restructured its Product Design categories to include everyday consumer products, assisted living & health, sustainable products, consumer & wearable technology and more.

Writing for Design and Advertising has been added to existing advertising and design categories. Juries will include both design writers and copywriters and be judged on the merit of the writing.

Judging for the D&AD Awards will take place online and in-person in the lead-up to D&AD Festival, which takes place 19-21 May at The Old Truman Brewery in London. The Awards will culminate with a celebration and ceremony at the newly refurbished Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.

D&AD Awards are now open for entry. For full details on categories, judging criteria, pricing and deadlines visit dandad.org/awards.