https://www.ucda.com/categories/
UCDA Design Awards—2026 Categories
Download the Full 2026 Category List with Descriptions (PDF)
DESIGN (PRINT & DIGITAL) COMPETITION
Design (single/series)
D-01 Advertising
D-01a Print Advertising
D-01b Online Display Advertising
D-01c Social Media Advertising
D-02 Best Redesign
D-02a Best Print Redesign
D-02b Best Digital Redesign
D-03 Book
D-04 Brand and Identity
D-04a Logo
D-04b Implementation/In Use
D-04c Brand Manual
D-04d Brand Strategy
D-05 Creative Excellence on a Budget
D-06 Development/Fundraising
D-06a Annual/Donor Report
D-06b Online/Digital Annual Report
D-06c Direct Mail
D-06d Fundraising/Giving Day Campaign
D-06e Presentation
D-06f Other
D-07 Email Marketing and Newsletters
D-08 Illustration
D-08a Printed Application
D-08b Digital Application
D-09 Integrated Marketing Campaign
D-10 Magazine
D-10a Cover
D-10b Complete Publication/Issue
D-10c Spread
D-10d Online Magazine
D-11 Merchandising/Imprinted Materials
D-12 Mobile Apps
D-13 Out-of-Home & Environmental Graphics
D-13a Poster
D-13b Animated/Video Board
D-13c Billboard
D-13d Experiential/Environmental Graphics
D-13e Wayfinding/Signage
D-14 Packaging Design
D-15 Portfolio/Body of Work
D-15a Agency/Freelancer
D-15b In-House (large team, more than 10 staff)
D-15c In-House (small team, less than 10 staff)
D-16 Recruitment
D-16a Viewbook
D-16b Online/Digital Viewbook
D-16c Admission Packet
D-16d Brochure
D-16e Postcard/Direct Mail
D-16f Presentation
D-16g Other
D-17 Social Media
D-17a Single Execution
D-17b Campaign
D-18 Special Event
D-18a Invitation
D-18b Collateral
D-18c Online
D-19 Specialty Considerations
D-19a Inclusive/Accessible Design
D-19b Socially Conscious Design
D-19c Sustainable/Green Design
D-19d Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality Design
D-20 Specialty Printing Process
D-21 Specialty Publication
D-22 Typographic Design
D-23 Website
D-23a Entire Site
D-23b Recruitment
D-23c Development/Fundraising
D-23d Departmental
D-23e Other
D-24 Digital Design by Educator
D-25 Print Design by Educator
D-26 Other Digital (any entry not fitting listed categories)
D-27 Other Print (any entry not fitting listed categories)
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Photography (single/series)
Photos with extensive manipulation may be considered illustration.
P-01 Campus Environment
P-02 Campus Life
P-03 News and Editorial
P-04 Portraits
P-05 Photography by Educator
P-06. Other Photography (any entry not fitting listed categories)
STUDENT COMPETITION
Student (single/series)
Work may be created by high school, undergraduate, or graduate college students.
S-01 Coursework
S-01a Print
S-01b Brand and Identity
S-01c Illustration
S-01d Typographic Design
S-01e Photography
S-01f Digital
S-01g Video
S-01h Animation and Motion Graphics
S-01i Portfolio/Body of Work
S-02 Independent or Client-Based Work
S-02a Print
S-02b Brand and Identity
S-02c Illustration
S-02d Typographic Design
S-02e Photography
S-02f Digital
S-02g Video
S-02h Animation and Motion Graphics
S-02i Portfolio/Body of Work
VIDEO COMPETITION
Video (single/series)
V-01 Commercial
V-02 Fundraising
V-03 Recruitment
V-04 Short Form (under 3 minutes)
V-05 Long Form (3 minutes and over)
V-06 Animation and Motion Graphics
V-07 Animation and Motion Graphics by Educator
V-08 Video by Educator
V-09 Other Video (any entry not fitting listed categories)