Guidelines

Create an original short film that creatively interprets the competition theme and communicates a meaningful story, message, or idea.
The short film must be between 1 and 5 minutes, including opening titles and end credits.
Upload your film in the highest quality possible.

Preferred Formats

• Video: H.264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (letterboxed if required)
• Resolution: Minimum 720p

The submitted film must be an original creation of the participant/team.
Any music, footage, images, sound effects, or other assets used must either be:

• Created by the participant
• Properly licensed
• Royalty-free
• Appropriately credited

Content should be age-appropriate and suitable for a student audience.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools during the filmmaking process.

AI may be used for:

• Research and idea generation
• Script development
• Storyboarding
• Voiceovers
• Music and sound generation
• Video editing assistance
• Visual effects and animation
• Subtitle generation
• Production planning

Participants must not:

• Submit a fully AI-generated film without meaningful creative direction or modification.
• Rely entirely on AI for storytelling, editing, narration, or visual creation without understanding the final output.
• Misrepresent AI-generated content as entirely human-created.

Participants must:

• Declare all AI tools used.
• Clearly identify AI-generated and student-created components.
• Be able to explain how AI contributed to the project.
• Demonstrate ownership of the creative vision and final film.

Category levels

• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

- Final Film

Submit the final film as per the following specifications:

• Duration: 1–5 minutes (including titles and credits)
• Format: H.264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4 preferred
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: Minimum 720p

Script (PDF)

Include:

• Film Title
• Script
• Character Information (if applicable)

Director's Note

Include within the script document:

• Theme Interpretation
• Story Summary
• Intended Message
• Creative Decisions
• AI Usage Disclosure

Students should briefly explain:

• Why they chose this story
• What message they want viewers to take away
• How AI contributed to the filmmaking process

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Contribution or Modification

Judging Criteria

1. Direction & Creative Vision (25%)

Originality of concept, storytelling approach, creative decision-making, and effectiveness in translating ideas into a compelling narrative. Evaluation of how well the filmmaker guides all creative elements toward a unified vision.

2. Visual Composition & Cinematography (20%)

Framing, shot selection, camera movement, lighting, visual storytelling, technical execution, and overall visual appeal.

3. Editing & Post-Production (15%)

Pacing, narrative flow, transitions, continuity, rhythm, visual effects (if applicable), and overall effectiveness of editing in enhancing the story.

4. Audio Design & Sound Effects (15%)

Quality and creative use of sound design, sound effects, music, narration, dialogue clarity, audio mixing, and the contribution of audio elements to the viewing experience.

5. Meaningfulness & Audience Impact (10%)

Emotional connection, depth of message, audience engagement, and overall impact of the film.

6. Relevance to the Theme (10%)

How clearly and effectively the film addresses and interprets the competition theme, including the strength of thematic integration throughout the narrative.

7. Presentation & Process Understanding (5%)

Ability to explain the creative process, filmmaking decisions, AI usage (if applicable), challenges faced, learning outcomes, and supporting documentation.

Guidelines

Create an original graphic design that effectively communicates a message, idea, campaign, product, cause, or theme through visual communication.
Originality is important. The final design should demonstrate your creativity, design thinking, and decision-making.
If any third-party assets, fonts, images, illustrations, icons, textures, or other resources are used, proper attribution must be provided.
Participants must be ready to present their original source files during evaluation if requested.
Designs must align with the competition theme. Off-theme submissions may be disqualified.
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Direct copying of designs, templates, or artwork without meaningful modification is not allowed.
Content must be respectful, appropriate, and suitable for all audiences.
Participants may use any suitable design software, including:

• Graphic Design Software (Canva, CorelDRAW, Adobe Express, GIMP, Krita, Inkscape, etc.)
• Drawing & Painting Software (Tux Paint, Paint, Krita, etc.)
• AI-powered Design Tools (subject to AI usage guidelines)

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools during the design process.

AI may be used for:

• Research and inspiration
• Idea generation
• Image creation
• Icon generation
• Background creation
• Typography exploration
• Color palette suggestions
• Content generation
• Design refinement

Participants must not:

• Submit fully AI-generated artwork without meaningful modifications or personal contribution.
• Misrepresent AI-generated content as entirely their own.
• Submit designs that they cannot explain or justify.

Participants must:

• Clearly disclose all AI tools used.
• Identify which components were AI-assisted and which were created or modified by the student.
• Demonstrate understanding of design choices and creative decisions.
• Be prepared to explain how AI contributed to the final design.

Category levels

• Beginner - 6–7 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2020)
• Junior - 8–10 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2018)
• Middle: 11–13 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14–16 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

Final Design

Submit the final design as a high-quality image.

Resolution:

• Minimum: 1280 × 720
• Maximum: 2048 × 1080

Design Presentation (PDF)

Include:

• Project Title
• Participant Information
• Theme Analysis
• Concept Development
• Design Process
• Design Justification
• Target Audience
• Implementation / Marketing Plan
• AI Usage Disclosure

Concept Sketches / Drafts (Mandatory)

Students should submit:

• Initial sketches
• Draft concepts
• Mood boards
• Alternative design ideas
• Design iterations

These may be hand-drawn or digital.

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• AI-Generated Output
• Student Modifications or Contributions

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

Project Explanation During Presentation:

Students should explain:

• Their idea
• Design choices
• Theme interpretation
• AI usage (if applicable)
• Learning journey
• Challenges faced
• Skills developed during the championship

Judging Criteria

Idea & Message Communication (20%)

Clarity of message, effectiveness of communication, and relevance to the intended audience.

Design Thinking & Creativity (20%)

Originality, innovation, problem-solving, and evidence of thoughtful design decisions.

Relevance to Theme (20%)

How effectively the design interprets and communicates the competition theme.

Visual Design & Composition (20%)

Layout, hierarchy, typography, use of imagery, spacing, and organization of visual elements. Use of color, aesthetics, balance, harmony, and overall visual impact.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to explain the design process, creative choices, AI usage, and learning outcomes.

Guidelines

Create a software solution that addresses a problem, automates a task, provides a useful service, or demonstrates computational thinking through coding.
Participants may use any suitable programming language, platform, framework, or development environment.
Projects may be desktop applications, web applications, mobile applications, games, simulations, automation tools, AI solutions, or other software-based innovations.
All submitted work must be the participant's original creation.
Projects must not violate copyright laws or contain plagiarized content.
Code should be clean, organized, and appropriately documented.
If any libraries, datasets, APIs, frameworks, or external assets are used, proper attribution must be provided.
Participants must be able to explain the logic, functionality, and implementation of their project.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and similar tools) during software development.

AI may be used for:

• Research and problem exploration
• Brainstorming ideas
• Algorithm suggestions
• Code generation and debugging
• Documentation support
• Testing and optimization
• Learning programming concepts

Participants must not:

• Submit AI-generated code without understanding how it works.
• Present AI-generated solutions as entirely their own work.
• Rely entirely on AI without making meaningful contributions or modifications.
• Use AI during live evaluations to answer technical questions.

Participants must:

• Clearly disclose all AI tools used.
• Identify AI-generated and self-created components.
• Demonstrate understanding of all major code segments and project functionality.
• Be prepared to explain how AI contributed to the project.

Category levels

• Beginner - 6–7 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2020)
• Junior - 8–10 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2018)
• Middle - 11–13 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14–16 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

Executable Application / Project Link

• Executable file, or
• Browser/Web application link, or
• Platform-specific build

Source Code

• Submit all source code files used in the project.

Project Documentation (PDF)

Include:

• Project Title
• Participant Information
• Theme Analysis
• Problem Statement
• Proposed Solution
• System Flow / Logic
• Design Decisions
• Implementation Approach
• Future Improvements
• AI Usage Disclosure

Flowcharts & Design Planning

Include:

• Flowcharts
• Algorithms
• Wireframes (if applicable)
• UI sketches (if applicable)

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Contribution or Modification

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

Project Demonstration:

Students should explain:

• The problem being solved
• Key functionality
• Coding logic
• AI usage (if applicable)
• Learning journey
• Challenges faced
• Skills developed

Judging Criteria

Problem Solving & Computational Thinking (20%)

Understanding of the problem, logical thinking, algorithm design, and effectiveness of the solution.

Functionality & Technical Execution (20%)

Successful operation of the project, correctness of implementation, reliability, and technical quality.

Code Understanding & Quality (20%)

Code organization, readability, structure, maintainability, and ability to explain the code.

Creativity & Innovation (20%)

Originality of the idea, innovative features, and creative application of technology.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to explain project decisions, coding logic, AI usage, and overall implementation.

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Guidelines

Create a mobile application that solves a real-world problem, improves an existing experience, or provides value to a specific group of users.
Apps should be designed with a clear purpose and user audience in mind.
Participants may use any suitable app development platform, including no-code, low-code, block-based, or text-based programming tools.
The app must be created by the participant/team.
If using templates or no-code platforms, the app should demonstrate meaningful customization and original thinking beyond basic drag-and-drop functionality.
Apps should function correctly on mobile devices or emulators.
Originality is important. Direct copying of templates, existing apps, or designs without significant modification is not permitted.
The app must include:

• Landing Screen (Home / Welcome)
• Information or Action Screen
• Interactive Element (Button, Form, Search, Input, etc.)
• Minimum 4–5 connected screens with working navigation

Participants must be able to explain their app structure, features, and design decisions.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, GitHub Copilot, Claude, DALL·E, and similar tools) during app development.

AI may be used for:

• Research and problem exploration
• User persona development
• Feature brainstorming
• UI/UX suggestions
• Content generation
• Code assistance
• Debugging and testing
• Design asset creation
• Documentation support

Participants must not:

• Submit an AI-generated app without meaningful customization or contribution.
• Present AI-generated content as entirely their own work.
• Rely entirely on AI without understanding the app's functionality and purpose.

Participants must:

• Clearly disclose all AI tools used.
• Explain how AI contributed to the project.
• Identify AI-assisted and student-created components.
• Demonstrate understanding of all major features, workflows, and design decisions.

Category levels

• Middle - 11–13 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14–16 Years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

(Team Size – Individual Participant or Max. 5 Members)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

App File / Build

Submit:

• APK file (for Android apps), and/or
• App project link (if applicable)

The submitted version must be functional and accessible to judges.

Project Documentation (PDF)

Include:

• Project Title
• Participant Information
• Theme Analysis
• Problem Statement
• Target Users
• Proposed Solution
• Key Features
• User Flow
• Design Decisions
• AI Usage Disclosure

Students should briefly explain:

• What problem the app solves
• Who the intended users are
• Why specific features were included
• How the app improves the user experience

Wireframes / App Flow (Recommended)

Include:

• Initial sketches
• Wireframes
• Screen flow diagrams
• User journey maps

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Contribution or Modification

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

Project Demonstration:

Students should demonstrate:

• App functionality
• User flow
• Key features
• AI usage (if applicable)
• Learning journey
• Challenges faced
• Skills developed during the championship

Judging Criteria

Design Thinking & Problem Solving (20%)

Understanding of the problem or opportunity, user needs, functionality, and design decisions.

User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) (20%)

Ease of use, navigation flow, interaction design, accessibility, and overall user experience. Visual appeal, design consistency, layout, readability, and aesthetic quality.

Technical Functionality & Execution (20%)

Working features, logical implementation, and effective use of platform capabilities.

Creativity & Innovation (20%)

Originality of the idea, unique features, and innovative problem-solving.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to explain the app, design decisions, user needs, AI usage, and implementation process.

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Guidelines

Create an original 3D design that creatively addresses the competition theme, solves a problem, improves an existing product, or presents an innovative concept.
Students may create products, models, environments, characters, structures, furniture, vehicles, assistive devices, smart products, or other 3D solutions.
Entries must be submitted before the official submission deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Projects must be original and created specifically for this competition.
If any third-party assets, references, textures, models, sounds, or resources are used, proper attribution and source references must be provided.
Projects must not violate copyright laws or terms of use of any software, content, or digital assets used.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools during the design process.

AI may be used for:

• Idea generation and brainstorming
• Research and concept exploration
• Mood boards and reference creation
• Design inspiration
• Texture and material generation
• Rendering assistance
• Documentation and presentation support
• Design evaluation and improvement suggestions

AI-assisted 3D generation tools may be used provided the participant:

• Makes meaningful modifications, refinements, or additions to the generated output
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the final design and its components.
• Document their design decisions, creative contributions, and development process.

Participants must not:

• Submit fully AI-generated models without meaningful modification or contribution.
• Claim AI-generated work as entirely their own.
• Submit designs, models, or concepts that they cannot explain, justify, or demonstrate an understanding of.

Participants must:

• Declare all AI tools used.
• Clearly indicate which aspects of the project were AI-assisted, and which were created, modified, or refined by the participant.
• Demonstrate ownership of and understanding of all major elements included in the final design.
• Be able to explain how AI contributed to the design process and outcome.
• Be prepared to demonstrate portions of their work and describe how AI-generated models, textures, renders, concepts, or other outputs were adapted, customized, or integrated into the final submission.

Category levels

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

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Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated within their respective age categories. Expectations for technical complexity and project scope will be age appropriate.

Creativity & Innovation (20%)

Originality of the concept, uniqueness of the solution, and creative application of ideas.

Design Thinking & Problem Solving (20%)

Understanding of the problem or opportunity, user needs, functionality, and design decisions.

Visual Appeal & Design Quality (20%)

Aesthetics, proportions, composition, color, form, and overall presentation quality.

Technical Execution (20%)

Quality of modeling, rendering, animation, simulation, or technical implementation. Practicality, usability, safety, sustainability, and value provided to the intended user.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to clearly communicate the concept, process, AI usage, and rationale behind design decisions.

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

Rendered Images

Submit a minimum of 3 rendered images showing different views of the design.

Resolution:

• Minimum: 1280 × 720
• Maximum: 2048 × 1080

Design Presentation (PDF)

Include:

• Project Title
• Participant Information
• Theme Interpretation
• Problem or Opportunity Identified
• Concept Development
• Design Evolution
• 3–5 screenshots highlighting key features of the design.
• Final Design
• Design Justification
• Sustainability or User Considerations
• AI Usage Disclosure

Students should briefly explain:

• Why the design was created
• Who the intended user is
• Key design decisions made during development

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Modifications or Contributions

Guidelines

Create an original website or web application that solves a problem, provides information, delivers a service, or creates a meaningful user experience.
Projects should demonstrate creativity, usability, design thinking, and technical implementation.
Participants may use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, MySQL, React, Angular, Django, Bootstrap, jQuery, APIs, or other suitable web technologies.
Publishing the website or web application is optional.
Projects created entirely using CMS platforms, website builders, or ready-made templates without significant customization are not permitted.
The submitted project must be an original creation developed specifically for the Design Championship.
If any external assets, images, icons, libraries, APIs, datasets, or third-party resources are used, proper attribution must be provided.
Projects must not violate copyright laws or contain plagiarized content.
Participants should be able to explain the purpose, structure, design decisions, and implementation of their website or web application.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and similar tools) during web development.

AI may be used for:

• Research and problem exploration
• Content generation
• UI/UX suggestions
• Wireframe creation
• Code generation and debugging
• Documentation support
• Testing and optimization
• Design asset creation

Participants must not:

• Submit AI-generated websites or code without understanding them.
• Present AI-generated content as entirely their own work.
• Rely entirely on AI without meaningful student contribution and decision-making.

Participants must:

• Clearly disclose all AI tools used.
• Identify AI-assisted and student-created components.
• Demonstrate understanding of the website architecture, functionality, and code.
• Be prepared to explain how AI contributed to the project.

Category levels

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

Website / Web Application Project

Website / Web Application Project

Submit:

• Complete project folder
• Source code files
• Hosting link (optional)

Design Documentation (PDF or PPT)

Include:

• Project Title
• Participant Information
• Theme Analysis
• Problem Statement
• Target Users
• Proposed Solution
• Information Architecture
• Design Decisions
• Technical Approach
• AI Usage Disclosure

Concept Documentation

Include:

• Sitemap
• Wireframes (if available)
• User Flow Diagram
• UI Concepts
• Design Iterations

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Contribution or Modification

If no AI tools were used, include:

"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

Project Demonstration

Students should explain:

• Website purpose
• Key features
• User journey
• Design decisions
• AI usage (if applicable)
• Learning journey
• Challenges faced
• Skills developed
• Development workflow

Judging Criteria

Design Thinking & Problem Solving (20%)

Understanding of the problem or opportunity, user needs, functionality, and design decisions.

User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) (20%)

Ease of use, navigation flow, interaction design, accessibility, and overall user experience. Visual appeal, design consistency, layout, readability, and aesthetic quality.

Technical Quality & Functionality (20%)

Code quality, performance, browser compatibility, working features, and technical implementation.

Innovation & Uniqueness (20%)

Novel features, unique approaches, and creative use of technology.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to explain design decisions, functionality, code structure, AI usage, and overall implementation.

Guidelines

- Create an electronics-based solution that addresses a real-world problem using simulated sensors, actuators and circuit design with programing.
- All projects must be designed and simulated using circuit simulation tools (like Tinkercad Circuits, Wokwi, etc.) only. Projects should demonstrate creativity, innovation, logical thinking, and practical application.
- All submitted work must be the participant's original creation.
- The submitted simulation project link must be accessible to judges.
- Participants must be able to explain their circuit design, component selection, programming logic, and project functionality.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools during project development.

AI may be used for:

• Research and concept exploration
• Learning electronics concepts
• Understanding sensors and components
• Circuit design suggestions
• Coding assistance and debugging 
• Documentation and presentation support
• Project improvement suggestions

Participants must not:

• Submit AI-generated circuits or code without understanding them.
• Present AI-generated work as entirely their own.
• Submit fully AI-generated projects without meaningful student contribution.
• Use AI tools during live evaluation or project presentation.

Participants must:

• Clearly disclose all AI tools used.
• Identify AI-assisted and student-created components.
• Demonstrate understanding of the circuit, code, and overall solution.
• Be prepared to explain how AI contributed to the project.

Category levels

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012)

Submission Requirements

Design Showcase Video (Mandatory)

Submit a 30–60 second video showcasing and explaining the final design.

Project Link

Submit a working simulation project link accessible to judges.

Circuit Screenshot

Submit clear screenshots of the complete circuit design.

Arduino Code (if applicable)

Submit the complete Arduino code used in the project.

Project Presentation (PDF or PPT)

Include:

• Project Title
• Problem Statement
• Proposed Solution
• Circuit Design
• Program Logic
• Working Principle
• Real-World Impact
• AI Usage Disclosure

AI Usage Log

Include:

• AI Tool Used
• Purpose of Use
• Output Generated
• Student Contribution or Modification

If no AI tools were used, include:
"This project was created without the use of AI tools."

Judging Criteria

Problem Understanding & Solution Design (20%)

Understanding of the problem, user needs, and effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Innovation & Creativity (20%)

Originality of the idea, creative application of electronics, and uniqueness of the solution.

Circuit Design & Implementation (20%)

Quality of circuit design, component selection, wiring logic, and overall implementation.

Coding Logic & Functionality (20%)

Programming quality, automation logic, decision-making, and successful operation of the simulation. Real-world usefulness, practicality, scalability, and potential impact of the solution.

Presentation & Understanding (20%)

Ability to explain the project, circuit behavior, programming logic, AI usage, and design decisions.