World Design Rankings offers a global snapshot of design excellence, measuring countries by the number of designers who have received the A’ Design Award. Nations don’t enter the rankings themselves; instead, they are represented by participating designers who declare their country or nationality when submitting work. Rankings are calculated using a weighted system based on Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron awards, with scoring data tracked continuously since the awards programme began in 2008.
For the 2025—2026 edition of the A’ Design Award, familiar names once again dominated the upper tiers. China claimed the top position by a considerable margin, amassing an impressive 5,655 awards. The United States followed with 1,839 awards, while Japan secured third place with a total of 1,001; reaffirming its enduring influence on the global design landscape.
Shan’s Meal Restaurant by Qiming Zhang,
Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category, 2023—2024.
The Forum Pavilion by Joel Putnam, Justin Nardone and Joonhaeng Lee, Winner in 3D Printed Forms and Products Category, 2023—2024.
Desen Coffee Table by Ruya Akyol, Winner in Furniture Design Category, 2024—2025.
Open to designers, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, the A’ Design Awards & Competition is widely recognised as the world’s largest design competition, championing creativity across disciplines. Beyond the prestige of international recognition, winners gain access to a comprehensive package of benefits designed to elevate careers and projects alike. These include the A’ Design Award Winners’ Kit, featuring a 3D-printed metal A’ Design Award trophy presented in a black luxury box, an award winners’ manual, and an invitation to the gala-night award ceremony. Winners are also granted free participation in the official exhibition, both online and at a physical exhibition in Italy, alongside complimentary sales listings on SaloneDelDesigner and extensive global PR support.
With 175 main award categories and numerous subcategories, the competition spans an extraordinary breadth of creative fields. This wide scope means that entrants compete not only for personal recognition, but also contribute to their country’s standing on the global design stage. In 2025, a total of 114 countries were represented on the leaderboard, marking a modest increase on the previous year.
No matter your discipline, the opportunity to strengthen your country’s design credentials is open. With the entry deadline set for 28 February, there is still time to take part. Submit your work via competition.adesignaward.com, represent your nation, and position yourself for international recognition in 2026. Until then, take inspiration from a selection of the standout winning projects from 2025.
Breath of The Glacier Sustainable Fashion Cloth by Yibo Ji, Winner in Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Category, 2024—2025.
Wearing Chair by Yansheng Xia, Jinxiang Li and Chenglong Pu, Winner in Furniture Design Category, 2021—2022.
“Nesting Plan Vii Formosan Wild Boar Public Art Installation by Into The Woods and Co.-Cheng Tsung Feng,
Winner in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Category, 2024—2025.”
Lamb Interactive Playful Lamp by Brian Lee and Benny Leong, Winner in Lighting Products and Lighting Projects Design Category, 2017—2018.
Waving Multifunctional Speaker by Ruiwang Xiang, Winner in Digital and Electronic Devices Design Category, 2019—2020.
“Fuma House by Masakatsu Matsuyama,
Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2024—2025.”
Illustration Corner Mobile Exhibition Units by Sara and Sara, Winner in Product Engineering and Technical Design Category, 2023—2024.
Toji Candle Boxes by Xiaoman Fu, Winner in Packaging Design Category, 2021—2022.
“Union Industrial Corporate Building by Popching Construction Co., Ltd,
Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2022—2023.”
Poly City Gather Sales Center by Melody Lau is Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category, 2022—2023.
Zhengrong Mansion Sales Office by Kan Tan; Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category, 2020—2021.
