Which category should I enter for the D&AD Impact Awards 2026?
A complete guide to the 2026 Impact Awards categories, judging criteria, and what you can enter.
Summary: Compare all three Impact categories, what qualifies, what judges look for, and what awards and benefits are available.
Impact Category
For commercially released campaigns, initiatives, or designs that drive measurable change connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Awards available: Wood, Graphite, White, Black Pencil
Eligible for all other D&AD categories except Future Impact.
Future Impact Category
For early-stage work (R&D, prototypes, MVPs) developed between 1 Jan 2025 – 15 Apr 2026.
Must demonstrate:
- Proof of concept
- Potential for impact
- Commercial viability
- Relevance to the SDGs
Awarded entrants receive:
- Future Impact Pencil
- Access to the Impact Programme
- Ability to apply for the £25,000 Impact Fund
Not eligible for other categories except Product Design/Prototypes.
Sustained Impact Category
For long-running work showing measurable increase in impact over time.
Must demonstrate increasing behavioural, environmental, social or policy change.
Awards available: Wood, Graphite, White, Black Pencil
Entering the Wrong Category
If the same project is entered in more than one Impact category, D&AD may withdraw one without refund.
Are Open-Source Designs Eligible?
Yes - if made publicly available during the eligibility period.
Judging Criteria (All Categories)
Judges review:
- Alignment with SDGs
- Innovation
- Quality of execution
- Direct evidence of impact or potential impact
- Scalability (Future Impact only)
Why No Yellow Pencil in Impact?
The White Pencil replaces it, awarded for exceptional work that drives social, environmental or policy change.