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What is the Hiroshima Good Design Award? Revitalizing local industry through local x design
In solving regional issues and communicating local appeal, the role of "design" is becoming ever more important. Particularly in rural areas, there is a growing movement to use the power of design to reassess the value of products and develop them into regional brands.
Against this backdrop, the "Hiroshima Good Design Award" is attracting attention in Hiroshima Prefecture. By recognizing outstanding locally created designs and supporting regional innovation, this initiative holds great potential to open up the future of Hiroshima's industry and culture.
In this article, we introduce what the "Hiroshima Good Design Award" is, along with examples of how it is being put to use in the region.
"Design" that adds value
The "Hiroshima Good Design Award," organized by the Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Organization, is a program that honors outstanding designs created by companies and designers in the prefecture. It is distinctive in evaluating the value of design from multiple perspectives, such as "usability," "regional character" and "social value," not merely good looks.
Types of eligible designs
- Products (daily goods, tools, etc.)
- Graphics (logos, packaging, posters, etc.)
- Spaces and buildings (store interiors, event booths, etc.)
- Services and systems (UI/UX usability, experience design, etc.)
Benefits of winning
| Greater credibility and brand value | Serves as official proof that the design "was evaluated from multiple perspectives, including design quality, functionality and social value" |
| More opportunities for PR and publicity | Award ceremonies, exhibitions and sales events held by the organizer create opportunities to be seen by the media and consumers |
| Opportunities to exhibit and sell | In some cases, opportunities are provided to exhibit and sell award-winning products |
| Support for expanding sales channels | The program's stated objectives include use for "sales promotion" and "nationwide PR" |
| Differentiation and competitive advantage | In markets with many similar products, it becomes a "differentiating factor" that backs up your design capabilities |
| Higher motivation within the company | The company and team gain a sense of being "publicly recognized," which motivates improvement in design and development capabilities |
| Program support and connections | Relationships can be built with the organizers (industrial promotion centers, design support offices, etc.), with the potential to receive design consultations, subsidy programs and other support |
| Examples of real-world impact | There are cases where winning companies exhibited at exhibition and sales events and were able to promote their products to visitors |
"Design" can be a powerful weapon
This is because, at a time when regional revitalization and greater competitiveness for small and medium-sized businesses are needed, making local issues and attractions visible through design can win users' empathy.
When design is not differentiated...
- It becomes difficult to differentiate products and services
- Local strengths remain unknown and get buried
- Young people's interest cannot be captured, and population outflow continues
In other words, design is a means of putting "invisible value" into words and visuals, and it is indispensable for nurturing a region's appeal.
Why success stories are increasing
In recent years, there have been more and more cases in which the Hiroshima Good Design Award has led to tangible results, such as expanded sales channels and new partnerships between companies.
It also becomes easier to collaborate with local governments and public administration, and in some cases the effort has grown beyond design itself into "community building."
Summary
- The Hiroshima Good Design Award is a chance to give "shape" to the strengths of your region
- Design can also be a "tool" for solving regional issues
- Examples of design being put to use in society are increasing, and winning opens up further possibilities
- When applying, the story and how you communicate it matter, not just the look
- World Area Networks Co., Ltd. is also working on such initiatives together with you
At WAN, experienced staff provide solid support for everything from regional branding and product development to preparing application materials.
If you feel "I don't know where to start" or "we don't have enough resources," please consider WAN's "Local x Design Support Service."
For free document downloads and consultations, please contact us.
