FAQs

Have questions?

We’ve gathered answers to common inquiries raised during our Knowledge Sharing Session.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to the following contacts:

For questions regarding the challenge statement and social sector: Resource Persons

For questions regarding evaluation criteria and submission guidelines: DBCS Secretariat Team
Email: info@singaporedesignawards.com
Phone Number: +65 8829 2990

Understanding the Struggles & Needs of Youths

How do we work with the youth effectively?

It’s important to meet youth where they are, both physically and emotionally. This may involve engaging them in environments they frequent, such as the streets or the digital space.

It’s essential to connect with youth on a cognitive level — not to fix them but to understand their interests and strengths, so that we can create opportunities for them to unleash their potential.

Involve them, understand them and empower them to co-create solutions with you.

What are the challenges of today’s youth?

The challenges faced by our youths today are unique and multifaceted. In a fast-paced country like Singapore, with technology, smaller families and higher academic pressure, our youth have a growing sense of disconnection. This can lead to social withdrawal, which undermines their growth and development, causing them to develop mental health issues.

Additionally, many struggle with economic uncertainty, finding it difficult to secure stable employment and housing, which is exacerbated by student debt and economic fluctuations. Inequities in access to quality education and resources can significantly affect opportunities and outcomes.

What challenges do social service agencies believe that youths in need face?

According to SHINE Children & Youth Services, there are four key challenges.

Firstly, there is the availability of services, whether the challenges that the youth face even have services to address them.

Secondly, the accessibility of services. Even if the service is available, it’s important to assess whether the youth are aware of it. Barriers such as cost and parental consent can also hinder their ability to seek help.

Thirdly, acceptability is a significant concern. Many young individuals may experience self-stigma, hence reaching out for help feels foreign to them. It’s essential to support youth in overcoming this barrier before they are willing to engage with social service agencies.

Lastly, it’s the appropriateness of services and whether they are effective in meeting the youth’s needs.

Design Challenge

Do we need to solve all three areas (achieve, connect & thrive) from the design challenge, or can we only focus on one?

It’s not necessary to address all three. However, it’s worth noting that working toward one goal may naturally lead to progress in others.

It’s important to clearly define which goal you are focusing on, and in your proposal, demonstrate how your solution helps achieve that specific goal.

How should we scope “youths in need” in the design challenge?

It is up to the team to decide and justify, based on your insights and target outcome(s) you would like to achieve. You can refer to the examples of “youths in need” in the information booklet for inspiration.

Evaluation Criteria

How do we ensure our solutions are sustainable and effective in supporting the youth through their journey?

A crucial aspect is ensuring business viability and sustainability. This involves asking critical questions: How will your solution be sustained over time? What potential revenue or resource streams can support its growth?

Considering business models is essential to build your idea into a solution that can go on for years to come.

Submission Guidelines

Can foreigners submit for Singapore Design Awards?

We welcome designers from around the world to participate. However, this year’s awards are tailored to address the specific challenges that Singapore is currently facing.

As such, submissions must present solutions that can be feasibly implemented within Singapore.

Is there a limit on the group size for participants?

There is no limit on the size of participant groups. However, we do prefer having a single point of contact, which should be the applicant.

Can participants partner with more people to help with the prototype after submission?

Yes, if your team is shortlisted as one of the finalists, you are welcome to involve additional partners to assist with the prototype.

If shortlisted as a finalist, do all group members need to be present for the final presentation?

While it is compulsory for the finalist team to deliver the final pitch in person, it is not necessary for all group members to be present. There is a maximum of two presenters allowed on stage during the final pitch.

Do submissions need to focus on programme design?

We are seeking any innovative and empowering solution that can address current gaps and proactively mitigate future challenges. For example, designing a space to better attract and connect with youths in need; a product that can engage and mitigate social isolation; a campaign to increase awareness of available support; a programme to address social relationships of youths in need.

We welcome submissions from all design disciplines (architecture, communication, spatial, product, UX design etc) as we aim to gather diverse perspectives and approaches that can contribute meaningfully to supporting youths in need.