Cannes Lions open for entries, defines new 'Product Design' category

The 61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced that it is now open for entries in 17 categories, including the newly introduced Product Design Lions.

Product Design Lions will recognise the 'applied use of physical products in aiding the communication of a brand ethos as well as its use to have a positive impact on improving people’s lives', said a statement from organisers. The category is split into: Consumer Goods, Wellbeing and Environmental Impact, Solution (ergonomic functionality and day to day solutions through design) and Interface (user interfaces’ visual impact, ease of navigation and ability to convey information).

On the launch of Product Design, Terry Savage, chairman, Lions Festivals, said, “Brand communication has become such a part of product design that it’s important as a global Festival celebrating creative communications that we now recognise this. Including Product Design Lions as a standalone entry category in our awards line up, not only acknowledges this fast growing industry, but helps to set a global benchmark and precedent for the creativity within it.”

He added that the category has been defined after consulting with the industry, as with category launches in the past.

Festival organisers had previously announced new sub-categories in the 2014 Festival under Cyber Lions: Social, Branded Technology and Branded Games.

Changes have been made to a number of sub categories, including those under PR, Branded Content and Entertainment, Film and Outdoor Lions categories.

The last date for submission of entries is 28 March 2014.

More information on the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2014 can be found at www.canneslions.com.