Best of Digital Design judging begins Feb. 6

  • January 27, 2020
Society for News Design

More than 1,300 entries received

SND received a record number of entries this year; the portal closed Monday, January 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (GMT -5). More than 100 organizations entered from 25+ countries. A group of 14 judges from around the world will meet in Washington, D.C. from Feb. 6-8 to review the entries and recognize winners with Awards of Excellence and medals. Finalists for World’s Best-Designed™ Digital News Experience will be announced at the end of the judging. They will be assisted by more than 20 professional volunteer facilitators; check back here for live coverage and updates on results.

A special thanks to Georgetown University for hosting the judging this year at its School of Continuing Studies. The university offers its Marketing and Communications Programs to individuals looking to build or hone their digital and communications skills, with master’s degrees in communications, journalism and public relations.

This year we revised categories for the types of work to be judged, based on interest from last year, and refined descriptions to better guide you on what to enter and where. We also simplified the pricing structure. Single-URL entries are $25; multiple-URL entries (for line of coverage, portfolios etc.) are $40.

The Best of Digital Design portion of the 41st Edition Creative Competition is open to all media publications. You do not need to be a member of SND to participate in the contest. All entries must have been published between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2019.

Call for volunteers

UPDATE: Thanks to all who offered to volunteer! Facilitator roles have been finalized for 2020, but contact digital@snd.org if interested in helping in the future.

Want to get an up-close look at what is defines the state of the art in our industry? Here’s your chance to spend three days immersed with the best digital design in the world.

We are looking for a few good visual journalists to help as facilitators at the SND digital judging in D.C. in February. You’ll listen to passionate conversations around what deserves this recognition and work behind the scenes with a small group of dedicated volunteers.

You must commit to full three days. Roles include taking detailed notes of medal discussions, cataloguing, compiling and posting results and promoting winners and other live coverage on social medals.

Ideal candidates live in the D.C. area; SND provides meals but any out-of-town volunteers pay for and arrange their own travel and lodging (some organizations may cover the cost because of the experience and exposure to information, insight and ideas).

Slots are limited (six max) so email digital@snd.org before Jan. 15 if interested. Volunteers will be accepted until space is filled. Please put “SND41 Volunteer” in the subject line. The email should include:

  • First and last name
  • Current place of work
  • Job title
  • Languages read and/or spoken
  • If you have attended judging before (as a judge or facilitator)
  • Preferred email
  • Preferred phone numbers
  • Whether you are an SND member (if not a member, consider joining SND here.)