Dutch Design Awards (DDA) was established in 2003, thanks to BNO and DesignLink, under the banner of the “Dutch Design Awards”. Since 2005, DDA has been based in the design capital of Eindhoven. Through the competition, the Award Show, and an overview exhibition, DDA showcases and rewards the best in Dutch design, bringing winners to the attention of peers, the press, and the general public. DDA is part of the Dutch Design Foundation and is one of the highlights of Dutch Design Week, which exhibits the design of the future and the future of design for a week.

Moving forward, DDA strengthens the value of the Awards through three core pillars: a sharper focus, stronger community engagement, and a consistent spotlight on talent. This direction embraces a broader, more dynamic view of what design can achieve. 

DDA is committed to developing new avenues that recognise design as a force for transformation and possibility. Advancing the conversations on Dutch design means redefining its place within a broader context, opening up new possibilities for the discipline.

In this context, thinking of design through predefined categories no longer reflects the richness of today’s design landscape. 

This development allows the Awards to evolve with the world around them — staying true to the legacy while becoming a launchpad for emerging directions and ideas as important reference points for the future.