German Design Award 2025: Design as the key to success
- hm32067
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
New study reveals the importance of design in business
The German Design Award 2025 has impressively demonstrated that design plays a decisive role as a strategic resource for innovation and sustainability – with forward-looking projects, inspiring award winners and a significant exchange between players from business and design. The results of the "Design in Business" study were presented for the first time at this year's award ceremony on 7 February in Frankfurt. The study examines how design can help companies address global challenges such as climate change, pollution and resource scarcity.
Design as a strategic resource
Since 1953, the German Design Council has been committed to establishing design as a driver of innovation and a competitive advantage. The study, carried out in collaboration with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, shows that 79% of the companies surveyed consider design to be a key differentiating factor. However, only 45% use designers specifically for strategic tasks and only 25% are involved in decision-making processes in management positions. Companies such as Viessmann Climate Solutions, Canyon Bicycles and Drägerwerk AG show how the strategic use of design promotes innovation and sustainable solutions.
New category "Circular Design" and visionary concepts
In order to place a stronger focus on sustainable and future-oriented approaches, the German Design Award 2025 is expanding its categories to include the special category "Circular Design" for the first time. In addition, Kate Raworth and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) were honoured as "Personality of the Year" and Juni Sun Neyenhuys as "Newcomer of the Year" as outstanding personalities whose ideas are having a lasting impact on business and design. Their concept combines social justice with ecological responsibility and sets new standards for an economy that not only respects planetary boundaries, but also recognises them as an impetus for sustainable innovation. The German Design Award thus remains a central platform for visionary projects that illustrate the transformative power of design.
The full study is available on request: