In Hamburg (Germany), the jury process for the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 was completed: an intensive period in which more than 10,000 entries, spread across 93 categories, were carefully assessed by 129 jury members from 21 countries. These are impressive figures, but behind this scale lies something much more important: an in-depth discussion about what good design means today.
For Jacques Gramser, this was his sixth time as a jury member, now five years in a row. It is a role that goes beyond simply judging. It is a responsibility to guide how design is valued worldwide.
The judging process consists of two rounds. An initial selection takes place in December, after which approximately half of the designs proceed to the physical final round in Hamburg. There, over the course of several days, the winners and Gold Award laureates are determined. It is precisely this physical phase that is essential for Jacques.
“Design should not only be seen, but experienced. Only when you hold a product in your hands, use it and understand it, can you feel whether every design choice is truly right.” According to him, quality often lies in the nuances. In the way materials come together. In the balance between aesthetics and ergonomics. In the logic of an interface or the subtle refinement of a detail.
“Design should not only be seen, but experienced. Only when you hold a product in your hands, use it and understand it, can you feel whether every design choice is truly right.”
Jacques Gramser
Director / Partner
The jury of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026.
Each entry is assessed on five fixed criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation and sustainability. For Jacques, these are not a checklist, but an integral framework. ‘It always starts with the idea. Is it relevant? Does it actually solve something? Then you look at form and function: do they reinforce each other, or are they separate?’
He believes that differentiation is an underestimated criterion. In a world full of products, it takes courage to take a clear position. ‘Standing out for the sake of standing out is not interesting. But a distinct design vision that stems from substantive choices, that's what makes an impact.’
Sustainability accounts for 20 per cent of the total score across all categories. However, Jacques does not see this as a separate part of the assessment. ‘Sustainability is not an afterthought. It must be embedded in the core of the design. In the choice of materials, the production process, the lifespan, repairs and even in dismantling and recycling.’
The jury is supported by a Sustainable Working Group (SWG) that systematically incorporates environmental and social impact into the process. This adds depth to the discussions. ‘Sometimes you ask each other critical questions. Could this be done more efficiently? Was this produced fairly? Is it future-proof? Those conversations raise the bar.’
Five fixed criteria as a foundation. Source: https://ifdesign.com/en/if-design-award-and-jury.
Together with Ceren Bagatar and Johanna Loomis, Jacques assessed a large number of products this year. The diversity within the jury (in terms of background, culture and expertise) leads to lively and sometimes heated discussions. ‘That's precisely what makes it so valuable. Everyone looks at things from a different perspective. That dialogue sharpens your own judgement.’
According to Jacques, it ultimately comes down to integrity. ‘We assess each design individually as if it were our own work. That attitude ensures that you look beyond taste or personal preference. It's about quality, substantiation and impact.’
After six editions, the wonder has not yet faded. On the contrary.
“You can see where design is heading worldwide. Digitalisation, sustainability, user-friendliness – everything is coming together. The bar is set high, and that’s inspiring.” For Jacques, being appointed to the iF jury is more than just professional recognition. It is a moment of reflection.
It compels you to remain critical. To ask yourself: are we making the right choices in our own work? Are our designs just as carefully substantiated?
"We assess each design individually as if it were our own work. This approach ensures that you look beyond taste or personal preference. It is about quality, substantiation, and impact."
Jacques Gramser
Director / Partner
Johanna Loomis (Industrial Design Lead at Vay), Jacques Gramser (Director/Partner at GBO Innovation makers) and Ceren Bagatar (co-founder of Kode21 Climate Solutions).
The iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 confirms once again that good design never happens by chance. It is the result of tough choices, taking responsibility and daring to focus on what is truly relevant. For Jacques Gramser, it remains a privilege to be part of this international stage.
“Good design is honest. It is consistent in terms of content, technology and aesthetics. As a jury member, your task is to recognise and appreciate that. Not just for today, but for the future.” With his sixth participation as a jury member, Jacques not only underlines his commitment to top international design, but also his conviction that strong design choices can make a difference worldwide.
International jury members gathered at the official iF jury dinner in Hamburg, Germany.
For me personally, my role as a jury member for the iF DESIGN AWARD remains something special. With each new edition, I feel the responsibility that comes with it. You are not there solely on the basis of your own expertise, but on behalf of the profession. On behalf of designers who have spent months, sometimes years, working on an idea they believe in.
What makes it so valuable to me is the moment when everything comes together: the substantive discussions with international colleagues, the physical experience of products and the joint search for the essence of quality. It sharpens your focus. You learn to look more critically, formulate more precisely and weigh things up more consciously. At the same time, your respect for the enormous dedication behind every design grows.
It is an honour to be part of this international platform as a jury member, where design is judged at the highest level. Every time I sit at the table in Hamburg, I realise that this trust cannot be taken for granted. It is a privilege to contribute to the recognition of designs that are truly well thought-out and make an impact.
It is precisely this realisation that makes it, even after six times, still special!
