
INDEX: AWARD does not categorize design according to traditional labels - visual design, apparel and industrial design - since these categories do not fully reflect the interdisciplinary approach employed in most interesting modern design. INDEX: asks that the nomination bodies think horizontally, across design categories and industries, when selecting their nominees for the five categories vital to human life; BODY, HOME, WORK, PLAY and COMMUNITY.
The winning designs are chosen by an international jury consisting of leading designers, design researchers, design writers and design thinkers from Europe, Asia and the U.S. All jury members have a great deal of professional experience from broad areas of the design industry and wide ranging experience from other internationally recognized juries.
Also, the focus on Design to Improve Life differentiates INDEX: AWARD from other design awards, as design is evaluated in a much broader sense than traditionally, focusing not only on form, but also on the context of the design, e.g. ethical and cultural considerations, and impact, including the number of people affected, sustainability and level of innovation.