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See Which Countries Reign As Most Creative In 2020-2021’s World Design Rankings
By Mikelle Leow, 01 Jan 2021

Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore by Xiang Li
Does your country have the potential to supersede creatively? The answer is always yes. The World Design Rankings (WDR) tracks the work of designers around the globe and uncovers the countries with the most creative talent, based on the number of designers who have received the A’ Design Award, one of the largest and most prestigious design competitions in the world. By recognizing their own design prospects, countries can better understand which fields will take them far and decide on where to work on.
China takes the top spot among 108 participating countries in the updated rankings for 2020-2021, having swept up 2,272 awards. The USA follows with 1,038 prizes, while Japan comes in third with 481 awards.

Global recognition aside, the WDR offers tangible insight on nations’ design strengths and opportunities, and encourages them to harness these so as to become more attractive and competitive. This year’s results take things even further as design enthusiasts and policy makers can now also find out the categories that each country is a master of. China, for instance, finds itself most astute in Interior Space and Exhibition Design, whereas the United States is recognized for winning the most awards in Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design.
The drive to excel is ever-present in the remote-working world. This year, two new tastemakers join the list: Macau and Iraq.
During this time of uncertainty, design’s role becomes even more imperative, as creatives seek state-of-the-art solutions to solve previously unseen problems. Remember that every thoughtful idea snowballs to strengthen your community’s core, ultimately adding to the standard of living in the world.
To fuel your inspiration, below are some award-winning designs from the top 10 countries in the World Design Rankings 2020-2021.
Have your creative exposure amplified by registering your best work at the A’ Design Award here.
10. Australia

Superegg Sculpture Installation by Jaco Roeloffs

Superegg Sculpture Installation by Jaco Roeloffs

Ane Stool by Troy Backhouse

Ane Stool by Troy Backhouse
9. Turkey

Fume Marker Pen Stand and Package by Hakan Gürsu

Fume Marker Pen Stand and Package by Hakan Gürsu

ANGLE Bookshelf by Selami Gündüzeri

ANGLE Bookshelf by Selami Gündüzeri
8. Germany

Stocker Chair, Stool by Matthias Scherzinger

Berlin Book by Robert Nippoldt

Berlin Book by Robert Nippoldt
7. Taiwan

Memento Letter opener by Bryan Leung

Memento Letter opener by Bryan Leung

K MUSEUM2 Watch by Kai-Hsuan Liu

K MUSEUM2 Watch by Kai-Hsuan Liu
6. Great Britain

Up Your Street Cottage Cheese by Springetts Brand Design

Up Your Street Cottage Cheese by Springetts Brand Design

IO Doodle Box Mobile Art Storage by Mina Panic and Carlo Negri
5. Hong Kong

Plover Multi Purpose Chair by Eravolution Limited and a Group of THEi Students

Plover Multi Purpose Chair by Eravolution Limited and a Group of THEi Students

K11 Musea Shopping Mall by K11 Musea

K11 Musea Shopping Mall by K11 Musea
4. Italy

Embossed Nutella Jar for spreadable cream by MrSmith Studio

Embossed Nutella Jar for spreadable cream by MrSmith Studio

Talento Unlimited Cabinet by Edoardo Colzani

Talento Unlimited Cabinet by Edoardo Colzani
3. Japan

Typeface Calendar by Katsumi Tamura

Typeface Calendar by Katsumi Tamura

Marais Piano cake packaging by Kazuaki Kawahara

Marais Piano cake packaging by Kazuaki Kawahara

Cloud of Luster Wedding Chapel by Tetsuya Matsumoto

Cloud of Luster Wedding Chapel by Tetsuya Matsumoto
2. USA

Dual Zero waste by Yi Teng Shih and Jiani Zeng

Dual Zero waste by Yi Teng Shih and Jiani Zeng

Source One Vodka Spirits and Alcohol by Aether NY, LLC

Source One Vodka Spirits and Alcohol by Aether NY, LLC

Le Morne Lunch Box Crossbody Handbag by Jeff Wan
1. China

Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore by Xiang Li

Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore by Xiang Li

Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore by Xiang Li

Time Book Bookend by Yi Tong

Time Book Bookend by Yi Tong

Guilin Exhibition Center by Tengyuan Design

Guilin Exhibition Center by Tengyuan Design
You too can be one of the forces behind your country’s creative excellence. Let your work shine on a global stage by submitting your best projects to the A’ Design Award.
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