The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen has annually organized this renowned competition since 1955. For many years it has been the major German and international competition. It is divided into two sections, which are organized and judged independently from one another: product design and communication design.
Participation: the product design section is open to all German and foreign manufacturers and designers whose products are industrially produced and were launched onto the market within the past two years. The section communication design is open to designers, design offices and agencies with their work in 10 different categories.
Prizes and distinctions: in communication design the highest prize valued at EURO 10 000 is the red dot: grand prix. Awarded furthermore is the red dot: junior prize with a value of EURO 2.500. All awarded products are exhibited for at least one year in the red dot design museum at the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage coal mine »Zollverein«.