The Hessian State Prize for Universal Design recognizes projects that make products and services accessible to the widest possible range of people from the very beginning. Katharina Roos, Director of Design & Business Excellence at Experience One, is serving on this year’s jury, evaluating the submitted projects alongside experts from the fields of design, science, and politics.
Digital exclusion is often less visible than a missing curb cut—but just as real. Subtitles, for example, were originally developed for the deaf and are now indispensable, especially in situations without sound, such as on a bus or in a waiting room. Voice assistants were long considered purely an accessibility tool and have long since become everyday technology. Large font, high contrast, and plain language, on the other hand, help everyone who is tired, distracted, or navigating in low light—and demonstrate the difference that universal design makes in everyday life.
The State Prize is awarded every two years and organized by the German Design Council. The award ceremony will take place on November 13, 2026, as part of “Policy Days – Future Needs Design” during World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.
For more information about the competition, visit universellesdesign.de.