World Usability Design Challenge 2026: Designing a Sustainable Future with Ethical AI ($1,250 Prize)

Introduction

Are you an innovative designer passionate about creating technology that safeguards our planet? Do you want to showcase how your user research and ethical AI implementations can drive sustainable futures while competing for cash prizes up to $1,250? The World Usability Initiative (WUI) Design Challenge 2026 is now accepting submissions, giving you the platform to present your impactful solutions on a global stage.

Sponsored by the WUI in collaboration with the HCI International (HCII) conference, this challenge calls upon the global design community to present evidence-based user research and evaluation. For the 2026 cycle, the theme focuses on “Designing a Sustainable Future with Ethical AI.” It urges creators to consider responsibility, trust, and human-centeredness from the very beginning of their digital product or service development. Winners not only receive cash awards but also gain complimentary registration to present their innovative work at the 2027 HCI International Conference.

If you are ready to demonstrate how a deep understanding of target usage contexts and quality-in-use evaluations can improve a digital prototype, read on to discover the specific submission guidelines, judging criteria, and how to apply before the October 2 deadline.

Quick Overview

Provider	World Usability Initiative (WUI) & HCI International
Country / Location	Global / Online
Program Type	Challenge / Award
Funding	Prizes of $1,250, $1,000, and $750
Number of Awards	3 Main Awards (Gold, Silver, Bronze) + Honorable Mentions
Open To	Global Design Community (Designers, Researchers, Students)
Deadline	October 2, 2026

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Challenge Theme & Requirements

For 2026, submissions must address the theme of Sustainable Futures and Ethical AI. Projects can be grounded in any domain—such as climate change, healthcare, or education—but they must heavily involve AI technologies.

To participate, you must clearly articulate the ethical AI frameworks used in your work, defining how the submission embodies responsibility, trust, and human-centeredness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my project have to focus on artificial intelligence?

Yes. For the 2026 cycle, projects can be grounded in any domain (e.g., healthcare, education, climate change), but they must heavily involve AI technologies and address the theme of Sustainable Futures and Ethical AI.

What level of fidelity is required for the prototype?

The prototype may be low-, medium-, or high-fidelity, but it must be sufficiently interactive or detailed to support meaningful usability testing with representative users.

Can I use Generative AI to help create my submission?

Yes, but you are required to explicitly disclose which tools were used, as well as where, how, and why they were utilized. You must review all AI-generated content to assure factual accuracy and take full responsibility for the submitted document.

When preparing your application, you will need to gather and submit the following

Project Report: A well-evidenced report of up to 10,000 words (excluding tables and figures).

Interactive Prototype: A clickable prototype, interactive mock-up, or functional representation of the design.

User Testing Evidence: Proof that the prototype was tested with representative users, including methodology and findings.

Multimedia Links: Links to videos or internet content as appropriate.

AI Disclosure: A statement on where, how, and why generative AI was used to help create the submission.

Entries will be rigorously judged based on the following

Quality of Contextual/User Research: Timeliness, methodology, and key discoveries.

Quality of UX/Outcomes Evaluation: Appropriateness of evaluation and insights gained.

Explicitness of Connections: Clear implications of research on the design decisions.

Quality of Evidence: Demonstrating how user-focused work definitively improved outcomes.

If you are selected as a winner of the WUI Design Challenge 2026, here is what your award package includes:

Gold Award: $1,250 cash prize

Silver Award: $1,000 cash prize

Bronze Award: $750 cash prize

Conference Access: Complimentary registration to the 2027 HCI International Conference.

Special Presentation: Invitation to present your design work in a special session during the 2027 HCII Conference.

Publication: Opportunity to have a written account included in the conference proceedings.

If you are interested in submitting your project for the Design Challenge 2026, follow these steps carefully:

Ensure your prototype and 10,000-word report meet all theme requirements and clearly articulate your ethical AI framework.

Prepare short summaries of your research, evaluation, and impact for the official submission form.

Submit all materials via the official Fillout form before the October 2 deadline.

Submit Application →

For more information, please visit the

World Usability Day official website.