Human-Centered Design Challenge 2026 – Global Edition
February 2026 – August 2026
We’re calling on students to design solutions that make work safer, healthier, and more user-centered for mature workers aged 55 and above.
Competition Theme
Designing Work for Mature Workers (Age 55+)
Aging brings changes in physical strength, flexibility, vision, and reaction time, increasing risks for injuries and discomfort at work. The goal is to create solutions that adapt jobs, tasks, or environments to fit the unique needs and strengths of older employees.
Retaining experienced mature workers is vital—these individuals often possess invaluable skills and institutional knowledge that are difficult to replace. Their continued engagement not only supports organizational performance but also fosters mentoring and stability across teams.
Who can join?
Open to students aged 14+ from any country and discipline — high school, diploma, undergraduate, and graduate.
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Join individually or in teams (up to 4 members)
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First registrant becomes team leader
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Participants keep full ownership of their work
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Organizers may showcase credited submissions
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Designers may further develop or commercialize their work after the competition
Submission Guidelines
Email all PDF submissions to designchallenge@hfess.org with the subject: “GHCDC2026 – [Title of Submission]”.
Please download and follow the template below.
More Info & Signup
Team leaders must add members after registering. Semi-finalists must attend ACED in person.
Explore More
Key Activities
Track the key stages of your bootcamp journey.
15 Feb 2026
Registration Deadline
15 Apr 2026
Documentation Submission
1 May 2026
Semi-Finalists Announced
1-5 Aug 2026
In-Person Judging (Semi-Finalists)
5 Aug 2026
Prize Presentation
Prize to be awarded during the ACED Conference Dinner.