Dezeen Competitions: The IE Immersive Design Competition tasks designers with redesigning elevators into immersive spaces.

The competition aims to reflect the values of the Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR – a course that explores the relationship between spatial design, immersive interaction, storytelling and extended reality technologies.

Organiser: Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR at IE School of Architecture and Design, IE University
Competition: IE Immersive Design Competition 1st Edition 2026: Rethinking the Elevator Experience
Judges: the Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR academic team
Submission deadline: 25 June 2026
Winner announcement: 1 July 2026
Prizes: participants will compete for three high-potential awards toward the Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR at IE School of Architecture and Design. The first-place winner will receive a scholarship covering 40 per cent of the programme's tuition fees, while two runners-up will each be awarded a scholarship covering 20 per cent of tuition. These awards recognise exceptional creativity, innovation and potential in the field of immersive experience design

Click here to enter ›

Competition overview

The IE Immersive Design Competition 1st Edition 2026 invites participants to rethink one of the most overlooked everyday spaces – the elevator.

The challenge asks entrants to transform the elevator experience through immersive, narrative-driven and future-focused design.

Participants are encouraged to explore how moments of routine and waiting can become meaningful, engaging and memorable experiences through storytelling, emerging technologies and innovative design thinking.

The competition reflects the values of the Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR, which explores the intersection of spatial design, immersive interaction, storytelling and extended reality technologies.

Eligibility and judging criteria

The competition is open to prospective candidates interested in design, immersive experiences, spatial storytelling, emerging technologies and future-focused innovation.

Judges will evaluate submissions based on:

• Originality and creativity of the concept
• Strength of the immersive experience proposed
• Quality of storytelling and user engagement
• Innovation in the application of design and technology
• Clarity of visual communication
• Relevance to the challenge of reimagining the elevator experience
• Potential to transform everyday moments into meaningful experiences

How to enter

Entrants must submit a visual and written proposal responding to the challenge theme: rethinking the elevator experience.

Submissions must be presented in English and consist of a maximum of five slides in either 16:9 or 3:4 landscape format.

Participants may approach the challenge through one or more of the following lenses: Hybrid Design, Narrative Design or Future Design.

Participants must submit a PDF presentation containing:

• The selected design approach (Hybrid Design, Narrative Design or Future Design)
• A written explanation of the concept (maximum one slide)
• Visual materials illustrating the proposal, such as diagrams, sketches, collages, illustrations, mood boards, storyboards or immersive media concepts (maximum four slides)
• A clear explanation of why the proposed direction offers an innovative solution to the challenge

All text must be submitted in English.

Submissions must be sent to Saul Nuñez, senior manager, Global Recruitment Team at IE University via saul.nunez[at]ie.edu and ad.recruitment[at]ie.edu.

Submission deadlines

The submission deadline is 25 June 2026, and winners will be announced on 1 July 2026.

About IE School of Architecture and Design

IE School of Architecture and Design prepares future architects, designers and innovators through interdisciplinary education that combines creativity, technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

The school develops forward-thinking professionals capable of addressing contemporary design challenges across physical and digital environments.

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