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GDA Design Thinking Award winners surprise and delight

The newly announced GDA Design Thinking Awards celebrate the power of global collaboration and human-centered innovation. This year’s submissions reflect a remarkable convergence of creativity and purpose, with teams from around the world tackling urgent societal challenges through thoughtful design.


From AI-powered tools for professional empowerment to mobility solutions for ageing populations and the repurposing of military technology for lifesaving missions, the diversity and depth of ideas have been a true delight for the jury. These projects exemplify what design thinking does best: turning insight into impact and innovation into meaningful change.

Collecto presents an ingenious application of AI in professional self-management, offering a seamless and privacy-conscious work diary experience. By bringing together automatic activity tracking with intuitive manual inputs, Collecto empowers users to gain understanding, plan strategically, and document their achievements with precision. Its standout features—such as the memo widget, AI-powered search, and visually rich project reports—demonstrate a deep understanding of the everyday user needs in an increasingly digital work environment. The emphasis on local data storage and inclusivity further reinforces its thoughtful, human-centered design. Collecto is a great tool for self-advocacy, reflection, and career development.

The GDA jury were delighted to see Senby Mobility setting a new design benchmark in inclusive urban transportation with its range of ultra-compact, license-free electric vehicles designed specifically for senior citizens. With a strong focus on intuitive usability, safety, and seamless integration into city life, Senby addresses a vital challenge in modern mobility—empowering older adults to maintain independence, activity, and social connection even after giving up traditional driving. More than just a vehicle, Senby Mobility offers a dignified, eco-friendly alternative to conventional transport—paving the way for a future where mobility means freedom for all generations.

In a bold and timely response to Portugal’s rising inland drowning rates, this innovative project harnesses the power of design thinking to repurpose former military drone technology for civilian rescue missions. Transforming sea-going defence drones into rapid-response lifesaving tools, the project by Mare Studio exemplifies how human-centered design can turn instruments of conflict into agents of compassion. With the ability to reach victims quickly in remote or hazardous areas, this solution not only enhances public safety but also highlights the transformative potential of design in addressing critical social challenges through technology with purpose. Join the future and give your designs the right kind of exposure and the acclaim that your thinking deserves. Join the global movement for a better and more sustainable world. Apply for the next GDA Award on the 20th of June, 2025.

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