How often do you think about design from a global perspective? Of course, every city or region has its own quirks and characteristics, but these sometimes exist in a bubble. It’s not often for designers and the best and brightest from all around the world to gather in one place and celebrate design worldwide—but when it happens, it’s quite extraordinary.

The iF Design Awards is one of these instances. As one of the largest design competitions in the world, it includes everything from product, architecture, and packaging design. The award is something manufacturers, consumers, and fellow designers refer to it as a symbol of exemplary design and innovation. By raising awareness of the role design plays in our daily lives and sparking social change through design, the iF Design Awards carry out the company’s goals which they’ve had since their inception in 1953.