Design Competition Spring 2026
Who Should Join?
Students interested in brand design, UI/UX, product thinking, startup ecosystems, portfolio development, and rapid design sprints.
When you sign up for this event, you will receive importent updates and announcements on links to sign up on Devpost and join the discord server.
This event will be hosted in-person at 370 Jay street, NYC, for the kick-off and awards ceremony, but participants from other regions may also join virtually.
This competition is open to all currently enrolled university students, regardless of whether you come from a campus with adobe student ambassador leaders. This event is primarily hosted by Adobe.NYU.
About
The East vs. West Coast Design Competition is a remote, time-based design sprint bringing together Adobe student communities across campuses.
This competition partners student design teams with startups preparing for their Semifinal Pitch Round.
Students will help real startups sharpen their brand, product storytelling, and user experience while simultaneously producing portfolio-worthy work under real-world constraints.
Student teams will contribute strategic design work that strengthens one of the following:
• Brand Identity System
• UI/UX MVP Concept
• Adobe Express Integration Deliverable
Timeline
April 10 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST- Opening ceremony (in-person & online) (live zoom link will be provided)
April 10-12 - Asynchronous work period
April 12 - All submissions due at 12:00AM EST
April 12-13 - Judging period
April 14 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST- Winners announced & Award ceremony (in-person & online) (live zoom link will be provided)
Food and beverages will be provided at the in-person kick-off and awards ceremony.
Judges
Christopher Sun - Senior UX Designer at Adobe
Madeline Perrson - Senior Graphic Designer at Situation
Cassandra Reffner - Data Designer Staff at Lockhead Martin
Marti Lang - Art Director at Situation