Welcome to DiscoverDesign

DiscoverDesign.org is an online platform where students, teachers, and mentors come together to design solutions for real-world challenges. 

Get started by checking out a Design Challenge!

Design Challenges

Welcome Students

Practice the design process, show off design skills, develop a portfolio of work, earn badges and get feedback. Work on projects in your classroom or on your own. DiscoverDesign’s network of peers, teachers and design professionals are here to help

Learn more

Welcome Teachers

Use & remix design challenges to build 21st Century skills, teach design thinking and problem solving skills through rigorous & relevant project-based learning. DiscoverDesign is ideal for use in career & technical education programs, STEM, arts and humanities courses.

Learn more

Welcome Mentors

Insight from design professionals helps motivate students to practice design thinking. Volunteer as an online mentor to provide feedback through comments, jury local & national competitions, and encourage the next generation of designers.

Learn more

DiscoverDesign News

Announcement: 2020 DiscoverDesign Competition

Thank you for five years of exciting design challenges featuring talented youth across the country. Due to some changes at the Chicago Architecture Center,  there will not be a 2020 National DiscoverDesign Competition. Learn more

2018 Newhouse Finalists

Spring Opportunities

Announcing design education opportunities for March. These competitions and programs are open to high school students. Apply today!

Learn more
Row of Chicago Bungalows

Newhouse Architecture and Design Competition

Named after late Illinois Senator Richard Newhouse, this competition gives students an opportunity to practice and refine design skills and create a project that could be part of their portfolio. It inspires teens to understand why design matters by researching, representing and redesigning the built environment to solve challenges that are personal and place-based. Learn more
Rendering of Winning Project

Competition winners announced!

Congratulations to the 2018 National DiscoverDesign Competition winners! This year, 226 students participated in the challenge, and 163 students from 14 states submitted final design proposals. The challenge was to design a community market in Chicago that improves access to resources and provides public gathering spaces for the community. A jury of nine professionals selected the top 15 finalists. Explore the winning projects! Learn more

The Design Process Handbook

Learn about how professional designers work, and find the answers to “What do I do next?”

See the Design Process