2016 Categories - Digital Alberta

The 2016 Ember Awards Categories

Questions? Email awards@digitalalberta.com

Websites

Website

Best website in terms of design, experience and development that is not tied to a specific campaign, contest or promotion. Excludes entries submitted to Microsite.

Microsite

Best microsite in terms of design, experience and development. This should be separate from a brand’s website and may be tied to a specific campaign, contest or promotion. Excludes entries submitted to Website.

User Experience Design

Best website in terms of user experience only. Examples include e-commerce solutions or any other website with a clearly defined goal or purpose. Please state the website’s primary goals in your entry.

Gaming

Best gaming experience delivered in a browser, app or game console unit in terms of design, innovation and user experience. Please state if the game has been commercialized or if it tied to a larger project or client.

Mobile Site or App

Best mobile experience in terms of design, innovation and user experience, delivered through a browser or an app.

E-Learning

Best use of Technology for Industry Training

Best application of education technology applied to train workers on the job, in the field, at home or at a training site or classroom. May involve use of light mobile applications, distributed classrooms, mixed online and offline, sophisticated complex training environments and other innovative uses of digital technology.

Best User of Technology for Formal Learning (K-12 or Post-Secondary)

Best application of education technology applied in the formal education sector. May involve platforms for learning management, learning content development, adaptive learning, learning assessment, accreditation, study tools and other innovative uses of digital technology.

Best Use of Technology for Informal Learning

Best application of education technology applied for informal education purposes such as used in museums, parks, interactive exhibits, language, music and sports training and education.

Artistic

Film

Best long or short film video in terms of story, digital technique and overall aesthetics. Film must be primarily shot (at least 70% live-display) and should demonstrate creativity and originality. Please state where the video played and the client or cause.

Motion Graphics & Animation

Best use of motion graphics or animation in terms of story, digital technique and overall aesthetics. Entry must be primarily animated (at least 70% animations) and should demonstrate creativity and originality. Please state where the entry played and the client or cause.

Photography

Best use of photography in a digital medium in terms of concept and composition. Must have been used for a digital campaign, website or project. May be entered by an agency, client or photographer. Please state the campaign, client and where the creative was posted.

Design

Best use of design in a digital medium in terms of concept and overall aesthetics. Must have been used for a digital campaign, website or project. May be entered by an agency, client or artist. Please state the campaign, client and where the creative was posted.

Illustration

Best use of illustration in a digital medium in terms of concept and overall aesthetics. Must have been used for a digital campaign, website or project. May be entered by an agency, client or artist. Please state the campaign, client and where the creative was posted.

Sound Design or Music

Best use of sound design or music in a digital campaign or video. May be entered by an agency, musician, composer or technician. Please state the campaign, client and where the creative was posted.

Advertising & Social Media

Display Ad or Campaign

Best display ad or ad series in terms of uniqueness, use of space, design and functionality. If assets were animated or interactive, please submit a link where live versions of the ad(s) can be viewed.

Mobile Advertising

Best mobile ad in terms of concept, messaging and placement. Please include details of how the ad was targeted and where it appeared.

Social Media Campaign

Best social media campaign in terms of strategy and execution. Can be for any cause or use including advertising campaigns, PR or advocacy campaigns, entertainment, customer service or general communication. Entries should include the campaign goals and supporting statistics.

Non-Profit Project or Campaign

Best use of three mediums (one of which must be digital) interacting with one another for a not-for-profit client campaign. Examples may include campaigns with a social extension or a microsite. Entries should demonstrate understanding of each platform’s audience, conceptual and strategic thinking, and strong designs. Excludes entries submitted to best Cross-Platform Campaign. Video case studies are encouraged.

Cross-Platform Campaign

Best use of three mediums (one of which must be digital) interacting with one another in a campaign context. Examples may include campaigns with a social extension or a microsite. Entries should demonstrate understanding of each platform’s audience, conceptual and strategic thinking, and strong designs. Excludes entries submitted to best Not-for-Profit Project or Campaign. Video case studies are encouraged.

Innovation

Installation

Best digital installation in terms of a unique experience achieved through technology such as touch screens, gesture based technology, or interactive displays. The experience should combine an innovative use of both software and hardware. Entries will be judged based on innovation, user experience and overall aesthetics.

Use of Experimental & Innovative Media

Best creation of an experiential experience by use of innovative media. Examples include products, displays and online mediums. The experience should be immersive and demonstrate the use of new, innovative technology.

Startup

Best individual or enterprise startup that has been in business since June 2011 (last four years) and is based in Alberta. The startup should provide digital content, services and/or technology and also demonstrate innovation, success and potential for further growth. Please submit your company website and a brief description of your product or services, goals, and growth over the last four years.

Studio

Best studio that offers digital content, services and/or technology. Must have a minimum of two people and demonstrate innovation, success and growth. Please submit your company website and a brief description of your product or services, and successes.

Nominations

Best of Show

The best work entered into categories 1-21 will be chosen by the Judges to win this award.

Young Talent

Educational leaders are encouraged to nominate a student (must be registered within the 2014/15 academic year) who has demonstrated passion, innovation and leadership within the school and digital community. Please submit 500 words as to why this student should be chosen, along with samples of work (if appropriate) and their contact information.

Pricing

Cost of entering is as follows:

$75 per entry (non-members)
$60 per entry (members)
Student entries are free (student members)
Nominations are free

The Fine Print

All entries must have been created by teams or individuals working in Alberta.
Entries must have run between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 and must not have been previously submitted in the Digital Alberta Awards.
The decisions of the judging panel and Digital Alberta are final. Entries may be moved into other categories at the judges’ discretion if there are too few entries in the original category or if the entry better suits another category. Some categories may not be awarded.
Entries are judged without revealing the company or individual submitting the piece of work is. Please ensure you do not identify yourself on the actual work.
Case studies or videos to explain your entry are encouraged!
Entries may be displayed by Digital Alberta, broadcasters, or in the media. By entering the Digital Alberta Awards show, the entrant agrees to obtain any permissions or clearances needed to display work for this purpose.
The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. August 19, 2016.