The 2017 Ember Awards Categories

Questions? Email awards@digitalalberta.com

Web Development

Website (Budget Over 50K)

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.

Website (Budget Under 50K)

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. Excludes entries submitted to Website.

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.

Mobile Experience

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

E-Commerce Website

Best website on mobile and desktop that provides an exceptional shopping experience for its customers. Entries should have solid product pages that clearly highlight your offering as well as a proven track record in terms of lead generation and sales growth.


Education & E-Learning

Informal Learning

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

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.

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.

Massive Open Online Course

Best application of education used in an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access.


Art & Content

Short Film/Documentary (Under 30 minutes)

Best short film or documentary 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.

Commercial Video

Best TV or Web commercial spot in terms of digital technique and overall aesthetics. Video should be primarily shot (at least 70% live-display) and should demonstrate creativity and originality.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Marketing

E-Commerce Campaign

Recognizing the best marketing campaign that successfully drove traffic and maximized e-commerce performance.

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.

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.


Gaming

Browser, Mobile, Desktop or Console

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

Virtual or Augmented Reality

For the best game playable through an experiential experience by use of innovative media. The experience should be immersive and demonstrate the use of new, innovative technology.


Software & Devices

Software & Applications

Most useful mobile app, desktop or web-based software.

Hardware & Innovation

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.


Students & Schools

Up & Coming Young Talent (Nominated)

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.

Educational Program – K-12

This award recognizes excellence in the creation and implementation of a specific educational program geared towards digital learning for K-12 students.

Educational Program – Post-Secondary

This award recognizes excellence in the creation and implementation of a specific educational program geared towards digital learning for post-secondary students. (Example. Web, game development, digital design, etc.)

Submit your work

Pricing

Cost of entering is as follows:

  • $75 per entry (non-members)
  • $65 per entry (members)
  • $60 per entry (AdRodeo & Ace Winners)
  • Student entries are free (student members)
  • Nominations are free

The Fine Print

  1. All entries must have been created by teams or individuals working in Alberta.
  2. Entries must have run between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 and must not have been previously submitted in the Digital Alberta Awards.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Case studies or videos to explain your entry are encouraged!
  6. 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.
  7. The deadline for entries is 3:00 p.m. August 31, 2017.