The Core77 Design Awards Visual Communication category features all visual and graphic design, branding and identity projects for print, digital or physical environments. Examples include logos and identity systems, environmental graphics, signage, typefaces, infographics, motion graphics, print design, advertising, etc.

The Core77 Design Awards Branding Identity category features a visual design system, or elements of a system that communicate brand philosophy and values, visually and experientially – conveying a desired image of a product, company, or organization. Examples include logos, custom typefaces, color palettes, complete brand identity systems.

For YanYan Zhang, design is deeply rooted in care – "whether for the craft of or for the human problems they address." In her mind, when a project is approached with care, the purpose and thought behind that work shines through. From Core77 Design Awards entrants, she looks forward to seeing "work where care has been applied no matter where one is in their career."

Today, YanYan leads the Brand Design Group as an Associate Partner and Executive Creative Director at VSA Partners, where she has spent almost two decades delivering strategic brand-centered solutions for clients ranging from the financial, tech, and commodities sectors to local non-profits. She has led teams in developing brand experiences for clients including the CME Group, IBM, and Sappi. From brand building to brand management and evolution, YanYan works across traditional and digital mediums to deliver smart solutions that lead to meaningful impact.

Reflecting on her design practice, YanYan is curious about the evolving role of AI in design, which not only affects the practice of design but also has significant impacts on the world. Says YanYan, "It affects the authenticity and validity of information (visual and verbal), and since information can be communicated at such expedited speeds, so can miscommunication." More optimistically, she feels encouraged by the continued diversification of designers and the perspectives they bring.

Play Design Lab won the 2024 Visual Communication category for Unboxing Daxi.

The 2024 winner in the Core77 Design Awards Visual Communication category was Play Design Lab, which created a dynamic visual wall for the Unboxing Daxi exhibition at Taiwan's Daxi Wood Art Museum. The dynamic display was intended to encapsulate the essence of woodcraft, utilizing 3-D wooden materials and synchronized digital displays.

Shuka won the Branding/Identity category for their packaging for Halsa.

The 2024 winner in the Branding/Identity category was Shuka and its striking design for Halsa, a subscription service delivering customized vitamin sets.

Our jurors want to know how much you care – about your work. Show them by submitting your heartfelt project to the 2025 Core77 Design Awards.

Enter your carefully created projects today!