NY Product Design AwardsEnter Award
Wearable Technology

NY Product Design Awards

Wearable Technology

Technology, worn well.
Design, felt every day.

Wearable Technology

Closer to people.
Further in possibility.

The NY Product Design Awards recognizes wearable technology that fits naturally into people’s lives. From connected accessories to assistive devices, show how your design brings comfort, purpose, and a better experience to the body.

Who can enter

Product designers, technology brands, manufacturers, healthcare innovators, studios, independent creators, and students worldwide.

What you can submit

Concepts, work in progress, and completed products created within the last five years.

How it works

Submit online. Present your design through images and supporting materials. No physical samples.

View Entry Guidelines

Wearable Technology Categories

Find where
your design fits.

Body / Biosensors
  • BB27001
    Activity, Motion & Fall-Detection Sensors

    Wearable sensors tracking movement, physical activity, orientation, and falls.

  • BB27002
    AI & Connected Wearable Sensors

    Connected sensors using AI to interpret and share body-related data.

  • BB27003
    Bioelectrical & Neurological Sensors

    Sensors measuring electrical activity from muscles, nerves, brain, or heart.

  • BB27004
    Biometric & Vital-Sign Sensors

    Sensors monitoring temperature, pulse, oxygen, pressure, and other vital indicators.

  • BB27005
    Embedded & Specialized Wearable Sensors

    Specialized sensors integrated into clothing, accessories, lenses, or wearable devices.

  • BB27006
    Wearable Patches & Skin Sensors

    Adhesive or skin-mounted sensors providing continuous physiological measurements.

  • BB27000
    New Category

Enter Body / Biosensors
Exoskeletons
  • EX27001
    Active / Powered Exoskeletons

    Motorized wearable structures providing powered movement, strength, or physical assistance.

  • EX27002
    Dynamic Exoskeletons

    Wearable systems adapting support dynamically throughout movement and physical activity.

  • EX27003
    Full Body Exoskeletons

    Exoskeletons supporting movement or strength across the entire body.

  • EX27004
    Hard / Classic Exoskeletons

    Rigid wearable frames transferring loads and supporting physical movement.

  • EX27005
    Hybrid Exoskeletons

    Systems combining rigid, soft, powered, or passive support technologies.

  • EX27006
    Lower Extremity Exoskeletons

    Wearable systems supporting hips, legs, knees, ankles, or walking.

  • EX27007
    Passive Exoskeletons

    Unpowered exoskeletons using mechanical structures to redistribute loads and reduce strain.

  • EX27008
    Pseudo-Passive Exoskeletons

    Systems providing controlled assistance without continuously powered movement.

  • EX27009
    Soft Exoskeletons

    Flexible wearable systems using textiles, cables, or lightweight supportive materials.

  • EX27010
    Static Exoskeletons

    Exoskeletons providing fixed support during stationary or repetitive tasks.

  • EX27011
    Upper Extremity Exoskeletons

    Wearable systems supporting shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, or upper-body tasks.

  • EX27000
    New Category

Enter Exoskeletons
Head-Mounted Displays
  • HM27001
    AR, VR, XR & MR Glasses

    Wearable glasses presenting augmented, virtual, extended, or mixed-reality content.

  • HM27002
    Gaming, Video & Virtual Cinema

    Headsets designed for immersive gaming, video viewing, and virtual cinema.

  • HM27003
    Head-Mounted Displays

    Wearable displays presenting digital information within the user’s field of view.

  • HM27004
    Medical & Research Applications

    Head-mounted systems supporting clinical care, research, visualization, or training.

  • HM27005
    Professional, Tactical & Engineering Applications

    Wearable displays supporting technical work, field operations, and engineering tasks.

  • HM27006
    Smart Glasses & Personal Assistants

    Connected eyewear providing information, communication, navigation, or personal assistance.

  • HM27007
    Sports, Training & Simulation

    Head-mounted systems supporting athletic coaching, skills training, and simulation.

  • HM27000
    New Category

Enter Head-Mounted Displays
Healthcare Devices
  • HV27001
    Diabetes Management Devices

    Wearable devices monitoring glucose or supporting controlled insulin delivery.

  • HV27002
    Maternal, Neurological & Vital-Sign Monitoring Devices

    Devices monitoring pregnancy, neurological activity, vital signs, or patient condition.

  • HV27003
    Pain Management Devices

    Wearable devices providing targeted relief or helping users manage pain.

  • HV27004
    Rehabilitation Devices

    Devices supporting physical recovery, mobility, strength, and therapeutic exercise.

  • HV27005
    Respiratory & Sleep Therapy Devices

    Wearable devices monitoring or supporting breathing, sleep, and respiratory treatment.

  • HV27000
    New Category

Enter Healthcare Devices
Smart Garments
  • SG27001
    Activewear & Running Apparel

    Technology-integrated athletic clothing monitoring movement, performance, or body conditions.

  • SG27002
    Footwear & Socks

    Connected footwear and socks providing sensing, feedback, or adaptive support.

  • SG27003
    General Apparel

    Everyday clothing incorporating sensors, connectivity, heating, or responsive features.

  • SG27000
    New Category

Enter Smart Garments
Smart Jewelry
  • SJ27001
    Bracelets & Wristwear

    Connected bracelets and wrist accessories providing monitoring, alerts, or communication.

  • SJ27002
    Earrings, Brooches & Pins

    Connected decorative pieces combining adornment with sensing or interactive functions.

  • SJ27003
    Necklaces, Pendants & Rings

    Technology-integrated jewelry supporting communication, tracking, security, or personal expression.

  • SJ27004
    Fitness & Wellness Jewelry

    Jewelry monitoring activity, health indicators, stress, sleep, or wellbeing.

  • SJ27005
    Fashion-Tech Collaborations

    Collaborative jewelry combining fashion design with embedded digital technology.

  • SJ27000
    New Category

Enter Smart Jewelry
Social Design
  • WS27001
    Design for Elders

    Wearables supporting older adults’ safety, health, and independence.

  • WS27002
    Design for Environment

    Wearable concepts addressing environmental protection or ecological challenges.

  • WS27003
    Design for Public Awareness

    Wearables informing users and encouraging public awareness or responsible action.

  • WS27004
    Design for Society

    Wearable concepts supporting accessibility, inclusion, and community wellbeing.

  • WS27005
    Design for Sustainability

    Wearables promoting responsible materials, production, and long-term use.

  • WS27006
    Designs for Social Impact

    Wearable concepts creating meaningful benefits for communities or underserved groups.

  • WS27007
    Eco-Sustainable Design

    Environmentally responsible wearables reducing waste and resource consumption.

  • WS27000
    New Category

Enter Social Design
Wearable Cameras
  • WR27001
    Adventure, Sports & Fitness

    Body-worn cameras capturing outdoor activities, sports, and fitness experiences.

  • WR27002
    Commercial & Industrial Use

    Wearable cameras supporting inspections, documentation, operations, and worker safety.

  • WR27003
    Healthcare & Medical Use

    Body-worn imaging supporting clinical observation, procedures, and medical documentation.

  • WR27004
    Journalism & Content Capture

    Wearable cameras enabling hands-free reporting, storytelling, and content production.

  • WR27005
    Military & Public Safety

    Body-worn cameras supporting situational awareness, evidence capture, and personnel safety.

  • WR27000
    New Category

Enter Wearable Cameras
Wrist, Hand-Held
  • WH27001
    Fitness Trackers

    Wearable devices monitoring activity, exercise, sleep, and fitness progress.

  • WH27002
    Gesture Recognition / Control Devices

    Devices translating hand or body gestures into digital commands.

  • WH27003
    Smart Wrist Bands

    Connected wristbands providing tracking, alerts, access, or identification functions.

  • WH27004
    Smartwatches

    Wrist-worn devices combining apps, communication, monitoring, and timekeeping.

  • WH27000
    New Category

Enter Wrist, Hand-Held

Can’t find the right fit? Each area includes a New Category option.

Ask About Your Category
Wearable Technology

Designed to move through life.

2027 · Entry information

Your next
starting point.

Professional first entryFrom $209 USD

Early Bird rate. A $30 annual administrative fee applies per entrant.

Early Bird

Dec 9, 2026

Regular

Jan 20, 2027

Final

Feb 17, 2027

Final Extension

Mar 17, 2027
Compare all entry fees
2027 entry periods and fees in US dollars
Entry typeFees in USDEarly Bird Nov 6, 2026 – Dec 9, 2026Regular Dec 10, 2026 – Jan 20, 2027Final Jan 21, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027Final Extension Feb 18, 2027 – Mar 17, 2027
Professional first entry$209$219$239$249
Additional entry$149$159$179$189
Additional category$209$219$239$249

A $30 annual administrative fee applies per entrant. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Additional-category pricing applies when submitted with the first entry; later submissions are charged at the first-entry rate.

Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years.

Full results announcementMay 14, 2027

Start Your Entry
Wearable Technology

Judging & criteria

Every detail.
Every decision.

Through blind judging, an international jury evaluates the submitted design across four criteria.

Form

Visual character, proportions, and composition.

Creativity & Innovation

Originality and the thinking behind the solution.

Finishing & Functionality

Quality, usability, safety, and execution.

Impact

The effect on people and the environment.

View Our Jury

Why enter

Bring your wearable
to the world.

Explore Winner Benefits

A dedicated
place for your design.

A winner profile brings your product, entrant details, and design story together in the NY Product Design Awards gallery.

An achievement
you can share.

Digital certificates, winner badges, and promotional materials help communicate your award.

More to the story
than an award.

Winner interview access offers a way to share the people, process, and decisions behind your work.

Prepare your entry

Show the whole
design story.

View Submission Requirements
BRIEF

The purpose behind it

Explain the problem, intended users, and decisions that make the design work. Keep your written description to 350 words or less.

IMAGES

From overall form to close detail

Show the product on and off the body, including its fit, materials, controls, and key interactions. Explain how the design supports its intended users.

SUPPORT

Make the function clear

Use drawings, a PDF, or a video link to explain sensing, movement, adjustment, or interaction. Support performance claims with relevant evidence.

Before you enter

A little
clarity.

Questions about entering your wearable design?

Talk to Our Team
Who can enter the Wearable Technology Design Awards?

Product designers, technology brands, manufacturers, healthcare innovators, design studios, independent creators, and students worldwide may enter.

Can I enter a concept or an unfinished design?

Yes. Concepts, work in progress, and completed products are eligible. Explain the project’s development stage clearly. Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years.

Do I need to ship a product or physical prototype?

No. Entries are submitted and judged online using your images, description, and supporting materials. Physical samples are not required.

Can I enter the same design in more than one subcategory?

Yes. Select each relevant subcategory when submitting. Additional-category pricing applies when submitted with your first entry; later submissions are charged at the first-entry rate.

What should I include in a wearable technology entry?

Show the wearable on and off the body, including fit, controls, materials, and key interactions. Explain its purpose, intended users, and the thinking behind comfort and usability. Include supporting drawings or a short demonstration where helpful. Keep the written description to 350 words or less.

How are entries evaluated?

An international jury evaluates entries through blind judging using Form, Creativity & Innovation, Finishing & Functionality, and Impact. See the Awards page for the judging process and award levels.

NY Wearable Technology Design Awards

Give personal technology
a global stage.

Begin Your Entry