Creating the Don Norman Design Trophy: A Designer’s Journey

DNDA trophy design by Anthony Phills: Showing the path to the top is never equal.

Creating the DNDA trophy was a labor of love fueled by a vision to make it accessible to everyone. I wanted to design a piece that even a blind person could fully experience. The left side of the trophy, adorned with trees, contrasts with the city design carved into the right side. The base symbolizes the harmony between nature and urban life.

At the top, the trophy takes the viewer on a journey, mirroring the path a young practitioner might tread to reach the pinnacle, with a thoughtful pause along the way, as Globe depicts. The path signifies the growth and perseverance essential for any designer.

“Flexibility in the design will foster a tapestry of creativity that pushes boundaries.” — Anthony Phills

Design: A Journey of Innovation

Design is not just a process; it’s a journey of the soul, especially for young practitioners. It’s about nurturing curiosity and transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation. Don Norman’s Five Principles guide me in balancing my creation with the environment. These principles remind us to make our designs truly humanity-centered.