AUDIENCE

The competition is open to candidates who have a first-level academic degree and/or strong background and experience in the field of Design & AI who wish to take their careers to the next level.

Candidates with a background in other related disciplines and wider experience may also partecipate.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT CANDIDATES CAN APPLY TO ONE PROGRAMME ONLY.

JURY

The applications will be evaluated by the faculty of the Programme and the Admissions Jury.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Digital presentation in PDF format, 16:9 aspect ratio, structured as follows:

As-is micro situation: a brief reconstruction of an observed micro-situation: who is involved, what they do, what tools they use, how they coordinate, and which frictions emerge.

Emphasis on behaviours rather than opinions or generalities.

Scenario: situation reply by AI: a redesigned version of the situation introducing an AI system that perceives, negotiates, and adapts. The scenario should convey how everyday life changes through interaction with AI, and what forms of human agency are preserved or enhanced.

This may be presented as:

- a short visual sequence

- a written scene

- illustrated frames

- or a commented narrative Concept: a concise explanation of the AI concept (200–300 words) covering

- context & actors

- what the AI does

- how it perceives & interprets signals

- how it adapts over time

- how it enhances human action

Storyboard: a two-act storyboard (6–10 frames)

- Act I — “As Is”

- Act II — “Replay with AI”

Diagram of the AI: functional diagram showing

- inputs

- inferences / interpretation

- actions / outputs

- learning loops

Ethical Reflection: five concise bullet points reflecting on transparency, autonomy, agency, privacy, sustainability, or other relevant concerns. 60-second Pitch Video (optional) 60-second Pitch Video (optional): a minimal video presenting the situation and concept. Recorded with smartphone, minimal editing allowed for clarity.

Important note:

AI is not expected to be magical or omniscient

- The challenge rewards proportional, contextual, and situated reasoning

- Visual refinement is appreciated but not required; clarity takes priority

The competition proposal must be accompanied by the following supplemental materials:

• Portfolio of projects

• Curriculum vitae/resume

• Motivational letter

• Domus Academy Competition Application Form

• Copy of Bachelor’s Degree or Academic Diploma in original language and translated if necessary* or official certificate of expected graduation issued by your Institution if not graduated yet

• Copy of Bachelor’s Degree or Academic Diploma’s official transcript/mark sheet in original language and translated if necessary* or Diploma Supplement if available or most updated official transcript/mark sheet if not graduated yet (listing subjects and exams, with corresponding number of hours/credits, final grade CGPA or Class if graduated, grading scale)

• Copy of passport

• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent certificate (if available)

• Documentation regarding further courses or seminars attended (if available)

Any further attached material will be considered a plus and will be evaluated by the Jury.

 *Accepted languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish

PRIZES

• Scholarships covering from 5.000€ to 8.000€ of the total tuition fee both for the Academic Master’s Programme and the Dual Award Master’s Programme.

Prizes will be calculated on 2026 tuition fees amounting to €28.900 - Academic Master's for non-EU passport holders (diploma fee is not included) and €23.900 - Academic Master's for EU passport holders (diploma fee is not included). Winners will be selected through a merit-based ranking.

SCHEDULE 

The works must be delivered to Domus Academy by and no later than March 13th, 2026. Candidates will be informed about the results of the competition by e-mail within April 8th, 2026.

ENTRY DELIVERY

All the required materials in digital format may be uploaded to this page: competition.domusacademy.com

When candidates submit their projects, they will receive a confirmation within 48 hours from submission. In case candidates do not receive confirmation, they have to write to: competitions@domusacademy.it

MASTER’S PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The Master in Design x AI critically examines the evolving relationship between Design and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on how to create AI products and services that shape the future of human experience with advanced technological systems. The course equips participants with the necessary skills to design AI-enhanced products and services that are not only at the forefront of technology and aligned with business purpose, but also ethically responsible and socially aware, shaping a connected world that resonates with innovation and meaning.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates already holding a first-level Academic Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, or who are about to graduate within the Master’s Programme beginning, and, in any case, within the Academic Year 2025-26 (prior check with Admission Office).

English language requirement:

• IELTS 5.0 for Academic Master’s Programmes

Master’s Programmes Participants not holding the official entry requirements may be evaluated for the Diploma Programme and, at the end of the course, will receive a Domus Academy Diploma, prior check with Admissions office before applying.

Please write to: competitions@domusacademy.it

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• All moral and authorship rights remain that of the author.

• The jury will make these judgments at its own discretion, and its decision is final.

• The scholarship described in this public announcement cannot be combined with other economic reductions offered by Domus Academy.

• The scholarship amount will be deducted from the balance of the tuition fee.

• If a candidate declines a scholarship offer, the scholarship may be transferred to the next candidate on the list.