24hr Digital Design Challenge (2026) UC

The 24-hour DDC is a relatively new event where students are tasked with creating a fully realised project in a single day
About this Event

Announcement Video

Description

The 24hr Digital Design Challenge is an intense and exhilarating event where students are not only tasked with creating a fully realized project within a single day but are also encouraged to experiment, explore, and push the boundaries of their skills and creativity. With a designated design prompt, participants are given the freedom to think outside the box and take risks in order to develop innovative concepts, produce compelling mock-ups, and deliver a final design that breaks new ground. This demanding challenge necessitates quick and efficient work, strategic decision-making, and optimal time management, but it also provides a platform for participants to boldly venture into uncharted territory and discover their untapped potential.

This year's Challenge will take place on Saturday 12 September as part of the University of Canberra’s Open Day, running from 9:30AM. Participants can choose to work On-Campus or Online. On-campus participants will benefit from access to dedicated and secure working spaces, including rooms 7C41, 7C42, 7C18A, and 7C18B, and will be provided with simple catering throughout the day to help maintain focus and energy.

Official Challenge Page:

https://itch.io/jam/24hr-digital-design-challenge-2026

Hosted by Itch.io.

Prize Pool:

• Over $2000 to be won!

Overarching Submission Areas:

There are 4 overarching submission areas for the 24hr DCC are listed below, along with a short list of example projects that could be developed for these areas.

• Screen Media (Short Films, Documentaries, Animation, Motion Comics)
• Interactive Media (Games Design, Interaction Design, AR/VR Experiences)
• Written Media (Short Stories, New Stories, Poem Series, Comic Books)
• Visualization Media (Architectural Design, Visual Communication, Product Design)

Please Note: The examples provided in the 4 submission areas are not extensive and any digital design is encouraged as long as it aligns with one of the overarching submission area.

Challenge Open To:

• Any University of Canberra Student (UC-BRUCE).

Sponsored By:

• Student Services and Amenties Fee, University of Canberra.
• The Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra.
• The Faculty of Creative Arts and Design, TAFE Queensland Brisbane.

Previous Outcomes

• 2025 Showreel (Prompt: Lost and Found)
• 2024 Showreel (Prompt: Together We Thrive)
• 2023 Showreel (Prompt: Out of Control)

Key Contact:

• Joel Bennett - [email protected]

Agenda

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony 7C22 (On-Campus) or YouTube (Online)
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
24hr Digital Design Challenge
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch (On-Campus Participation Only)
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Dinner (On-Campus Participation Only)
🕑: 07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
Submission Reminder