Design Wave Festival 2026

From Inspiration to Reality

Every creative journey starts somewhere. Some begin with a question or a sketch. Others have already developed prototypes, tested materials or created complete collections ready for an audience.

At Design Wave Festival 2026, we use Creative Readiness Levels (CRL 1–9) to describe how far an idea, design, prototype, product or artistic work has progressed.

The framework helps participants identify the most suitable festival track, presentation format, mentoring opportunities and next development steps.

It applies to fashion and costume design, digital creations, art installations, performing arts and interdisciplinary projects.

You don't have to start from zero, and you don't need a finished product to participate!

IDEA Track — CRL 1–3

IMAGINE IT!

For participants developing new ideas, creative visions and concepts that have not yet reached the prototype stage.

CRL 1 — Inspiration & Idea

An initial creative inspiration, challenge, problem, opportunity or artistic vision has been identified.

CRL 2 — Concept Development

The idea is being explored through sketches, mood boards, illustrations, research, AI-generated images, initial digital visualisations or other creative methods.

CRL 3 — Defined Concept

The concept has a clear purpose, intended outcome, main design elements and enough detail to begin technical development or prototyping.

At the Festival: Develop your idea through the creative hackathon, receive mentoring, collaborate with others and present your concept in the IDEA pitching session on Friday, 27 November.

IDEA Track teams can compete for selection to the CREASheroes international residency development pathway.

PROTOTYPE Track — CRL 4–6

MAKE IT!

For participants who have moved beyond initial concepts and are developing, constructing, testing or refining a physical or digital prototype.

CRL 4 — Constructible Design

The concept has been translated into a design that can be produced or implemented. Patterns, construction drawings, digital models, material experiments or technical plans may already exist.

CRL 5 — Working Prototype

An initial physical or functional digital prototype exists and can be demonstrated or evaluated. This may be a garment, costume, interactive installation, digital creation or other experimental work.

CRL 6 — Validated Prototype

The prototype has been tested, evaluated and refined. Its main creative, technical and functional characteristics have been demonstrated, although further development may still be needed.

At the Festival: Present your prototype through a catwalk, stage demonstration, digital showcase or installation. The Thursday, 26 November showcase provides opportunities to demonstrate experimental fashion and costume creations.

PROTOTYPE Track teams can also compete for selection to the CREASheroes international residency development pathway, subject to the competition rules and assessment requirements.

PRODUCT Track — CRL 7–9

BRING IT TO LIFE!

For participants with completed or nearly completed creative works, products, collections, installations or performances.

CRL 7 — Completed Work

A completed creative work or product has been demonstrated in a realistic setting and is approaching final presentation or professional use.

CRL 8 — Presentation or Market Ready

The work is finalised and ready for public presentation, exhibition, production, professional use or market introduction.

CRL 9 — Established Work or Product

The work has already been publicly exhibited, professionally used, produced, distributed or made commercially available.

At the Festival: Showcase your finished fashion collection, costume design, digital creation, installation or performance. Connect with international audiences, creative professionals and potential collaborators.

The PRODUCT Track focuses on showcasing existing achievements and is not part of the creative hackathon residency competition.

Which Track Should I Choose?

Select the track that best represents what you have already achieved, rather than what you hope to achieve during the festival.

Your readiness level is not a measure of your talent or artistic quality. It simply describes the current development stage of your work.

Participants in the IDEA and PROTOTYPE Tracks may compete for further development opportunities, while PRODUCT Track participants can present completed works and explore new possibilities for collaboration and visibility.

Every stage of creativity matters. Find your track and join the Design Wave!