Multi-Round (Checkpoint) Design Challenges

Multi-round challenges (also called “checkpoint” challenges) ask competitors to submit in two distinct Rounds. This enables the challenge holder the opportunity to ensure the competitors are going in the right direction and also allows them to reward competitors with a cash prize and individual feedback on their design.

Competitors submit the required elements for Round One before the milestone deadline. The challenge holder reviews all passing Round One submissions and provides the individual feedback, along with any new instructions and general feedback for all competitors. During Round Two, competitors use the new information to finalize their design. Final winners are chosen after the challenge completes.

Multi-rounds have a unique set of deadlines and eligibility rules, so it’s important to read the challenge details carefully and look for the following information:

• Checkpoint Deadline

• Round Deliverables

Checkpoint Deadline

The checkpoint deadline marks the end of Round One. Any member who has submitted in Round One is eligible to continue to compete in Round Two depending on their screening status (see below*). The checkpoint deadline is clearly listed on the challenge details page. The challenge will not close after the checkpoint date has passed, so it is important to keep track of this deadline if you wish to be eligible to compete again in Round Two and be eligible for prizes and feedback in Round One.

Round Deliverables

Some challenges have different requirements for each Round, while others only wish to see a first draft in Round One and a finished design in Round Two. The Rounds are clearly denoted on the challenge details page.

*Round One Screening Status Clarifications
Competitors who fail screening in Round One for a simple mistake will NOT be eligible for Round One prizes or feedback but MAY continue to compete in Round Two. Only competitors who fail screening for serious offenses (such as cheating or submitting a “placeholder” submission thereby trying to secure a spot in Round Two without working on Round One requirements) may not compete again in Round Two.