SBCL Presents:
2026 Winter Design Challenge

One Campus.
Different Stories.

Design prompt

Rubric

Criteria Best Great Good Needs Work

*Ranked from Best to Needs Work

Composition & Design

Strong and unique composition. Layout is cohesive and actively contributes to the meaning of the design.

Great composition that works with the overall design. Most of the space is used to its potential.

Composition is basic or has a few flaws that somewhat detract from the piece.

The composition is unbalanced and space is not utilized well. No clear focus.

Originality & Creativity

Excellent approach with a clearly expressed original idea and evidence of risk-taking.

Clear expression of an original idea with evidence of risk-taking.

Idea is developed and expressed well but shows limited risk-taking.

Restricted approach with no evidence of risk-taking.

Use of Text & Legibility

Text hierarchy is clear and well arranged. Fonts are consistent and readable.

Text hierarchy is clear. Fonts are consistent and harmonious with the design.

Text is mostly readable with minor issues.

Text is illegible or inconsistent. Poor contrast or font choices.

Grammar & Mechanics

No spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

Very few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

Most spelling, punctuation, and grammar is correct.

Frequent errors that distract from reading.

Judges

Prof. Sarah Rosalena

Assistant Professor of Art
in Computational Craft
and Haptic Media @ UCSB

Ariana Zhu

UX Designer @ BrainCo

Vân Võ

Graphic Designer &
Freelance Product Designer
Co-Founder of Goody 2 Shoes
Design Studio

Jane Callister

Professor of Art at UC Santa Barbara
Painting, Drawing

Calendar
February 13th Registration Opens
March 2nd Submission Deadline
March 7th Judging Begins
March 13th Results Announced
(To Be Announced) Prizes Sent!
Prizes
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FAQs
Who is eligible to participate?
UCSB students of any major are eligible to participate!
Do I need to have prior experience?
Nope! All levels of graphic design experience are encouraged to participate, as SBCL will be hosting events for students to learn more throughout the process!
How will my poster be judged?
Please refer to the above rubric.
Will I have the chance to ask for feedback or advice?
Yes! Our Discord channel will be open for participants to chat with each other and with the SBCL team.
Further questions? Reach out to us on our Discord channel!
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