Student Design Challenge
Design for play. Design for children. Design for volunteers.
Can you create a high-play-value idea that children love, adventure playgrounds can afford, and volunteers can actually build?
Launch
12th October 2026
Registration Closes
20th November 2026
Submission Deadline
25th January 2027
London Play Design CIC is excited to be inviting university students and recent graduates to take part in our new adventure play Student Design Challenge.
The challenge is to design creative play interventions that respond to children’s needs, make intelligent use of recycled or low-cost materials, and can be largely constructed by volunteers under professional technical supervision.
The Challenge at a Glance
1. Learn
Join 'How to...’ sessions and understand play, designing with children, and LPD’s volunteer delivery model.
2. Design
Develop your concept and demonstrate play value and feasibility.
3. Consult & Build
Winning concepts will be developed with LPD and delivered in a real adventure playground.
Design Challenge Timeline
LPD’s Design Challenge officially launches and registrations open to all London-based students. Q&A window opens.
12th Oct 2026
Registration deadline. Q&A window closes and answers shared with registered participants.
20th Nov 2026
LPD’s Design Challenge 'How to...’ programme
24-25th Nov 2026
Submission deadline at midday
25th Jan 2027
Judging period – winners chosen
Feb 2027
Winners announced
1st Mar 2027
Design Categories
There are three design categories. You should choose one category to design and submit for.
1. Loose Parts
Movable or combinable play elements that children can adapt, transform and use in different ways
(up to a purchase value of £700)
2. Small Installation
A small structure or intervention that attaches to an existing play structure or works as a stand-alone play installation
(up to a purchase value of £1,800)
3. Landscape & Play Zones
A landscape intervention that turns an empty area of a playground (such as a stretch of grass or small hill) into an environment that invites different kinds of play
(up to a purchase value of £2,500)
"How to” Sessions
Tuesday 24th Nov 10:00am-11:30am
How to Include the Principles of Play When Designing
with Max Mueller, London Play Design's Founder & Managing Director
Tuesday 24th Nov 12:15pm-1:45pm
How to Design for the LPD Volunteer Model
with Kevin Siaw – London Play Design's Community Play Space Project Manager
Wednesday 25th Nov 10:00am-11:30am
How to Approach Child-Focused Product Development
with Alex Meininger, Playrise's Founder & Director
Have any questions?
If you have any questions about the challenge that aren't answered in the brief, please submit your question via this link.
Thank you for taking part in London Play Design's Student Design Challenge.
By doing so, you are helping adventure playgrounds remain safe and exciting play spaces for local communities in London. We really appreciate your participation.