The "Everyone's Communication Design Project" received the Executive Committee Award at the UCDA Awards 2025.

The Universal Communication Design Association (UCDA) held the " UCDA Awards 2025 Selection Results Presentation " on Friday, November 21, 2025.

This award evaluates information disseminated by companies and organizations to consumers from industrial, academic, and consumer perspectives, recognizing outstanding communication design.This year's 16th edition, themed "It's Time for a CUCDO(※)", featured a diverse program on "Universal Communication Design (UCD)" – conveying important information in a clear, understandable, and accessible manner. In addition to announcing the award winners, the event included keynote speeches by experts and panel discussions.

※CUCDO (Chief UCD Officer) = A person responsible for identifying, accepting, and conveying accurate information amidst an abundance of diverse information.

dentsu Japan's "Everyone's Communication Design Project" was recognized with the Executive Committee Award for its activity of creating and providing the " Everyone's Communication Design Guide " on its website as support for society and industry in this era of diversity. Chisato Matsumoto, Managing Executive Officer of dentsu Japan, took the stage on behalf of the company to receive the award certificate.

Additionally, companies were honored in the following categories: Corporate Grand Prize, Executive Committee Award, UCD Production Excellence Award, Encouragement Award, and UCDA Awards (UCDA Awards 2025, Consumer Award, Expert Award, Special Award).

Prior to the award announcements, a panel talk session titled "Communication Design in a Diverse Society: Thinking Together" was held, introducing each company's initiatives. The panelists were: moderator Mr. Takahiro Hayashi, Representative of dentsu DEI innovations;panelists Atsuko Kuchiha, Chief Diversity Officer and Head of Sustainability at dentsu Japan; Toshiaki Sato, Professional at Ezaki Glico Design Department; Haruna Hayashi, Manager at SBI Life Insurance Customer Service Department; and Hitomi Nojima, Senior Researcher at UCDA Business Promotion Bureau/UCD Research Institute.

At the outset, Mr. Hayashi of dentsu DEI innovations explained the session's theme: "Let's expand from everyone gathered here to everyone outside this circle!" He stated, "Last year's theme was 'Let's first connect and collaborate among everyone gathered here.' This year, we thought about expanding that connection outward with all the members present."

The panel discussion commenced under Mr. Hayashi's moderation.

First, Mr. Sato from Ezaki Glico introduced the development of guidelines for product packaging. They reviewed differences in traditional design-focused packaging and labeling, establishing their first guidelines aimed at creating designs easily understood by all users. These guidelines also earned UCDA certification. The guidelines were rolled out as a rulebook to stakeholders both inside and outside the company.

"It's important that information is conveyed accurately not only to make an impression at the store, but also when users check the back at home while cooking or managing expiration dates," he said, discussing how clear packaging expands usability. Reflecting on this initiative, he noted, "It became an opportunity to create new standards with our colleagues within the company."

Next, SBI Life Insurance's Haruna Hayashi introduced a project centered on young employees in their 20s and 30s, focusing on talent development. Through UCDA training, they learned approaches to providing clear information. As an outcome, they devised designs for customers and even presented them to senior management.

Ms. Hayashi reflected that the UCDA training fostered active discussion. Regarding the project, she stated, "It created an environment where new ideas could emerge within designs that tend to become rigid. It was a valuable opportunity not only for improving customer communication design but also for building horizontal connections among employees. Furthermore, seeing young employees propose such designs should be a positive stimulus for upper management." She described the outcome as contributing to a virtuous cycle of CS (Customer Satisfaction) and ES (Employee Satisfaction).

Next, Ms. Kuchiba of dentsu Japan introduced the "Everyone's Communication Design Guide," created by employees under the supervision of UCDA.

"We cannot do our jobs without understanding the diversity of our communication recipients. We feel a significant responsibility as senders," she stated. "First, we will drive awareness transformation and literacy improvement among our 23,000 group employees. Next, we will work with everyone in related industries on awareness transformation and technological innovation.Then, we will work with clients to advance strategies. With these three arrows, we will realize 'Everyone's Communication Design' that leaves no one behind." She emphasized starting with raising awareness within their own company and then expanding to other companies.

Finally, Ms. Nojima from UCDA Business Promotion Bureau/UCD Research Institute explained that corporate UCD initiatives have expanded over the past 15 years from paper to applications, videos, and the entire spectrum of communication design, extending even to human resource development. She then introduced the UCD Research Institute's new project, the "Common Display Subcommittee." The project's goal is to standardize "easy-to-understand displays" across companies and industries.

"Standardizing similar warning displays, color rules, and formats benefits both companies and consumers. Currently, 14 companies from diverse sectors like food, insurance, and finance are participating. Raising awareness of these efforts will drive broader adoption. We invite you to join us in this challenge," she urged.

Following introductions of each company, moderator Hayashi summarized: "Rather than having specialists handle everything, we need to create an environment where 'everyone thinks together.' What I learned from these discussions is that the connection to business drives this 'thinking together.' People are at the beginning and end of design. That's precisely why connecting people is crucial. I hope you fully utilize the ideas for expansion introduced in this session."

In the exhibition space outside the venue, participating companies and organizations displayed their UCD initiatives, materials, and products.

The booth for the award-winning "Everyone's Communication Design Project" featured the release of the "Everyone's Communication Design Guide." Visitors were seen downloading the materials on the spot via QR code, immediately demonstrating the expanding reach of UCD.

<UCDA Awards 2025 Executive Committee Awards - List of Winning Companies>
・dentsu Japan Everyone's Communication Design Project (Dentsu Inc., domestic Dentsu Group companies)
・Manulife Life Insurance
・Ideal Science Industries
*For details on the UCDA Awards 2025, click here.

＜Event Overview＞
Name: UCDA Award 2025 Selection Results Presentation　
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Venue: Kanda Myojin Hall