The Design Buffet 2024 Redefines Graphic Design Competitions in Indonesia

Studio Yord proudly redefined graphic design competitions in Indonesia through a revolutionary event format with The Design Buffet: Ruthless Playground. Held over two eventful days, December 4-5, 2024, at Agave Hall, Open Door Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, this competition brought together ten of the most promising creative teams in Indonesia’s graphic design industry for an intense 24-hour design marathon.  

Under the spotlight of this intense competition, ten teams, each consisting of three seasoned creative professionals, were “locked” in a specially designed room to tackle a single design brief. Equipped with advanced facilities such as a photography studio, a props warehouse, a paper stock library, a printing corner, and a fully stocked pantry, these creative talents were challenged to craft fresh and innovative ideas. With no internet access, participants relied solely on their creativity, collaboration, and skills to produce work that pushed the boundaries of design.  Andre Edfan, Creative Director of Studio Yord and the mastermind behind The Design Buffet (TDB), shared the mission behind the event: “TDB is designed more as a retreat than a competition; it is a space for designers to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with the pure joy of creation. It is a meeting point for various creative minds to showcase their design processes and methodologies, bridging gaps within our industry while celebrating the beauty of design itself.”  

The event combined competition, retreat, and public education, creating a dynamic platform that celebrated design as both a craft and a catalyst for change.  While Indonesia’s graphic design industry has grown significantly over the past decade, The Design Buffet aims to enrich the ecosystem by serving as an edutainment platform for the public to gain insights into the design process. By fostering a greater appreciation for the value of design, the event aspires to increase demand for high-quality graphic design practices and contribute to the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy. “Indonesian designers are incredibly talented, but we need to amplify demand for quality design. We hope this event communicates design work's complexity, beauty, and value, encouraging local businesses to invest in design that transforms brands,” Edfan emphasized.

Participants included prominent studios and creative agencies from across Indonesia, such as Beertiga Creative, Kiwari Kollektiv, Nice People Club, Haloka Creative, Aware Creative Lab, Tiny Studio, Idea Cultura, Di Duende, Mutualist Creatives, and Kami Studio. Working on a brief provided by the fictitious brand Lumara, the teams explored concepts to inspire the younger generation to embark on their sustainability journey. Lumara’s commitment to sustainability and its vision of a greener future became the driving force behind the creative solutions generated during the competition. The work of each team was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges: Eric Widjadja (Principal Designer, Thinking Room), Teddy Aang (Brand Consultant and Designer), and Andini Aska (Head of Product Innovation & Insight, Lumara). The expertise and experience of the jury in the design and branding industries ensured a rigorous and inspiring evaluation process.  

Every moment of this high-pressure creative journey was documented and released as an engaging YouTube series. The series promises rare insights into the complexities of graphic design, offering inspiration and education to designers and enthusiasts alike. Beyond the competition, The Design Buffet welcomed visitors with live entertainment and a curated selection of food and beverages, transforming the event into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection. Studio Yord’s innovative and approachable concept ensured that both participants and audiences left the event inspired, informed, and eager for more. With The Design Buffet: Ruthless Playground, Studio Yord set a new standard for event innovation and intellectual property through The Design Buffet. The studio envisions this year’s TDB as the beginning of many future successes.

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About the Author

Alessandra Langit

Alessandra Langit is a writer with seven years of diverse media experience. She loves exploring the quirks of girlhood through her visual art and reposting Kafka’s diary entries at night.