Together with the official announcement of WWDC 2011, Apple also put a teaser page up for the Apple Design Awards, which recognize “apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.” Unlike last year, this year’s ADAs will feature both iOS and Mac apps: in 2010, Mac software was surprisingly excluded and iOS was the focus. Steve Jobs said that it was “just the normal cycle of things”. Among the winners of the 2010 edition: Flight Control HD, Star Walk and Doodle Jump.
At the WWDC 2011 Apple will award outstanding apps for the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apps that are “currently on the App Store and demonstrate excellence in the following areas:”
- Design: Well designed apps are delightful, elegant, intuitive, engaging, exciting, compelling, and reliable.
- Innovation: Innovative apps are revolutionary, inspirational, unique, and do things in completely new and exciting ways.
- Technical excellence: Technically advanced apps have excellent performance and make extensive use of the latest Apple technologies to deliver innovative, platform differentiating, and advanced features.
To be eligible for the Apple Design Awards 2011, apps must be available in the App Store by May 23. More details and frequently asked questions here.