The 35 projects chosen for our 17th Interactive Annual represent the surge in both social media strategy for brands and the multi-touch and gestural interfaces inherent in mobile computing.

The 39 projects chosen for our 16th Interactive Annual show an important industry evolution: user-centered design. Whether direct response, advertising, entertainment or information, thorough, considered content is being presented in ways that make the best use of technology and align with the way people use it.

A universal characteristic found in all 38 award-winning projects was a minimalist approach to design: presenting one idea, one tool or one piece of functionality that’s relevant. We saw many projects get to the point quickly, and the development of mobile apps is driving this trend toward simplicity in design and interaction.