Around a hundred designs divided into seven categories (architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive design, product design and transport) are competing for the award, now into its second year. A wide range of objects have been nominated by the jury of experts led by Alan Yentob, such as the Venus chair by Tokujin Yoshioka, the Balance Sport wheelchair, Snøetta’s opera house in Oslo, and the latest collection by New York label Duckie Brown. Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum, maintains, “Design touches every aspect of our daily lives. This exciting shortlist reflects its impact on politics as well as fashion. It highlights great architecture, and smart technology. In the midst of economic chaos, creative thinking is more important than ever.” So will the winning design be the most-used, the most innovative or the most avant-garde? To find out we have to wait until 18 March when the winner will be announced at a gala dinner. The public are also involved in the decision-making process: anyone can send in a comment via Internet or visit the exhibition, open from 12 February to 14 June at the Design Museum.