PAVE Student Design Competition

The annual PAVE Student Design Competition promotes real-world design experience for college-level students globally who are interested in pursuing careers related to the creation and design of consumer environments.

Competition Overview

The Hershey Company invites students to create an innovative Store within a Store (SWAS) snacking destination within a traditional grocery store. Design a fun, interactive experience that leverages cutting-edge technology, lighting, and sensory elements to break through the clutter and elevate the shopping experience.

​Your design must be scalable across multiple retail footprints and incorporate Hershey's iconic brand elements while creating micro-occasions like s'mores, movie time, and cultural celebrations. Consider how technology like AR, digital signage, scent diffusion, and dynamic lighting can create a snacking destination that stands out.

​Unwrap the possibilities.

Awards & Prizes

THE TOP 3 CONCEPTS WILL BE AWARDED

​​$4,000 USD will be awarded to each of the 3 top concepts.

​Students will receive an invitation to attend the PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11th (travel expenses covered*) where the students will be recognized for their achievements.

​$1,000 USD travel stipend to be awarded to the students' Educator for travel to attend the PAVE Gala with the student(s)

​Students may even have the opportunity to work alongside one of the industry's leading design and manufacturing teams to bring their concepts to life!

Eligibility

This annual international competition is open exclusively to current undergraduate and graduate-level college students involved in retail planning, visual merchandising, interior design/architecture, branding, graphic design, UX/UI design, industrial design, and similar programs. If you are unsure if your area of study qualifies, please reach out to PAVE at info@paveglobal.org.

Submission Requirements

Each entry must be submitted as an 11 x 17-inch, landscape/horizontal format PDF.

​Each entry should not exceed 10 single-sided pages, page count excludes cover and reference pages.

​The submission should address the general requirements of the design brief at a scale and composition determined by the student.

​Renderings can be hand-drawn or computer-generated.

​AI tools are welcome to support brainstorming, inspiration, and prototyping. All AI usage must be transparently documented in your final submission.

​You will be judged on the quality of the renderings and their ability to clearly and dynamically tell the story of your concept.

​This is an individual competition - only individual entries will be accepted.

​Entrant name and/or school MUST NOT appear anywhere on the presentation materials or cover.

Judging Criteria

The below criteria is used to establish a scoring matrix based on the evaluation of broad categories implicit in the design submission. A team of industry professionals will evaluate and judge all entries using a blind review process. (download judging criteria PDF)

​15% - Design Concept

• Imagination, inspiration, and creativity.

​25% - Space Solution

• Traffic flow, fixture layout, successful connection of the concept to the store in a cohesive manner that establishes a compelling authentic brand narrative, with an inspiring customer journey and creative use of 2D and 3D elements.

​25% - Interior/Architectural Design

• Style, appropriateness, colors and materials, fixtures, lighting, and merchandise presentation.

25% - Branding

• Logo color, style, signage, graphics, and integration of technology.

​10% Quality and professional presentation of work.