Visualizing ADB’s Key Indicators: Cover Design Contest

The Asian Development Bank invites creative minds to join the Key Indicators Cover Design Contest—a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of ADB’s flagship data publication, featuring key economic, social, and environmental insights from 49 regional members.

group

Teams of
1 - 3 people

Challenge Results

Thank You to All Participants of the ADB’s Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific Cover Challenge!

ADB Data Division extends its appreciation to everyone who poured their creativity, time, and passion into crafting cover designs that reflect the power of data in supporting our mission to provide timely and comprehensive insights across key areas. Your work demonstrates that data matters and that it can be communicated not just effectively, but beautifully. Each submission thoughtfully captured the themes of data-driven development, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

We were truly inspired by the overwhelming response to the challenge. We received 49 outstanding submissions from across Asia and the Pacific, including entries from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Türkiye, Tonga, and the People’s Republic of China. We also received entries from the United States, the Netherlands, and Norway.

After careful evaluation by our panel of judges, we are excited to announce the winners.

3rd Place

Building Prosperity

3D Isometric Design (Indonesia)

Data is very important in the development of a country. With data-based governance, development will be more effective, efficient, targeted, and appropriate. The development carried out requires coordination in various sectors so that development goals can be achieved. Key indicators in various sectors are the basis for development planning and evaluation. The cover design of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) key indicators depicts a series of economic, financial, social, and environmental measures to measure development progress in Asia and the Pacific, represented by a diorama design of activities in the indicator in the form of 3-dimensional isometry. Governance is depicted from the layers of contours of various interrelated development sectors that reflect a unity of development activities to realize community welfare.

Nodes of Change

Hyperstacks (Philippines)

This cover design visually represents the transformative role of data in driving progress across key global sectors such as the environment, economy, digitalization, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. At the core of the design are interconnected data nodes and links, symbolizing how information flows, connects, and informs. Each node is composed of words that reflect the essential needs and focus areas within these sectors—acting as both a map and a mirror of what humanity must understand to make informed, impactful decisions. The web of data highlights how diverse pieces of information come together to form a cohesive picture, guiding solutions and strategies that lead to meaningful and equitable progress for all. Ultimately, the design emphasizes that when data is purposefully organized and thoughtfully interpreted, it becomes a powerful tool for shaping a better, smarter, and more inclusive future.

Reaching Through Screens

ARKIteksto (Philippines)

The entry, "Reaching Through Screens," features a half-folded laptop that represents the diverse devices we use to access information worldwide. The screen features two youths, one from the Aetas tribe in the Philippines and the other, a Hijabi lady practicing Islam, both representing the importance of maintaining the economy, environment, and community despite their difference in social status, age, and beliefs. The Aeta's early support of their community pillars is visually represented, while the Hijabi woman focuses on planting saplings for her future. The scenery features a variety of buildings, including traditional ancestral Filipino house and modern high-rise commercial infrastructure, symbolizing sustainability and development. A wave carrying a cargo ship through the buildings symbolizes trade, which is crucial for maintaining global economic flow. All of this information can be accessed through a single touch of a screen, demonstrating how data can provide the needs and desires of different people.

CONGRATULATIONS ALSO TO OUR OTHER FINALISTS

Reduced Form (Indonesia)

The core illustration in this design uses a mix of colors to represent the key themes: Data-Driven Development (Purple), Sustainability (Green), and Inclusive Growth (Orange). The color sequence shows the logical flow that effective development starts with data, continues with sustainable efforts, and ultimately leads to inclusive growth. The circular shape represents ADB’s vision of borderless, inclusive, and interconnected development. The wavy and dynamic color patterns reflect that development is inherently flexible and requires an agile approach across sectors. Graphic elements such as digital interfaces, analytical charts, and data icons emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making. The presence of human figures in different positions supporting each other symbolizes the principle of inclusivity in development. Meanwhile, icons of wind turbines, green spaces, and green buildings reinforce the message of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The design uses a clean, modern structure, balancing clarity and visual impact, in line with ADB’s commitment to making complex insights more accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

Team Mega (Philippines)

Data-Driven Growth: The Power of Information" is a statement that encapsulates the transformative role of data today. It shows how data, when harnessed correctly, can be a potent tool for growth and development. Information, in this context, is not just a collection of facts and figures. It's a valuable resource that, when analyzed and interpreted correctly, can provide insights, guide decisions, and ultimately, power growth for the betterment of the society and the people.

Solmerano (Philippines)

This design represents the dynamic journey of Asia and the Pacific toward sustainable progress through data-driven development and inclusive growth. The flowing lines symbolize digital connectivity and the increasing accessibility of information. Integrated icons highlight key sectors such as health, environment, education, and finance—emphasizing the role of reliable data in shaping impactful policies. The family silhouette against a warm rising sun represents hope and inclusivity, portraying a future where no one is left behind. The color palette transitions from deep blue to green and orange, illustrating harmony between innovation and sustainability. Trees and digital nodes blend nature and technology, reflecting the region’s unique challenges and strengths. Through a clean and balanced composition, this cover design visually communicates that inclusive progress begins with clear data and collective action.

Sunflare (Philippines)

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and global challenges, data has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. But data alone is not sufficient to drive meaningful changes in our society. "From Data to Impact" is more than a slogan; it’s a call to reimagine how we communicate complex realities. We must transform raw data into meaningful insights that inspire action and promote equity to the society, environment and to the people. This design vision celebrates the progress brought about by data driven decision making-one where decisions are driven by evidence, and progress is shared by everyone, leaving no one behind.

Sidharth (India)

The design titled "Roots of Progress: Data for Inclusive Growth" visualises how data serves as the foundation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. At its centre is a stylised circuit tree, symbolising how digital information branches out to nurture key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, energy, transport, and the digital economy. Each branch connects to an icon representing one of these domains, highlighting the interconnected nature of development. The blue and gold colour palette aligns with ADB’s visual identity, while the minimalist composition ensures clarity and focus. A subtle regional map in the background reinforces the geographical scope of the Key Indicators report. Altogether, the design conveys how data is not merely a tool for measurement but a catalyst for inclusive growth, policy innovation, and regional resilience.