Categories

Categories

3-D Modeling

Projects in this category are original works digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Entries may represent objects, environments, characters, prototypes, or other creative or functional designs.

Models are not required to be physically printed or fabricated; however, they must be demonstrated digitally in the software used to create them. Students should be prepared to explain their design process, the tools and techniques they used, and the intended purpose of their model (such as visualization, simulation, product design, or artistic expression).

Examples of eligible software include (but are not limited to):

• Beginner-friendly: Tinkercad, GollyGee Blocks (iOS)

• Artistic/animation: Blender, ZBrush, Maya, LightWave

• Engineering/architecture: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Fusion 360, SolidWorks

• Emerging tools: Unity (3D modeling integration), Roblox Studio, other educational 3D platforms

https://www.gastc.org/3d-modeling

Animation

Projects in this category are original works that bring images, characters, or objects to life through motion. Entries may be created using 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion, or code-driven sprite animation. Projects should demonstrate creativity, technical execution, and purposeful storytelling or communication.

Animation may take the form of short films, educational explainers, music videos, humorous shorts, or other narrative or conceptual pieces. Students should be prepared to explain their design process, asset creation (where applicable), and how they achieved motion and timing.

Examples of eligible tools include (but are not limited to):

• 2D Animation: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Synfig, Krita, Pencil2D

• 3D Animation: Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D

• Stop-Motion: iStopMotion, Stop Motion Studio, Dragonframe

• Code-Based Animation: Scratch, Alice, Processing, p5.js, Godot (2D animation tools)

• Other platforms: Toontastic, PowToon, Flipaclip, or similar creative apps

https://www.gastc.org/animation

Audio Production 

Projects in this category are original works that use digital tools to record, edit, and produce audio content. Entries may include podcasts, music compositions, spoken word performances, soundscapes, audio dramas, or other creative audio experiences. Projects should demonstrate purposeful use of sound elements—such as voice, music/instruments, effects, and silence—to communicate an idea, tell a story, or create an intended effect.

Students must present their project in the software used to produce it and be prepared to explain their creative process, editing techniques, and how they achieved their final sound mix.

https://www.gastc.org/audio-production

Digital Game Design

Projects in this category are original, interactive games created and designed by the student. Entries should demonstrate creativity in gameplay mechanics, originality in concept and assets, and purposeful design in user experience. Games may be 2D, 3D, or immersive experiences (e.g., VR/AR), and should include clear rules, objectives, and interactive elements that engage the player.

Students should be prepared to showcase their game, explain their design and development process, and discuss how their choices in mechanics, story, and technology supported the overall gameplay experience. Projects may be built using programming languages, game engines, or no-code/low-code tools, but all significant design elements must be the student’s own work.

https://www.gastc.org/digital-game-design

Digital Photo Production

Projects in this category showcase a single original student photograph that has been enhanced, edited, or artistically modified using digital tools. Entries should demonstrate both technical skill in image editing and creative decision-making to improve or transform the original photo.

Students must present their work in the software or platform used to edit it and be prepared to explain their creative and technical process, including adjustments made to composition, lighting, color, and effects. A printed version of the finished project may be displayed but is not required.

Examples of eligible tools include (but are not limited to):

• Professional: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity Photo

• Open-source: GIMP, Darktable, Krita

• Online/mobile: Pixlr, Snapseed, BeFunky, PicMonkey, Pixelmator, VSCO

https://www.gastc.org/digital-photo-production

Graphic Design

Projects in this category focus on the creation of static visual designs that communicate an idea, message, or concept with clarity and impact. Students may combine images, text, color, and layout to create a cohesive visual product such as posters, social media graphics, advertisements, infographics, or brand identity materials.

Entries should demonstrate purposeful use of design principles—including balance, contrast, hierarchy, and typography—to achieve an intended effect. All design elements must be the original work of the student, except where templates, stock, or AI assets are appropriately credited and documented. Projects must be displayed digitally on the program or platform used to create them.

Examples of tools include (but are not limited to):

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD)

• Canva, Figma, Sketch

• Affinity Designer or Publisher

• CorelDRAW or similar digital design platforms

Exclusions:

• Photographs (belongs in Digital Photo Production)

• 3D models (belongs in 3D Modeling)

• Animation or motion (belongs in Animation)

https://www.gastc.org/graphic-design

Multimedia Applications

Projects in this category combine multiple forms of media—such as text, images, audio, video, and graphics—into a cohesive, interactive digital presentation or experience. Entries should demonstrate purposeful integration of different media types to communicate an idea, tell a story, or present information in an engaging way.

Projects may include interactive presentations, digital magazines, marketing or informational campaigns, or multimedia storytelling projects. Students should be prepared to explain their design choices, how the different media elements were created or sourced, and how they were integrated to form a unified final product.

Examples of eligible tools include (but are not limited to):

• Presentation & storytelling platforms: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, Canva

• Multimedia/interactive tools: Genially, Adobe Express, Articulate, Captivate, ThingLink

• Web-based storytelling: Adobe Spark Page, Shorthand, or similar platforms

Exclusions:

• Video-only projects → Video Production category

• Animation-only projects → Animation category

• Audio-only projects → Audio Production category

• Static design projects → Graphic Design or Digital Photography categories

https://www.gastc.org/multimedia-applications

Physical Computing

This category was formerly known as “Device Modification”. Several changes, including the category name, have been made to provide more clarity and focus

Physical Computing highlights student creativity in designing, modifying, or repurposing devices that combine hardware and software to sense, control, or respond to the physical world. Unlike the Robotics category, projects here are not primarily focused on autonomous movement or robotic systems. Devices and components do not need to be new, but the final product must be fully functional and demonstrate purposeful innovation.

Possible project types include (but are not limited to):

• Microcontroller-based builds (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, etc.)

• Micro:bit or Makey-Makey

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart home solutions

• Wearable or assistive technologies

• Modified or repurposed consumer electronics

• Interactive art or installations using sensors, controllers, or custom circuitry

• Data-collecting devices (environmental sensors, health monitors, etc.)

https://www.gastc.org/device-modification

Productivity Designs

This category is defined as any student created, computer-generated project that uses desktop publishing or general productivity software. Hard copies are allowed. Examples include charts, graphs, flyers, business cards, infographics, book jackets, organizers, newsletters

Entries can be developed from various non-multimedia application programs such as Word, Excel, Publisher, Sheets, Docs, Draw, Canva, Scribus, Serif PagePlus, Mindomo, Coggle, MindMapple, Blumind, Xara, Adobe InDesign, Viva Designer, Print Artist.

https://www.gastc.org/productivity-design

Video Production

Projects in this category are original video works created, edited, and produced by the student using digital video editing software. Videos should tell a story, present information, or creatively communicate an idea through filmed footage, sound, and editing techniques. All projects must be exported into a digital video format and displayed for viewing on a computer.

Entries may include (but are not limited to): short films, documentaries, news-style broadcasts, music videos, public service announcements (PSAs), event highlights, or educational tutorials. Judges may ask students to explain their planning, filming, editing, and exporting process, as well as demonstrate their knowledge of the chosen editing tools.

Examples of eligible software include (but are not limited to):

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Apple Final Cut Pro

• Apple iMovie (free for Mac)

• Wondershare Filmora (free version available)

• VSDC Free Video Editor

• Shotcut (free)

• DaVinci Resolve (free version available)

Additional Guidance:

• Stop-motion and computer-generated animation projects should be submitted under the Animation category.

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https://www.gastc.org/video-production

Web & Mobile Apps

Projects in this category focus on the design and development of applications that run on the web or on mobile devices. Entries may include websites, web applications, mobile apps, or cross-platform solutions. Projects should demonstrate purposeful design, usability, and technical implementation, whether through code or no-code/low-code platforms.

Students should be prepared to explain the purpose of their application, their design and development process, and how the chosen technologies support the intended functionality. Source code or project files must be available for review where applicable. The application should be able to be demonstrated live on a device, simulator, or browser at the time of competition.

Examples of eligible tools include (but are not limited to):

• Web: HTML/CSS/JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue, WordPress, Google Sites, Wix, Squarespace

• Mobile: Android Studio, Xcode, Swift, Kotlin, MIT App Inventor, Flutter, React Native

• Cross-platform / no-code: Glide, Bubble, AppSheet, Thunkable, AppyPie

https://www.gastc.org/internet-applications