The main thing I would suggest is literally reading the criteria judges use for design award. You will find it is far more focused on how you design than what your design is. Notebook and presentation is going to be the key factor in winning the award. It took me a while to realize the focus of design award.
In general about judged awards I will point out that most teams can’t give a presentation to save their lives. If you need a script, sure script it but don’t be surprised when other teams win awards.
Interviews are all about a give and take with the judges.
It is not a speech followed by a few questions!!! If your interview is ever the same twice then you are seriously doing something wrong.
Go up with your team and talk to the judges about cool things your robot can do and cool stories.
For example. If they show interest in your code; go more in depth. If they politely nod when your talking about the code and you think they aren’t that interested then move on. Have the person who knows the most about any particular subject talk about that subject because the judges can definitely tell when a team member keeps glancing at someone else to double check what to say. If a team member “owns” no part of the robot something is wrong with the team dynamic.(most often this is due to members of teams that don’t deserve to be part of the team)
At worlds the judge’s stayed in my pit 20 minutes longer then they were supposed to because they were interested in what we were talking about.
World’s Divisional Judge’s Award
Nevada State Think Award
Nevada State Amaze Award
Nevada State Innovate Award