- "Design should be a PNG, TIF or JPG image, suitable for use in a small web widget, in English language." - check!
- "You are providing a mockup only, IDEA's programmers will animate it." - fair enough - check!
- "The imagery should include a map of ASEAN countries, and be a single screen which shows the clock." - yep!
- "Dimensions should be less than 500x500, and greater than 150x150 pixels." - done!
- "Opaque background suitable to be in a web browser." - affirmative!
OK, that part is not that hard. Let's see the tricky part:
"Submissions will be judged on several criteria, including overall appearance, usability, and Malaysian cultural appropriateness."
As far as appearance is concerned, well, judge for yourself, I tried to use a flat, but bright blue color scheme, contrasted that with a red highlight colour. The map is quite detailed, highlights all ASEAN countries, names them and focuses on Malaysia. Furthermore, the equator is visible, as well as surrounding countries. Usability: I tried not to make the most obvious mistakes.
On the Malaysian cultural appropriateness-front, I named Australia as a reference, instead of China. And hey, jury, the word "including" in the last line, that is a nice way out!
Will this design be recognised? The biggest question, also with contests is: "compared to what?"
I guess we'll just wait and see!