WEBSITE DESIGN
Website Design allows members to create a visually engaging and user-friendly website based on a specific topic. On the state level, this competitive event consists of a pre-judged website and a final round presentation component where the website is shown to the judges emphasizing front-end design elements such as layout, navigation, aesthetics, and user experience.
Event Overview
Division: High School
Event Type: Team of 1, 2 or 3 members
Event Category: Pre-judged and Presentation on the state level
Event Elements: Pre-judged and Presentation with a Topic
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 7-minute presentation time, 3-minute question & answer time
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Arts, Entertainment, & Design
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Professionalism, Technology
Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code, Technology and presentation items
Equipment Provided by FBLA: Internet access and table for final round presentation
2025-2026 Topic
Design to Learn: Build a Student Learning Hub
Design an educational website for an online learning hub—created by students, for students—to make learning more engaging, collaborative, and accessible. Choose a subject area (such as business, technology, math, science, history, or a foreign language) and design a site that supports peer-to-peer learning in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate format.
Your website must include:
· A schedule page for live tutoring sessions and group study opportunities
· A student dashboard to track learning progress or completed activities
· A resources section with interactive tools like lessons, videos, quizzes, and downloadable materials
Think about how your design encourages students to connect, stay motivated, and explore the subject in creative ways.
Note: Website does not have to be live. If partnering with your school, permission must be received from the school to make the website public.
District
Check with your District leadership for-specific competition information.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel in order to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
· Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
· Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· All members of a team must consist of individuals from the same chapter.
· If competitors are late for a presentation time, they may be disqualified or placed later in the schedule. The decision is solely up to the judges.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.
Event Administration
· This event has two phases: pre-judged website and final presentation
· Preliminary round: Pre-judged entry
o The focus of the event is the front facing of the website
o Website must address the topic as described
o Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet
o Templates may be used but must be documented
· Final Round: Presentation
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Important: Time allocations are exclusive. The presentation must begin immediately after the 3-minute set-up time concludes. Time may not be shifted between segments. Competitors will not interact with judges during the set-up period.
o Internet Access: Provided (Internet access may not be Wi-Fi, so competitors should plan appropriately when selecting devices on which to present. Please note that internet reliability at any conference venue cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case internet connections go down.)
o Based on the results of the preliminary competition (pre-judged), the highest pre-judged project scores, a maximum of five individuals or teams, will move to the final presentation round at the State Leadership Conference. The individuals or teams selected will be notified prior to the State Leadership Conference…only those five will participate in the final round of competition. Not making it to the final round will not allow for registration refund.
o Event Specific Information: Competitors should incorporate the following aspects in response to the topic
· Planning & Development: Clearly explain the planning, design, and implementation process. Include reasons for design decisions supported by evidence and rationale.
· Content & Relevance: Ensure the website directly addresses the assigned topic, includes all required elements, and thoughtfully goes beyond expectations.
· Design & User Experience: Create a visually polished, cohesive, and user-friendly website. Use colors, fonts, graphics, and layout that enhance both usability and accessibility.
· Functionality & Compatibility: Make sure the website loads and functions correctly on at least three platforms (e.g., desktop, tablet, mobile).
· Interactivity: Include interactive elements that function smoothly and enhance the user experience without errors.
· Consistency Across Pages: Design should be consistent across all pages, with repeated elements and layout choices that improve navigation and clarity.
· Metrics & Industry Language: Include measurable success indicators and explain them using accurate web design and development terminology.
o The presentation is judged at the SLC. Presentations are not open to conference attendees.
o Technology
· Presentations must be delivered using no more than three personal devices (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or monitor approximately laptop-sized).
· Projectors and projector screens are not permitted, and competitors may not bring their own.
· Wireless slide advancers (e.g., presentation clickers or mice) are allowed.
· External speakers are not allowed; audio must come directly from the presenting device(s).
· Electricity will not be available.
o Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may be used.
o Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.
o No items may be left with the judges following the presentation.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only; may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the presentation)
o Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.
o Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly documented.
Scoring
· The pre-judged scores will determine the finalists.
· The final presentation score will determine the winners.
· Judges must break ties. All judges’ decisions are final. Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.
Recording of Presentations
· No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.
· Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation for use in study or training materials.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/