Who gets hired. Who gets funded. Who gets seen, heard, celebrated. Contests shape our lives. From science fairs to dating apps, from college admissions to viral TikTok trends. Our schools are contests. Our workplaces are contests. The marketplace itself is one giant contest. Sometimes the rules are clear. Sometimes they're rigged. Who designed this contest and why? Can we make it better? Most Contests Are Designed Poorly. Traditional contests focus narrowly: One winner. One judge. One chance. E.
