Among the early year's hubbub over the numerous film award ceremonies, the design awards can often be left in the shadow of their more publicised counterparts. However, the Design Museum's 2013 Designs of the Year is one of the most exciting awards of the year. It draws together some of the most influential and originative objects and creations. It includes seven categories, including Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport. 

Design is not just about aesthetics, but about practicality. Good design marries good sense with good looks. The Design Museum's long list is a lengthy one, with 22 nominations in the 'Product' category, and 17 for 'Architecture', but all of this shows what a great year it is for design. Anyway, without further ado, here are some of the best in the list.

A Room for London, an old boat perched atop the Queen Elizabeth Hall is irresistibly charming. The unexpected sight is one that draws a smile, while being tied internally to art and literature. Cleveland's MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) is both environmentally and fiscally sustainable. With sharp edges and distinct asymmetry it is well placed in the 21st century, but its reflective surfaces mean it blends in well with its surroundings. 

Surprisingly, to some, the Gov.UK website is nominated in the 'digital' category for saving a potential $50m by combining all UK Government surfaces under one digital roof. Despite Brad Pitt having had a brief foray with furniture design recently, none of his work has been included in the 'furniture' long list, though the 'Well Proven Chair' designed by James Shaw and Marjan van Aubel, which is a move to use waste products as a material for creation is. 

Fashion nominations includes Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, which doesn't come as much of a surprise. But 'I WANT MUSCLE', a two minute film about a female body builder is a little left field.

The Olympic Cauldron has also been included in nominations, continuing last year's one for the Olympic Torch. Most exciting of all, however, is the Liquidglide Ketchup Bottle. It is a material that can line the inside of a bottle, flavourless, odorless and non-toxic, it ensures that whatever is on the inside of the bottle doesn't get stuck. Heinz will have to change their advertisements. 

All the nominations will be exhibited at London's Design Museum during the Summer of 2013, with winners of each category, as well as one overall winner picked later in the year.