Spark Interact named a finalist for UX Innovation in the 2026 Finder Innovation Awards

Spark Interact has been named a finalist in the UX Innovation category of the 2026 Finder Innovation Awards for our work on Dbug.au.

The recognition follows an assessment by Finder’s expert judging panel and marks the next stage for a project that was previously part of this year’s People’s Choice campaign.

Finder’s published 2026 results list Spark Interact and Commonwealth Bank (Lumen) as finalists in UX Innovation.

For our team, it is a meaningful recognition of the thinking, design and technology that went into creating a simpler digital experience for an everyday service.

From People’s Choice nominee to finalist

Earlier this year, we shared that Spark Interact had been nominated for Best UX Innovation for our work on Dbug.au, giving our clients, partners and wider community the opportunity to support us through the Finder People’s Choice vote.

That campaign focused on public support. This finalist recognition comes through Finder’s separately judged Innovation Awards program.

Finder distinguishes its judged award categories from the People’s Choice categories, with UX Innovation included in both programs.

Being named a finalist therefore represents a different stage of recognition for the project, with Dbug.au assessed as part of Finder’s industry awards process.

The UX thinking behind Dbug.au

Dbug.au was created around a simple challenge: how could pest control become easier to understand and arrange online?

The traditional customer journey can involve phone calls, manual quotes, uncertain availability and a lot of information to work through before a booking is made.

Dbug.au brings those steps together in one digital experience.

Customers can explore treatment options, understand what is included, view pricing and available appointments, select a suitable time and complete their booking and payment online.

The experience was designed around clarity throughout the journey. That includes transparent pricing, real-time availability, colour-coded service options and a clear visual hierarchy that helps customers understand what to do next.

The visual identity also takes a more approachable direction for the pest control industry. Rather than relying on confronting pest photography, Dbug.au uses a playful illustrated mascot and a friendly visual system that keeps the service relevant without making the experience unnecessarily unpleasant.

More than the customer-facing experience

The work behind Dbug.au also extends beyond what customers see on screen.

Spark led the project’s brand naming, visual identity, UX strategy and technical architecture, alongside the development of the platform’s custom booking experience.

Behind the interface is a system built to handle real-time availability, postcode-based pricing, discounted time slots, product configuration and online payments.

The Dbug team can also manage pricing, promotions, products, availability and booking rules through a custom administration system, giving the business greater flexibility without requiring developer involvement for routine changes.

Together, these elements were designed to make the experience straightforward for customers while supporting the operational needs of the business behind it.

Recognition from an independent awards program

Finder positions its Innovation Awards as an independent program where brands do not pay to submit an entry or use the Finder Awards badge.

Finder also reports that 79% of Australians trust awards programs more when brands do not have to pay to use the award badge, giving the recognition an additional layer of third-party validation.

For Spark Interact, being named a finalist is valuable recognition of the work itself and the approach behind Dbug.au.

It also places Spark alongside Commonwealth Bank (Lumen) on Finder’s finalist list for UX Innovation in 2026.

A proud result for the team

Dbug.au has been live for some time, but this recognition is a reminder that thoughtful digital experiences continue to stand out well beyond launch day.

The project brought together strategy, branding, UX, design and development around one goal: making a traditionally manual service clearer, easier and more intuitive online.

We’re proud to see that work recognised by the Finder Innovation Awards and grateful to everyone who contributed to the Dbug.au experience.

You can view the full 2026 Finder Innovation Awards winners and finalists on Finder’s website. View the 2026 Finder Innovation Awards