What Is a Destination Imagination (DI) Appraiser?

In the world of Destination Imagination, creativity is celebrated, teamwork is essential, and learning by doing is at the heart of every Challenge. But when tournament day rolls around, who are the people evaluating the incredible work of student teams? You might think the word "judge" fits—but in DI, we use a different word: Appraiser. Here's why—and what it means to serve in this vital role.

Why We Say “Appraiser,” Not “Judge”

The term "judge" can feel intimidating—like someone who's there to declare right or wrong, pass judgment, or determine a win/lose outcome. But Destination Imagination is different. The focus is on creativity, growth, innovation, and the effort teams put into solving open-ended Challenges.

That’s why we call our evaluators Appraisers. An ApPRAISEr is someone who recognizes and appreciates the hard work, imagination, and problem-solving that each team brings to their solution. The term reflects a spirit of encouragement, learning, and celebration—not criticism.

Appraisers are trained to evaluate student work using clear rubrics and specific scoring guidelines, while also being positive, supportive, and fair. Their role is about uplifting student effort, not judging or critiquing it.

What Does an Appraiser Actually Do?

Destination Imagination Appraisers are volunteers who dedicate their time and enthusiasm to help create a positive tournament experience for student teams. Appraisers come from many backgrounds—teachers, parents, professionals, alumni, former Team Managers, and community members—and each brings their own perspective to the table.

Here’s what a DI Appraiser does:

📋 Scores Team Solutions

Appraisers use detailed rubrics to score student performances, technical elements, and creative solutions based on the specific criteria outlined in each Challenge. Points are awarded for meeting these criteria.  They’re trained to be objective and consistent, ensuring that every team is evaluated fairly.

🧠 Thinks Like a Creative Problem-Solver

Appraisers are expected to keep an open mind and be ready for the unexpected. DI is all about thinking outside the box, and teams will often surprise you with unique approaches. Appraisers are there to appreciate—not impose limits on—that creative thinking.

💬 Interviews Teams

After a team presents their Team Challenge solution, Appraisers often ask questions in a relaxed and friendly setting. This gives teams a chance to explain their process, highlight their thinking, and share what they’re most proud of. It’s also a great way for Appraisers to learn about the behind-the-scenes work that isn’t always visible on stage.

Different Types of Appraisers

There are several types of Appraisers in a Destination Imagination tournament, each with a unique role in evaluating and supporting teams (scoring and non-scoring roles).

• Prep Area Appraisers meet with teams before they perform, check tournament paperwork, answer questions, and help calm the teams' nerves (non-scoring).
• The Timekeeper/Announcer (TKA) welcomes each team, announces their presentation, and keeps the room running on schedule (non-scoring).
• Challenge Appraisers focus on scoring specific elements of a team’s Central Challenge solution, such as technical design, creativity, or storytelling.
• The Head Appraiser oversees the Appraising team in a specific Challenge room, ensures consistent scoring, and serves as the final decision-maker for scoring questions (non-scoring).
• Instant Challenge Appraisers evaluate how teams approach and solve a surprise Challenge on the spot—often under tight time constraints
• Score Room Appraisers work behind the scenes to review and tabulate scores, ensuring accuracy before they’re shared. Each Appraiser plays an important part in making the tournament experience smooth, fair, and memorable for all participants (non-scoring).
• The Challenge Master serves as the lead for a specific Challenge at a tournament. They provide training for Appraisers, help interpret Challenge rules, troubleshoot issues on tournament day, and ensure consistency across all Challenge sites. Challenge Masters are experts in their Challenge and work year-round to support a fair, fun, and rewarding experience for teams and volunteers alike (non-scoring). There are International Challenge Masters (ICM), Affiliate Challenge Masters (ACM), and Regional Challenge Masters (RCM)

🎉 Celebrates Student Growth

Every team walks away from a DI tournament having learned something new—about themselves, about teamwork, and about innovation. Appraisers play a key role in making sure teams feel seen and appreciated for their journey, not just their scores.

Why Appraising Matters

Appraisers are essential to the DI experience. They help maintain the integrity of the program, ensure a fun and fair tournament day, and inspire students to continue learning and creating. By focusing on what went right, rather than what was “wrong,” Appraisers help nurture confidence, resilience, and curiosity in every participant.

If you enjoy working with young people, love creativity, and want to support education in a fun, meaningful way, becoming a Destination Imagination Appraiser might be for you. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the future of innovation—one team at a time.

Ready to Appraise?

No experience with DI? No problem. Appraisers receive all the training they need and work in supportive teams. Whether you’re a parent, educator, community leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, we’d love to have you.

Learn more about how to get involved as a DI Appraiser at Wisconsin Destination Imagination (WIDI).

Celebrate creativity. Empower learners. Become an Appraiser.