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Design students get creative in contest
A cylinder of vodka foam for desserts and a can of shaving foam for women have earned national product design commendations for two University of the Sunshine Coast students.
Third-year Arts students David Dixon, 22, of Morayfield, and former Hervey Bay resident Jane-Maree Vortman, 20, were recognised in the recently-announced 2010 Southern Cross Package Design Awards.
The awards, in their 25th year, are the leading competition of their kind on offer to all Australian tertiary students of graphic or industrial design.
Students choose “real life” industry-set briefs that seek design solutions for packaging issues using a wide range of materials, from aerosols to glass.
David, who is studying Computer-Based Art and Design and aims to become a 3D character artist in the movie or video game industry, was commended for his N20 Vodka Foam.
“Currently, the foam is only made in high-end cocktail bars and this new product makes it accessible to more people,” he said.
“It’s perfect for topping drinks or desserts. The main target market is female because of its highly-polished design and use of fruity flavours.
“The packaging remains airtight after opening. The label is unique but identifies with both an expensive bottle of vodka and an aerosol whipped cream.”
The lightweight, recyclable aluminium aerosol can with a spiral-shaped lid has different colours according to flavours, such as a pink gradient for strawberry.
Jane-Maree, who received an accommodation scholarship to move to Sippy Downs to study at USC, redesigned an existing men’s product called Gillette Classic Shaving Foam into a slimmer can of foam called Basics for Women.
“In comparison to men, Australian women have a very limited choice of shaving products and many opt to use harsh soaps or nothing,” she said in her entry.
Her design repositions the product for a female market, changing to a “wild cherry scent” and using more sustainable, recyclable and rust-free materials and additional labelling.
Jane-Maree said researching the packaging options, such as recycling procedures and costs, was a fascinating learning experience.
Her diligence earned her three commendations, including overall Judges’ Rationale and Environmental Design.
Digital Design Lecturer Dr Debra Livingston said the results were outstanding because USC’s Computer-Based Design course was new and it was the first time the University had entered the awards.
– Julie Gatehouse