Food & Wine

The most successful characteristic of this poster for the 2007 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is the use of negative space. The white shape represents a fork which relates to the food aspect of the festival; the black spaces at the bottom of the white shape are actually three wine bottles, which strategically forms the prongs of the fork and represents the wine aspect of the festival . Many viewers may not initially realize both objects, so when they do, it provides a nice surprise and a new viewing experience. The black background further allows the fork/wine bottles to pop out and become the focal point. The size of the fork also helps draw a viewer's eyes to the poster from the top and moves it down and around and eventually to the information. The uppercase sans serif fonts are informative, simple, clean, and modern. It portrays an event that is both sophisticated yet casual and fun. The layout of the text is also nicely aligned with the curve of the fork, which creates an effective, but subtle emphasis on the words. The text at the bottom, however, is not as successful in terms of size and placement. The text seems too big and should be sized-down slightly. The text should also be aligned to the bottom right instead. At its current placement it is too close to the fork and feels too busy and creates an awkward tension.

hot chocolate on a stick

As our Chocolat created a unique, fun, and useful way to enjoy hot chocolate by attaching a wooden spoon to a small cube of chocolate so all consumers have to do is stir the spoon in a mug of hot water. The designers seemed to aim for ease in preparation, which is one unique characteristic that allows the brand to stand out from their competition. The wooden spoon does not only withstand heat, it creates a sense of innocence and nostalgia- reminding consumers of ice cream and/or Popsicle sticks. Wooden spoons are also more environmentally friendly. The chosen type, which is a bold slab serif font, portrays a product that is festive, inviting, and warm. Although the words "hot chocolate" is written in all uppercase letters, it does not feel aggressive. The minimalism in the content and the "how-to" drawing allows all of the information to be more comprehensible and goes straight to the point. Overall. Savour Chocolat created a product that is fun, simple, and may remind consumers of the holidays or crave it during cold weather. The only concern with the product is the spoon and whether it can remain in liquid for a long period of time because some users leave the soon in when drinking their hot chocolate.

East Meets West

To many consumers, this product may appear like an ordinary fork and knife, but it also functions as chopsticks when the fork and knife are flipped upside down. The fork and knives are designed with spaces that are specifically shaped to interlock with one another and create chopsticks that are connected at the top so consumers just lightly pinch the chopsticks together to pick up food. The decision to have the chopstick function connected at the top is possibly to help users get comfortable with holding and gripping chopsticks. The colors of the utensils also function as a subtle "how-to" of the product. The green represents a "handle" and lets users know where to grip the utensil. The white parts of the product are used to pick up food. The choice to use green and white portrays a product that is clean, modern, innovative, and refreshing. One concern customers may have is the durability of the utensils, especially when it is being used as chopsticks; will it be able to handle the constant pinching force? Many consumers may also demand having a "full set" of utensils and want a spoon instead of a knife. Perhaps designing something similar to a spork can meet such demands.

BOXED WATER IS BETTER FOR THE EARTH.

One reason Boxed Water is popular with consumers is the fact that it is different and stands out from regular plastic water bottles/containers; it may seem trendy but it is mostly environmentally friendly, which are why other consumers buy the product. The fact that the product is “self-proclaiming” (telling viewers it is better for the earth), adds to the brand’s playful, creative, and attractive aspects. The layout and function of the box may also be nostalgic for some viewers and remind them of milk cartons during their elementary school days. The heavy black, sans-serif type creates an effective contrast against the white box. The simplicity of the type and color palette portrays a brand that is focused on one thing- sustainability of their product; which is also explained on the packaging/labeling. It claims that Boxed Water is better for the earth and they list reasons why/how they accomplished an eco-friendly product. Simplicity, eco-friendliness, and a clear point of view are what makes the product successful. Although the type creates a nice contrast, using all uppercase letters as the focal point make it feel slightly cluttered and hard to read.

Don't be the next.

This ad, which is meant to inform viewers about the rising number of deaths due to cigarettes, is extremely simple but just as effective. What appears to be a cigarette in the center of the ad is actually a loading/countdown bar that represents the rising number of deaths. The designer was able to creatively target a demographic that is young and often use technology to recognize the reference in order to relay an important message. The “cigarette” against the dark background creates a strong contrast and draws a viewer’s attention. After noticing the cigarette is actually a counter by the percentage it may cause the viewer to become curious and decipher the entire ad. The choice to use a dark background may have been to portray death or represent black lungs. The type color of the content is consistent with those of the “cigarette;” the content is also consistent with the “loading bar” aspect by simply urging smokers to “stop the connection.”

M I L K

At first glance, it is apparent that the MILK logo is fun and playful, especially because of the designer’s decision to frame each letter in “milk” in traditional milk bottles. The simplistic characteristics also portrays a business that is modern yet warm and inviting. The red hue in the logo is not too intense nor is it too dull and allows the white letters to pop against it. The type used in the logo also adds to the casual vibe of the business. The choice to place the letters at in the middle of the bottle allows a viewer’s eye to move around and experience the logo; the negative space above and below the letters better translates the shape of a milk bottle. Although the logo is visually attractive, it may not always portray what the business is or what they are selling. If a customer is not local, some consumers may think it is a milkshake bar or literally just a store that sells milk and/or milk products rather than a dessert joint.

HugMug

Max Brenner’s Hug Mug is perfect for individuals who not only enjoy hot chocolate, but for those whose hands are also constantly freezing. The Hug Mug is designed similar to the shape of a water droplet. The design of the rounded curve at one end that narrows close to a point at the other creates a shape that fits perfectly into two cupped hands; consumers’ hands “hug” the 'mug,” and is perfect for those cold days/nights. The narrow side of the cup faces the consumer and is where they sip the beverage. The Hug Mug is made to serve hot chocolate and its specific shape is meant to enhance the aroma of the cocoa and add to the drinking experience. Since the cup is meant to be held to keep both hands warm, there is no handle. The Hug Mug, however, includes a small saucer to hold the cup in case it is initially too hot to hold with bare hands. The product’s name and how the cup is used portrays a product and brand that is warm, cozy, and welcoming.