Global data standards company hosts competition for creative technologies ākonga

WelTec creative technologies ākonga (students) recently had an exciting opportunity to enter work into the GS1 Design Awards as part of the E/MERGE festival of creativity.

The competition was open to learners studying the New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Level 6) and provided a great opportunity to engage with industry and work on a real-world project.

Their challenge was to creatively enhance an everyday barcode with consideration to technical parameters. In addition to the barcode designs, ākonga created a brand identity for a chosen food product, including coming up with an original name, developing the logo, colour palette, imagery and final packaging design. The physical packaging was then tested by GS1 to ensure the barcodes would function correctly, as this was a condition of the competition.

Creative technologies students with Gary Hartley and tutor Alice Moore.

Gary Hartley from GS1 was incredibly impressed with the calibre of work presented by the students.

“In the 12 years we have been running this competition, this is the best we have ever received," says Gary.

15 students entered a range of concepts into the competition. Special mention goes to 1st – Rowan Webb (Kororā Cocoa), 2nd – Max Haydon (Groove Sparkling Seltzer), 3rd – Bailey Rookes (Skål Beverages), and highly commended went to Elijah Monu (Whetu Flakes).

So often barcodes are an under considered element in design and by providing students this opportunity, an application of skills has been gained together with a confidence to creatively integrate barcodes into future design work.

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