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Product Design students celebrate success at the Starpack Students awards

A total of 13 first-year BSc (Hons) Product Design students had their packaging designs recognised at the national competition’s award ceremony.

    CAD render of a gin bottle design
    Tom Griffin's submission 'Flamenco' earned him a Silver award

    First year BSc (Hons) Product Design students showcased their capabilities on the national stage and scooped no less than 13 prizes in a successful day for the course. Two silver, seven bronze and four highly commended were among the collection.

    Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the Starpack Students Competition challenges students to submit packaging solutions to problems set by leading FMCG companies, design agencies and manufacturers. Participants were able to respond to a range of briefs and entries were expected to innovate and challenge conventional thinking.

    Year One student Tom Griffin won a Silver award and was also awarded a highly commended cash prize for the quality of his submission.

    Tom chose the brief ‘Gift Pack for Gin’ and submitted his proposal Flamenco to the judging panel. The judges praised Tom’s thoughtful design and incorporation of the sensuality of flamenco dancing in his work.

    On his project, Tom shared: “I like to design products based heavily around my research - to turn out an item best suited for the targeted market. Having established that Spain was the largest consumer of gin internationally, I chose to produce a design which reflected Spanish flavours and culture, without alienating foreign gin enthusiasts. The colours and pattern were influenced by the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, whilst the overall shape reflects the flowing motion of flamenco dancing.”

    Tom also touched on his award, “Of course I was ecstatic when I heard that I was being considered for a top three position. That said, I hold more value in looking at other competitors work to learn how to further develop my skills to a higher standard; and next time win a gold!”

    CAD render of packaging men's grooming kit
    CAD render of Sam Russell's submission 'Spruce'

    Sam Russell also collected a Silver award for his proposal Spruce, in response to the ‘Sustainable Aluminium Personal Grooming Product & Brand’ brief.

    The task set the challenge of producing a process document, presentation boards, images and KeyShot renders.

    The judges praised Sam’s consideration of recycling and reuse which was an integral part of the brief.

    Dr Luke Siena, Lecturer in Product Design, who led the students through the competition, said “Starpack set a range of challenge briefs this year which tested the students design skills and creativity across various packaging sectors. All the BSc Product Design first-year students responded incredibly undertaking their Starpack projects during the peak of the national lockdown in January/February this year, producing some excellent outcomes.

    "It is great to see that all the student’s effort and hard work has resulted with the recognition of their awards. Thank you to IOM3, who run the Awards, for allowing us to take part in this brilliant competition."

    Silver and Bronze award winners are now eligible to enter their submissions into the WPO WorldStar Student Awards, the international packaging design student competition.

    Congratulations to all the students recognised.

    Tom Griffin, Sam Russell, Deeya Halai, Dawid Li, Sager Mepani, Sophie Swift, Anna Tubey, Max Winandy, Leen Ziadat, Cameron Kitson, Will Poole, Jake Streatfield and Lauren Thompson.

    Published on 8 July 2021
    • Subject area: Art and design
    • Category: Current students; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment