Å - The Future of Hydration
Design of a new opening mechanism for the ultimate drinking experience of sparkling water on the go and a branding pitch for the whole product.
IDEATION
The pitch is a bottle of sparkling water that becomes infused with flavour, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Therefore the bottle cap has to contain liquid that is released on opening the bottle. Many storage and opening ideas were explored, leading to multiple opening and storage mechanisms that were later prototyped.
In the next step, three opening concepts were evaluated in a user journey map on their user experience.
After chosing the Twist use concept based on the focus group feedback and a presentation to the company, a working mechanism was developed.
Five technical solutions were developed, tested and refined, each with their unique features and problems. In the end the carbonation release concept was chosen as a final design to be presented to manufacturers.
PROTOTYPING
Prototyping was an integral part of the whole process, starting with low fidelity modifications of existing caps, going to 3D printing and testing relevant aspects of the function of liquid release, including colour density, distribution, colour con-
centration, type of colouring and behaviour with sparkling water. In a focus group, different usability concepts were tested which were also evaluated by the compa-
ny. Users peferred natural colours, a non-round and slightly textured cap for improved grip and a simple design for a serious product. From there the mechanism was further developed.
Å - Design and Branding
Keywords in the sales pitch of this water are:
– natural, healthy mineral water
– local, Swedish
– for active people
– surprising, but not a gimmick
The branding leans simple and elegant to fit in with mineral water while using the coloured accents to indicate the flavour and colour change and be clear that some effect that will show. The logo itself stays close to Sweden with nature motifs and the naming “Å“ being immediately associated with nordic countries, while also shounding surprised and in awe.
