It doesn't get greener: design in full bloom
The fact that nature surrounds man seems completely clear at first glance. But the breadth and ingenuity of how nature is thematised in communication design knows no limits. Designers use their know-how skilfully to give nature a voice and bring it closer to people. It is worth to take a look at the best works in the scene. The international expert jury of the Red Dot Award has awarded these for their convincing design after intensive examination.
Seeing the forest for the trees
Forests are complex and multi-layered ecosystems with plenty to discover. But without the right view, many fascinating phenomena remain hidden in it. The brand design “National Parks of Ukraine – Encoded Identity” by Terra Incognita takes up this problem by giving each national park its own identity. A set of elements was created that represents the predominant characteristics of each park, such as waterfalls, springs or mountains. In this way it is almost like seeing the park itself through the logo. The design is in the style of traditional embroidery and therefore absolutely iconic. In 2018, this outstanding work by Saatchi & Saatchi was awarded by the Red Dot Jury with the highest award of the competition, the Red Dot: Best of the Best.
Natural forms as inspiration
The packaging of the “Zhu Ye Qing” liqueurs and alcohols perfectly reflects the natural aspect of the drinks. The design of the packaging of the bamboo liqueur is based on the growth of the bamboo plant, whose characteristic shape is taken up. Shenzhen Baixinglong Creative Packaging not only shaped the packaging, but also the bottles, modelled on the bamboo plant, which when put together look like bamboo. The aim is to show how present the plant is in the liqueur, which is characterised by an impressive bamboo leaf scent. The jury awarded the Red Dot for this multi-layered design, which underlines the bamboo liqueur variety with a lively and interesting formal language.
Back to nature
Being outdoors in the countryside, especially with the family, has become very important. Fresh air, exercise, sun – the pleasant trend to go hiking has many positive aspects. However, fewer and fewer people are familiar with the nature that surrounds them. This is where the educational app “Museum Goes Wild” by Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn comes in. As the first digital map for hiking routes, the app, designed by florianmatthias, offers an overview of a nature reserve with ten stations and 100 minutes of digitally prepared information and videos. This digital nature experience for the whole family, which attracts attention to biological, botanical and geological finds in a creative way, was awarded a Red Dot by the Jury.
Please smile
The light-hearted, subtly humorous computer animated short film “Undiscovered” by the Savannah College of Art and Design was awarded the Red Dot in the Red Dot: Junior Award. The video accompanies Sasquatch, the Canadian name for Bigfoot, in his search for the perfect photo. He jumps in front of the lens of hikers before frightening them. But even he is not safe from the classic photo breakdowns. Sometimes the hairstyle isn't right, sometimes the photo is blurred or his eyes are closed. The film takes place in a forest, which Sara Litzenberger created in harmonious, changing pastel shades, and which is dominated by lush plants and trees.
The jury session begins
In order to select the best projects in communication design, it takes experts who recognise elaborate design. The international jury for the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design will meet again in July to examine projects that want to win the coveted “Red Dot” award.