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Design Factory Hackathon 2024

Brunel University’s HACKATHON 2024 saw design students from all levels come together for a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading industry brands Ford and Whey Better. This year’s event challenged students to apply their creativity and technical skills to a real-world brief, culminating in an exciting showcase of talent, innovation, and practical design solutions.

The event began with a visit from Whey Better, a fast-growing brand renowned for its protein-enriched chocolate products. Representatives from the company arrived at Brunel University to present the design brief, which focused on redesigning the packaging for their range of protein chocolate. Students were tasked with reimagining the packaging for both their current products and for the in-store shelf display, while also considering the future design of new flavours.

This brief required students to carefully balance several key considerations, including branding consistency, visual appeal, and functional design. Additionally, there was a strong focus on sustainability, with students encouraged to explore eco-friendly packaging materials and methods that would reduce the brand’s environmental footprint

Working in teams, students were challenged to consider the packaging for Whey Better’s current flavours while also leaving room for the design to evolve with potential future product lines. They also had to ensure the packaging would stand out on store shelves while maintaining alignment with Whey Better’s core brand identity.

At the end of the Hackathon, the students had the opportunity to present their designs to a panel of judges, including representatives from Whey Better, Ford, and Brunel’s academic staff. The presentations were a testament to the dedication and hard work that went into each design. Teams showcased a wide variety of innovative solutions, including bold and vibrant packaging concepts, sustainability-focused designs, and creative strategies for enhancing the product’s shelf appeal.

The judging panel commended the students for their thoughtful approach to the brief, highlighting the impressive balance between aesthetic design and functionality. They were particularly impressed with the students’ consideration of sustainability, as well as their ability to create packaging that could accommodate future product variations.