DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
SD : The heart of Heaven's Elix Kombucha’s design lies in the celebration of wellness and the pursuit of vibrant living. The inspiration springs from nature’s bounty, and flavor is a tribute to the earth’s most refreshing botanicals. The principle guiding our design is simple: to craft a beverage that not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body and soul. Our founder’s vision was to bridge the gap between health and indulgence, creating a drink that feels like a treat while supporting holistic well-being.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
SD : Our main focus was to create an experience, not just a drink. We wanted every bottle of Elix Kombucha to evoke curiosity, excitement, and a sense of discovery. The design aims to stand out on the shelf - vivid, inviting, and modern - while communicating our commitment to quality and sustainability. Ultimately, our goal was to foster a community of health-conscious individuals who see wellness as an enjoyable journey, not a chore.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
SD : Looking ahead, we plan to evolve the design as we expand into new markets. Each new flavor and region will inspire limited-edition packaging and collaborations with local artists, reflecting the global yet personal nature of our brand. We also envision sustainable packaging innovations, such as biodegradable labels and reusable bottles, as part of our ongoing commitment to the planet.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
SD : The concept took shape over three months of intensive research, prototyping, and consumer testing. We invested time in understanding both local and international markets, ensuring our design would resonate universally while retaining a distinct identity.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
SD : This design was born from pure inspiration. Our founder, driven by a passion for health and flavor, envisioned a kombucha that would break the mold. The concept was not commissioned; rather, it was a labor of love, fueled by a desire to offer something truly unique to the world of wellness beverages.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
SD : No, it's not used by another company, and currently, Heavens Elix Kombucha is fully self-produced, allowing us to maintain strict quality control and uphold our brand values. However, as we scale internationally, we are open to strategic partnerships that align with our ethos, including selective licensing or co-production arrangements.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
SD : The rising demand for healthy, functional beverages and a personal passion for innovative flavors inspired this project. We recognized a gap in the market for kombucha that was both adventurous and accessible, and we set out to fill it with creativity and purpose.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
SD : No, the design of Heaven's Elix Kombucha was developed independently, without direct influence from other designs or designers. Our creative process was rooted in our founder’s personal vision and the brand’s core values. We focused on original ideas, drawing inspiration from our own experiences, market research, and the unique story we wanted to tell through our product. This allowed us to craft a design that is truly authentic and reflective of our mission, rather than being shaped by external creative influences.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
SD : Our target audience is broad yet discerning: young professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a healthier alternative to conventional soft drinks. We particularly appeal to those who value sustainability, authenticity, and a sense of adventure in their choices.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
SD : What truly sets the design of Heavens Elix Kombucha apart from other similar concepts is its harmonious blend of storytelling, sensory appeal, and sustainability. From a design perspective, every element from the vibrant color palette inspired by each flavor’s natural ingredients to the tactile quality of our eco-friendly packaging has been thoughtfully crafted to create an immersive experience for the consumer.
Unlike many wellness beverages that rely on generic or minimalist branding, Heavens Elix Kombucha embraces bold, expressive visuals that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Each flavor features unique illustrations and subtle patterns that reflect its origin and health benefits, making every bottle a piece of art as well as a functional product.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
SD : “Heavens Elix” is a nod to the idea of a drink so pure and revitalizing, it feels like a gift from the heavens. “Elix” suggests an elixir-something magical and transformative. Together, the name embodies our mission: to offer a beverage that elevates everyday wellness to something extraordinary.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
SD : We leveraged a blend of traditional sketching and cutting-edge digital tools. Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) was our primary digital toolkit, while mood boards and hand-drawn illustrations helped us capture the initial spark of creativity.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
SD : The most unique aspect is our flavor-driven storytelling. Each bottle tells a story-not just through taste, but through color, texture, and design. Our packaging is interactive, featuring QR codes that connect consumers to the journey of each ingredient, fostering a deeper connection with the brand and the planet.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
SD : Absolutely. The creation of Heavens Elix Kombucha was a true team effort, blending diverse talents and expertise. We worked closely with local artisans for label artwork, and digital marketers contributed to our online presence. This multi-disciplinary collaboration was essential in turning our vision into a tangible, market-ready product.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
SD : Technology played a pivotal role at every stage of development. From advanced brewing equipment that ensures consistency and safety, to digital design tools that allowed us to iterate quickly on branding and packaging, technology was our backbone. We also employed data analytics to track consumer preferences and feedback, enabling us to refine both the product and its presentation. Additionally, interactive elements like QR codes on our bottles use technology to connect consumers directly to our story and sustainability initiatives
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
SD : Yes, data and research were fundamental. We conducted extensive market analysis to understand consumer trends in both Indian and international markets. Surveys, focus groups, and taste tests provided direct feedback on flavor preferences and packaging appeal. We also analyzed competitors and studied global wellness trends to ensure our product would resonate across cultures. This research-driven approach helped us make informed decisions, from flavor selection to visual branding.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
SD : Like any ambitious project, we faced our share of challenges. Balancing bold, eye-catching design with sustainability was a constant consideration-finding eco-friendly materials that didn’t compromise on aesthetics took time. Navigating regulatory requirements for beverage labeling in different markets was complex. Additionally, ensuring that each flavor’s unique character was reflected in both taste and design required close collaboration between creative and technical teams. These challenges, however, only strengthened our resolve and led to a more refined final product.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
SD : The decision was driven by our desire to benchmark ourselves against the best in the world and to gain global recognition for our commitment to innovation and quality. After receiving enthusiastic feedback from early customers and industry professionals, we felt confident that our design could stand out on an international stage. It was also a strategic move to introduce Heavens Elix Kombucha to new markets and networks.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
SD : This journey was a masterclass in collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. We learned the importance of listening to our team and our customers. The process deepened our understanding of sustainable design and the nuances of global branding. Personally, it reinforced the value of resilience and the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SD : One aspect worth highlighting is our commitment to the community. Beyond creating a product, we aim to foster a movement around mindful consumption and wellness. We regularly engage with local farmers for ingredient sourcing, support wellness education initiatives, and invest in environmental causes. Heavens Elix Kombucha is more than a beverage’s a platform for positive change, and we’re excited to see how our journey inspires others to live healthier, more conscious lives.