Genki Forest: A Refreshing Design for Sparkling Water

A Fusion of Minimalism and Oriental Charm

Genki Forest, a renowned brand in the beverage industry, has unveiled its latest design for its sparkling water line, drawing inspiration from Apple's sleek product design and Dieter Rams' "less is more" philosophy. With its clean and modern aesthetic, the Genki Forest packaging stands out on the shelves, while incorporating elements of ancient Chinese calligraphy to infuse a touch of oriental charm.

The centerpiece of the design is the eye-catching Chinese word "pneuma," which holds multiple meanings. Firstly, it represents the product's attributes and characteristics as sparkling water. Secondly, it aligns with the brand's core attribute, as "pneuma" shares the same meaning as "Genki," which translates to lively, energetic, optimistic, and healthy. This connection between the word "pneuma" and the brand "Genki Forest" establishes a strong brand identity. Lastly, the word "pneuma" embodies the oriental cultural charm and aesthetic concept of the product design, adding a unique and captivating element.

The Genki Forest sparkling water packaging is made using PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a lightweight and transparent plastic material. PET offers excellent impact resistance and prevents the escape of carbon dioxide, ensuring the freshness and quality of the sparkling water. Moreover, PET is environmentally friendly, with low pollution and energy consumption, making it a sustainable choice that aligns with the rising awareness of environmental protection.

The design specifications of the Genki Forest packaging are as follows: width 67.3mm x height 209.25mm. These dimensions have been carefully chosen to provide a comfortable grip for consumers. The bottle's overall outline features a smooth and sleek design, reminiscent of the graceful body curve of dolphins. The thinnest part of the bottle aligns with the consumer's hand, enhancing stability and comfort.

Interactivity is a key aspect of the Genki Forest sparkling water packaging. The bottle cap features open and directional arrows, making it easy for consumers to open and enjoy their refreshing drink. This thoughtful design element enhances the overall user experience and adds a touch of convenience.

The Genki Forest design project commenced in May 2018, with a dedicated team led by Siyang Cai and Chu Xu. Extensive research was conducted to understand consumer needs and preferences, ensuring that the design would resonate with the target audience. The team overcame various challenges, including the need for clear product visibility on crowded shelves. To address this, they opted for stimulating colors that attract consumers' attention, while also considering general color recognition preferences. The result is a visually striking design with a simple yet fashionable impression.

With its iconic "pneuma" logo, the Genki Forest sparkling water packaging effortlessly showcases the ancient culture of China while clearly conveying the product's essence as a sparkling water. The bottom of the logo highlights the product's key characteristics: zero sugar, zero fat, and zero calories, providing consumers with a quick and informative overview of the product.

The Genki Forest sparkling water packaging design, created by Siyang Cai, has been recognized with the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2021. This award acknowledges the design's excellence in meeting professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices, and delivering a positive user experience. The Genki Forest design truly embodies the brand's commitment to innovation, style, and sustainability.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chi Forest
Image Credits: Siyang Cai
Project Team Members: Siyang Cai Chu Xu
Project Name: Genki Forest
Project Client: Chi Forest


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