Hopt: The Clean Soda Revolution

Alastair Kenvyn and Antonia Davison's Innovative Approach to Healthy Social Drinking

Alastair Kenvyn and Antonia Davison, along with their design team, were inspired by the need for a 'sociability and wellbeing' drink. They aimed to address the frustrations of those who wanted to socialize without compromising their health or taste preferences. The result was Hopt, a delicious clean soda that offers a unique blend of flavours and a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks.

The design of Hopt is unique in its approach and execution. The team used 'lean start-up' methodologies and 'in situ' rapid prototyping to discover the attributes a 'sociability and wellbeing' drink needed to deliver the right balance of emotional, social, and functional benefits. The design process involved a user-centred focus, bringing together ingredient, packaging, and brand components to deliver the benefits required.

Hopt is packaged in 330mL bottles with coloured twist crown seals. The liquids are lightly carbonated, and all contain unique fusions of hop extracts, natural flavours, and less than half the sugar of leading regular soft drinks. The design team faced challenges in creating optimal brand communications for this multifaceted soft drink design. They overcame this by evolving a simple 'disruption through design' and 'clean soda' positioning.

The project started in November 2012 in Melbourne, with research completed across Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland. Inspiration and insights were also gathered in Tokyo. Hopt was launched in New Zealand in March 2014. The design process combined 'lean start-up' rapid prototyping and traditional quantitative research, resulting in a product well positioned for positive societal impact.

Hopt is a testament to the power of design in shaping healthier lifestyle choices. The beverage has been recognized for its innovative approach, winning the Platinum A' Food, Beverage and Culinary Arts Design Award in 2014. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing. Hopt is indeed a defining aesthetic of an era, pushing the boundaries of design and making the world a better place.