Raise the Bar 2024: Redefining creativity in barcode design
The Raise the Bar barcode design competition, an annual collaboration between GS1 New Zealand and Whitireia/WelTec, continues to inspire and challenge design students to think outside the box. Students are tasked with designing a product and integrating a creative yet functional barcode that adheres to GS1 standards. The competition aims to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry standards.
In 2024, the competition maintained its focus on providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. By addressing the dual challenge of aesthetic design and technical compliance, participants gained practical insights into balancing creativity with functionality.
“Barcodes can be fun,” says Jonathan O’Grady, Marketing Manager at GS1 New Zealand. “This competition shows that understanding GS1 standards can open up many opportunities to show creativity with barcodes while still maintaining global standards.”
“Barcodes can be fun, this competition shows that understanding GS1 standards can open up many opportunities to show creativity with barcodes while still maintaining global standards.” Jonathan O’Grady, Marketing Manager at GS1 New Zealand.
Celebrating the 2024 Winners
This year’s competition culminated at the Raise the Bar award ceremony, where students unveiled their final projects. The event showcased a stunning array of talent, with designs that demonstrated exceptional creativity and practical application.
The top three winners, chosen by Whitireia/WelTec judges, were awarded during the exhibition:
- First Place ($1000 prize): Jasmine Hay for Hey Yum! with a clever use of the colour red (not read by barcode scanners) for the graphic element behind the barcode.
- Second Place: Molly Neill with CuriosiTea
- Third Place: Jack Wharton for Monolypus
The GS1 New Zealand team also voted for the ‘People’s Choice’ award:
- Torridon Stallworthy - Rapid Coffee
- Tobias Moore - Infectious Grains
The awards ceremony was a proud moment for students who came together to celebrate these achievements. Alice Moore, Tutor at Whitireia and WelTec says,
"As a tutor, watching our students participate in the Raising the Bar competition has been incredibly rewarding. This competition pushes them to think creatively within the constraints of industry standards. The skills they develop are invaluable as they prepare for their professional journeys. It's been a joy to see the remarkable designs they bring to life. On behalf of Whitireia and Weltec, I would like to thank GS1 for providing our ākonga the opportunity to engage in a real-world industry project.”
As we celebrate the achievements of 2024, the anticipation for next year’s designs is already building. With each iteration, the competition continues to empower future designers.
"As a tutor, watching our students participate in the Raising the Bar competition has been incredibly rewarding. This competition pushes them to think creatively within the constraints of industry standards. The skills they develop are invaluable as they prepare for their professional journeys. It's been a joy to see the remarkable designs they bring to life. On behalf of Whitireia and Weltec, I would like to thank GS1 for providing our ākonga the opportunity to engage in a real-world industry project.” Alice Moore, Tutor at Whitireia and WelTec.
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