How Design Has Changed The Way We Drink

This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day, one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year. The day is usually celebrated with a drink of choice, but did you know that design plays a big role in actually shaping the way we drink?

A great deal of design-thinking goes into making the packages what they are today – just think back to the old-school glass Coca Cola bottles and thick plastic water bottles and how different the packaging is today. There have been many changes to packaging that take advantage of new technology, research findings and general industry trends. But why does design evolve and what types of technology can make this all possible?

SolidWorks took a look at the beverage industry, considered specific packaging changes, and found there are multiple reasons why the designs have changed over the years. For example, individual beer cans still serve as the best way to preserve beer by not allowing sunlight and air to spoil the taste, as well as a convenient single-serve package that lets the consumer properly portion his/her intake. Bottled water companies have found a way to make same-sized water bottles with up to 40% less plastic than before, therefore saving money and the planet. Although the process of figuring all this out and adjusting accordingly may sound complicated and costly, 3D design tools like SolidWorks can be used to simplify the design process in the early stages and help bring ideas to reality and products to market at a much faster rate.

With SolidWorks Simulation, designers and manufacturers have the ability to review and make design changes along the way, reducing or eliminating the need for rework and improving product quality. Simulation analysis tools provide users with valuable knowledge so they can determine whether changes to the packaging design, material selection or processing conditions will have a positive impact on the ability to easily manufacture, ship and store their products. In addition, certain SolidWorks applications such as Sustainability and Costing can help determine pricing options for part manufacturing and its effects on the environment. Pretty cool, right?

Looking more closely at what it takes to make the bottles and cans that hold our favorite beverages more effective and consumer-friendly, SolidWorks developed an infographic that outlines the innovation process that goes into packaging design. Take a look here and let us know what you think.