Hot off the press, we’re proud to introduce one of the first eco-friendly drinking water package designs -h2O Spring Water from Refreshing Ideas, LLC (www.onedrinkatatime.com). The company is fresh off its h2O kickoff tour, putting the spring water in the hands of every Hollywood and music celebrity they can grab.

We designed the package for maximum visual impact, using a combination of metallic foil substrate and an opaque white ink to accentuate the name.

Look for the new product to grace the supermarket shelves in your neighborhood, as well as appearing on some popular television programs.

What do you think?

I know this is going on three years old, but I had to watch it again as I was pondering Apple’s wonderful package design, and the “unboxing” phenomenon. (if you can’t see the YouTube video, just Googlevideo search “Microsoft iPod Package”)

As everyone knows, simplicity rules at Apple - both in the store, and in the package designs themselves. But it’s not just the graphic design. Every Apple product is so wonderfully nestled in it’s soft matte bed, you feel like you’re unwrapping and picking up a newborn child. Okay, that’s a stretch. I’ve had the pleasure of unboxing dozens of Apple products (including 2 iPhones, 2 Macbooks, an iSight camera and countless Macs). Engadget posts several unboxing experiences for our viewing pleasure.

But I’m blathering…

As reported by the iPod Observer, this video was created, ironically, by the design team at Microsoft. It’s timeless because it reinforces what good design is. As many of us designers know, we often have to teach  our clients who want every feature of their product listed on the package. In bold italic underlined. With a drop shadow and glow.

Your opinion?

If you’re a brand geek like me, you do a double-take when a major re-brand falls into your peripheral vision. Thus was the case for me while half  watching Hewlett Packard’s new TouchSmart PC television ad. HP’s is one of those tried and true marks that you kinda wished would get an update soon. Well, with very little fanfare, it did.

Personally, I dig the new logo - but without the “me too” glossy reflection. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the importance of keeping up with the Joneses when it comes to branding. But I kinda cringed a little when HP jumped on board. You’d expect them to be a leader, not a follower. But removing the rectangular shape around the letterform and circle was a good move - never really understood the meaning of that.

With today’s brand marks simplicity is the rule. Strip away the highlight and reflection and you’ve got a solid mark. There are lots of discussions on the new HP logo.

What’s your opinion?

As most of my many fans know, I’m a huge “Before and After” comparison lover - especially when it comes to brand ID.

So I squealed with delight as I stumbled upon another scorching “before and after” logo design debate at Brand New. Sunkist recently rebranded its orange drink. My opinion? Most any change is good change in retail. Especially when marketing products for those crazy youths. Having said that, I’m not in love with the logotype, and certainly don’t like the “swirl-o-rama” going on in the background. But if it appeals to the young folk, then it should work out just fine. Does anyone else see a resemblance to the old Snapple logo? Check the discussion out at Brand New.