Three School of Design students earned a first-place win in the national 2023 AICC Packaging Design Competition.
Their entry, “DIYAY,” bested others in the Structural Design category including: Millersville University, Clemson University, University of Texas, California Polytechnic State University, and Appalachian State University — all four-year programs.
For the annual contest, students were asked to create a hardware shipping box for a fictional hardware store. The box needed to be structurally sound to keep its contents— consisting of four traditional 60-watt light bulbs, a 16-oz traditional hammer, and a box of nails — undamaged through the shipping process.
Team members Kristin Benusa and Cory Williams graduated in May earning Associate of Applied Science degrees in Graphic Design & Production. Team member Xinh Beardmore will be entering her second year at Dunwoody in the fall. The two-year program combines design theory with project-based learning. Students gain hands-on experience in the printing and packaging lab and studios through projects from concept to completion.
“Structural design is not every student’s cup of tea,” said Adjunct Professor Pete Rivard, who retired from teaching full-time in May. “These three gravitated to CAD. They also benefited from internships and employment at The Bernard Group and the Imagine Companies.”
“We are honored and excited to be able to receive this award on behalf of our school,” Benusa said.
The team will receive a cash award in the amount of $500, an engraved plaque, and an all-expense paid trip for one member of the team to attend the AICC |The Independent Packaging Association, conference held in Louisville, KY, in September.