Package Production

personal care, food, beverage, electronics, toy, entertainment, etc; any material

Due date: At the conference

Deliverable:

• Digital file of graphics and dieline, physical prototype or product (min. copies 10 enough for all judges); depends on the entries amount, a professional presentation at the conference during the student meeting.

Criteria:

• Package functions 10 pt: the package folds well, with secured flaps that serve its function. Easy to open mechanism, with clearly evident removal method (frustration free packaging).
• Legible typography and graphics 5pt: the use of typefaces, colors and graphics have high contrast, and are easy to read for consumers, including the overlooked demographics such as visual impairments, dyslexia or hyperlexia. The esthetics are consistent and cohesive.
• Professionally written documentation 5pt: the rationales of package design and production process. This could include the choice of substrates, printing and cutting methods, and its sustainability impact.
• Digital interactive component 5pt: AR/VR or other immersive technology. The use of digital interactive components enhances brand communication with consumers. It is visually engaging, accessible and effective.

---

Review of Existing Technologies

This would have been content for the traditional journal.

Due date: JFebruary 3, 2025

Deliverable:

• 3 white papers based on certain topics (ECG, packaging, sustainability, etc.) from peer-reviewed technical journals or books, including previous TAGA papers. Combine 3 white papers into ONE PDF for submission.

Criteria:

• Quality of writing 5pt: Standard grammar and punctuation are followed. Frequently uses specific, concrete words and phrases that noticeably add believability to the writing. Formal tone is consistently used. Uses words that add specific, descriptive content. No unnecessary, generalized fillers. Uses stylistic techniques that add emphasis, sophistication, and polish.
• Relevance of research in graphic arts 5pt: Exceptionally developed clear, logical, and focused paper with the content that anticipates and responds to the graphic communication’s audience’s needs and assumptions.
• Peer-reviewed selection of papers 10 pt: up to date research papers showing understanding of the current technology context. The review should be informative, full of value and well-researched. The research findings are well supported with solid data, verified facts, statistics, and quotes as evidence.
• Reference and scholarly writing 5pt: evidence of successful evaluation of the quality of outside source(s) is reflected in the writing. References cited in-text and list of references/bibliography provided.

Journal Design

This would have been the traditional journal production.

Due date: February 3, 2025

Deliverable:

• PDF, the design of a digital journal with three to six technical papers of original student research OR previous TAGA papers. A professional presentation at the conference during the student meeting.

Criteria:

• Quality of Overall Design / Theme 10pt: use of color, illustrations, graphics and layout are cohesive, functional, legible and esthetically pleasing. Design concepts and decisions are intentional and wise to complement the content.
• Use of Typefaces 5 pt: Use of typefaces, hierarchy, and graphics are professional and cohesive to engage readers.
• Functionality of Design 5pt: Use of design principles such as contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity when using type, images, and graphics.
• Level of Difficulty 5 pt: Infographics and other statistical data presentation in the journal are cohesive with the journal theme. Graphs and charts are not generic (e.g., from Microsoft Word or PowerPoint), but customized to be legible, esthetically cohesive with the use of color, fonts, and styles of the journal with attention to details.

Website Design

This would have been the digital section from the traditional journal

Due date: March 3, 2025

Deliverable:

• Functional prototype in Figma, Adobe XD, website subscription (squarespace, wix, etc.), or coding (JavaScript, HDML, etc.)

Criteria:

• Layout 10pt: Simple and effective layout with cohesive use of graphics, motion graphics, color, and typefaces.
• User interface and user experience 5pt: accessible (ADA requirements), responsiveness of website with intuitive navigation and clean visual hierarchy.
• Compatibility 5 pt: Compatibility across media and platforms (different browsers): user-friendly across various devices and operating system.
• Interoperability 5pt: The website content and structure are functional across commonly used platforms including iOS, android and internet browser on computer or tablet.

The Helmut Kipphan Cup. The “Helmut Kipphan Cup” is a traveling trophy that will be inscribed with the school names and years of all previous winners. The winning school will also receive a certificate that indicates its Grand Prize Award. The Trophy/Cup will be awarded to the winning school during the Annual Technical Conference. The student chapter representatives will be able to bring the Trophy/Cup back to their school for display and promotion for the following academic year. The security and safe return of the Trophy/Cup will be the responsibility of the school (loss or damage will be the responsibility of the TAGA chapter/school). The Trophy/Cup must be brought to the following year’s TAGA Annual Conference; if the chapter does not plan to attend, then the Trophy/Cup must be returned to the TAGA office (at PRINTING United Alliance) prior to the TAGA Annual Technical Conference the following year.

Individual Competition Awards. Eight awards will be presented to schools who achieve high marks in each of the following categories:

• Packaging Production
• Technical Paper Publication
• Review of Existing Technologies
• Publication Production
• Journal Design
• T-shirt Design and Production
• Website Design
• Attendees Choice (Proceedings Cover Design)

*The Kipphan Cup recipient is eligible for all awards.