Mash Up, Liven Up

 

This Dragon Rouge brief I chose was titled 'Mash Up, Liven Up', which asked designers to solve a problem through the collaboration of two brands or companies.

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39% of parents with fussy eaters said that their

child’s behaviour had turned mealtimes into a

moment of conflict.

 

For many families, meals become repetitive, uninspiring, or nutritionally lacking. On top of this, children are often fussy eaters, hesitant to try new flavours or textures, especially when food looks unfamiliar or bland. The result? Uneaten meals, frustrated parents and undernourished kids.

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The Concept

 

Crayola and Heinz have teamed up to launch a playful new product designed to support children experiencing food poverty and mealtime anxiety. Introducing ‘Squeeze N’ Sketch’, a range of squeezable vegetable sauces, created to be drawn with like crayons directly onto food. This collaboration tackles the growing issue of poor nutrition and food reluctance in young children by turning meals into creative, sensory play.

 

Crayola has built a legacy around self-expression, imagination and child-led play. Heinz, meanwhile, is a staple at dinner tables, known for its comforting, kid approved condiments. Together, they create a product that’s both familiar and fresh - something kids want to use, and parents trust to serve.

Process

 

I began the design process by sketching out various concepts for the product, including the box packaging and refill pouches. My initial inspiration came from the original Crayola product designs. The packaging uses Crayola’s signature colours and typography, while the box itself is in the shape of the Heinz logo.

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I used Blender to 3D model both the condiment tubes and the product packaging. Alongside the digital visuals, I experimented with real sauces, baby food, and smoothies, piping them to mimic how a child might doodle with the tubes during mealtimes.