15/04/2009

A beacon for the industry: New packaging design for dental materials

Munich/Schaan, April 2009 – Design agency Factor Product München (fpm) has developed a new design for primary packaging of dental materials. Working on behalf of Liechtenstein-based Ivoclar Vivadent, the leading manufacturer of dental materials, fpm came up with a brand-specific design that is perfectly aligned with the interests of product users. It sets a new benchmark for the industry.

Dentists have reason to be happy. The new packaging will enable them to serve their patients more easily and efficiently when carrying out work such as restorations. "What makes the design concept really clever is the underlying concept that the packaging itself is a tool that can be used in the actual treatment," says Boris Simon, Managing Partner at fmp. Ivoclar Vivadent was clearly convinced by this approach: the new pivoting tip makes it simple to dispense extremely viscous materials with just one hand, and the VivaPen enables dentists to apply the adhesive sparingly and exactly where it's needed – in the patient's mouth. Ergonomic grip zones and rubberised surfaces make the pen applicator safe and easy to use. "Our years of experience in designing writing implements were an unmistakable benefit in this project," adds Simon.

The practical features of the primary packaging were not the only aspects that fpm optimised. The experts developed a characteristic design language, which takes up the brand values of Ivoclar Vivadent and ensures that the presentation of the relatively expensive products is entirely commensurate and immediately recognisable. In contrast, companies in the industry typically differentiate themselves on the basis of material properties. A product range built up over many years, with an interchangeable design, is the common approach.

The brand's new design language features a consistent colour concept, three-sided grip zones and a wedge-shaped, handy form. The complex packaging illustrations were also systematically simplified and made considerably clearer for users. In view of the multitude of materials involved, this provides important guidance. fpm developed a range of design management tools to help transfer the design concept onto other packaging smoothly and without incurring any inefficiencies.

Ivoclar Vivadent and fpm have been working together since the autumn of 2007. The first products were very well received at this year's International Dental Show, the leading trade fair for the dental profession, held in Cologne, Germany. In addition to the in-depth experience in designing writing implements, the Munich-based design team was also chosen in view of its knowledge of production methods employing plastic injection moulding techniques.