THE 'SWITCH CUP' CASE STUDY.
THE CHALLENGE.
Chilly’s, a brand well known for innovative drink-ware, faced a new challenge.
They were launching their first-ever 'Switch Cup' designed to function in two distinct ways — with and without a straw so as to cater for both hot and cold drinks. For this they needed a compelling visual story to demonstrate this dual functionality. My task? Create a concise, sub 15 second animation that communicates this flexibility while maintaining their sleek, modern aesthetic.
PRE-LAUNCH 'REVEAL' IMAGE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA.
For a business like Chilly’s, bringing a new product to market can hinge on clear, visually engaging communication. The need to stand out in a crowded space makes innovative 3D design solutions more critical than ever. This project aimed to solve the problem of demonstrating product functionality in a way that is both informative and engaging, providing customers with a clear understanding of the product’s versatility.
THE SOLUTION.
To address Chilly’s challenge, I developed a 13-second 3D animation that dissected the Switch Cup’s key features. I focused on showcasing how the cup transitions from a cold-drink setup with a straw to a hot-drink configuration without. This approach broke down the functionality into simple, visually engaging segments that highlighted each design element.
What made this solution work well was the ability to tell a comprehensive product story in such a short amount of time while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Instead of overloading the viewer with information, the animation used precise cuts to present only the most essential details, ensuring a clear and memorable message.
CROSS-PLATFROM CONSISTENCY :
Two formats (1920x1080 for the website and 1080x1920 for social media) ensured consistent visual quality and engagement across all customer touch points.
EFFECTIVE STORYTELLING:
Through precision editing and snappy transitions, the animation communicated the dual-functionality of the cup within a short time frame, making it easier for customers to grasp the product’s unique selling points.
INCREASED ENGAGEMENT:
The animation’s captivating visuals and smooth storytelling helped Chilly’s effectively capture the attention of their target audience, setting the stage for increased product awareness and sales conversions.
THE PROCESS:
The key to this project’s success lay in breaking the animation down into manageable parts. Each section of the video focused on one element of the cup’s design, ensuring clarity and a clean visual flow. I collaborated closely with Chilly’s Creative Studio Manager, Alicia Goulding, to ensure the brand’s vision was upheld while refining their initial ideas to fit the tight time constraints.
- Storyboarding & Animatics: To keep the client reassured, I developed an animatic storyboard that visualized the video’s flow and transitions. This allowed for client feedback early on, preventing costly revisions down the line.
- Precision Editing: Given the limited sub 15 second timeframe, I employed rapid transitions and seamless cuts to ensure that every second counted, keeping the pace fast but digestible.
- Tools & Technology: Utilising industry-standard CGI tools, I created both web and social media versions of the animation using Blender with the Octane render engine. All edits where put together using DaVinci Resolve.
By maintaining constant communication with the client and iterating swiftly, the project not only met the deadline but also exceeded expectations in terms of engagement and product storytelling.
"Tobi was great to work with. He really listened to what we needed and delivered incredibly detailed product render assets that were perfect for our campaign. His communication was spot on, keeping us in the loop the whole time and ensuring the work was delivered on time in full."
Alicia Goulding - Creative Studio Manager.