Deadline

  • January 31, 2024– Technical Paper Publication, Review of Existing Technologies, and Journal Design. Please send files/links to taga@printing.org for consideration.
    • Files over 10MB please send via a cloud service.
  • February 29, 2024 – Website Design. Please send files/links to taga@printing.org for consideration.
  • March 12, 2024 – Package Production, Publication Production, T-shirt Design and Production, and 2024 Proceedings Cover Design for Attendees Choice.

About

Welcome to an overview of the updated Kipphan Cup competition. We have updated the competition rules to better reflect how industry and education have changed in recent years and to allow for greater participation from different schools and universities. This is also reducing the barrier to entry. It is no longer required that the “traditional” journal be produced, but the categories have been structured such that for those that wish to do these then they are easily covered.

The new structure has seven unique categories that will be judged with each of these being awarded a first prize based on the judge’s evaluation, four of these will be judged prior to the conference and three will be at the conference. The winner of the Kipphan Cup will be selected from the best three scores from any participating chapter. There is no limit on the number of categories that a chapter can enter, being from a single category through to all seven.

Each category could be entered individually and there is absolutely no need to produce a full journal. For instance, a chapter could produce a package for personal care, technical paper publication, publication production and t-shirt design as four separate items and their best three results would be used for the Kipphan Cup competition. Each category is scored equally with a total of 25 points available.

We have outlined the different rubrics below for each of the seven categories, each gives the deliverable, due date, criteria for judging and if part of the “traditional” journal could be used in this category. If people have questions about these please don’t hesitate to reach out.

To participate in the competitions at least one student from the chapter must attend the conference, though we encourage more as significant value is gained from attending the event.

The Attendees Choice Award is now a separate competition to design the cover the the coming years TAGA Proceedings Cover.

Categories

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: January 31, 2024

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: January 31, 2024

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: February 29, 2024

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.

Technical Paper Publication

This would have been content for the traditional journal.

Due date: January 31, 2024

Deliverable:

  • One PDF file of three to five original student research papers that reflect the current creative and research activities in the graphic arts field. The student research papers could be part of course projects or assignments.

Criteria:

  • Quality of writing 5pt: Standard grammar and punctuation are followed. Formal tone is consistently used. Uses words that add specific, descriptive content. Uses stylistic techniques that add emphasis, sophistication, and polish.
  • Clarity of writing 5pt: Method of development implied in topic sentences is clearly and consistently followed in all paragraphs. Transitions and reinforcement of the main idea add unity and coherence to the writing.
  • 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.
  • Accuracy of research 5pt: Uses ample specific and concrete facts, examples, and/or narration. Introduces valid sources, uses correct in-text citations for summaries and quotes.
  • 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.

Publication Production

This would have been the traditional journal production.

Due date: At the conference.

Deliverable:

  • A physical 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.
    • Number of physical copies of the journal will be determined at a later date.

Criteria:

  • Print quality of cover 5 pt: The choice of substrate(s) works well with selected printing method and overall print quality.
  • Print quality of interior 5pt: Image and text quality, color consistency, and illustrations work well with the content. Printing is free of defects.
  • Bindery quality 5 pt: Bindery solution works well to support the publication design and end-use in terms of quality, useability and durability.
  • Student participation 5 pt: students’ involvement in the production process is documented in written form. Specify the students’ contribution in production of the publication, higher marks are available for production that is fully produced by the chapter. If outsourced then production planning, facility outsourcing, communication are important to communicate. All chapters to communicate some lessons learned through the production process that are translatable to the understandings of graphic communication in their future endeavors during the student chapter meeting.
  • Level of difficulty and complexity 5 pt: Printing embellishments such as die cut(s), foil stamping, embossing, specialty folding, varnish, and perforating work well with the select substrate(s) and are free of defects. The entry shows consistent production mindfulness with forward thinking in workflow and attention to details

T-shirt Design and Production

New category!

Due date: At the conference.

Deliverable:

  • T-shirt max 3 entries per school, 10 t-shirts of various sizes per entry for all judges to evaluate

Criteria:

  • Originality 5 pt: Design is relevant to TAGA. Design can be one or more colors.
  • Visibility and wearability 10 pt: eye catching and visible from a distance, high resolution graphics with good use of color, and typography.
  • Compatibility 5 pt: Fabric, ink, and printing method are compatible.
  • Quality of print production 5 pt: the registration, ink coverage, color, and finish.

Attendees Choice

Doesn’t count for Kipphan Cup.

Due date: At the conference.

Proceedings cover design: Design for the 2024 TAGA conference proceeding cover. Branding assets and cover template will be provided.

Deliverable:

  • 5 physical copies for the attendees to judge. There will be a display of all entries at the conference as well as copies at the registration desk. In addition, a PDF file and design files are required.

Awards

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.

Judging Bodies

*Active student membership is required for submission in the Individual Category Awards and/or Kipphan Cup Student Competition.
If there are any questions, please contact taga@printing.org or 412-259-1706.