3rd Project - Packaging (Model)

Sooo...this next assignment is all about packaging...well, it's really more about designing a model. What type of "shell" can I create that is meaningful and communicates the product to the customer upon sight? Obviously this meant another trip to the art store; Sobo glue, a cutting board, chipboard...trying to maneuver that thing on shuttle bus and in the rain; I digress...


In the meantime, I have been working on several ideas. The biggest obstacle for me is that my product already comes in a box:




However, I want to create a design that provides the same functions - compact, keeps the stationary neat, easy to store, provides a glimpse of the card - in addition to being attractive and cost-effective...but not the exact same form. I've been trying to work out a few ideas in my sketchbook; I started out measuring the envelope. Simple enough, right?





Any package I create would need to accommodate its size, as opposed to the card. I thought I might create an envelope type of package. At the art store, I found several sample papers that I would like to use, but one of the considerations of the design is if this package were to be used, it should be durable enough to survive the distribution process. That's where the chipboard will help...and it can always be covered. Additionally, as I started to develop the design, I started to play with the different ways of how it might work:

The folds could be mimicked with the chipboard...but it was starting to feel like a box - something I might not be able to avoid. I realized that triangular folds might not keep the stationary secure, or at least be a little flimsy. I started playing with the shape a decided that longer folds would give me the durability I am looking for. Additionally, I know for sure that I would like to provide a little pocket or maybe the back side of the package have a little plastic window or sheathing to display one of the cards inside. An over-sized top fold with a Velcro snap might work...

However, I definitely want to keep the "muted elegance" that the current package offers. I chose this particular box because it was pretty but did not have that overly done feel. I would want another buyer to be attracted by that as well. Yet, I don't want to be so simple that it turns a buyer off...I thought of including a metallic lining to "dress" it up a bit. We'll see...



The biggest takeaway from my initial crit was that the package does not have to be the exact specs of the product...and to scratch the Velcro. I suppose Velcro does not match the elegance I'm looking for...and it IS common. My professor also suggested an over-sized envelope and that got me to thinking of what other items I could mimic that would attract my target audience of women 20s to 40s...



Maybe a purse; different shapes came to mind...a scalloped-top box (kind of like a gift box)...but I don't want to get too far away from product or create something that would result in an increase in the price. Plus, the product must be secure. I don't want to create something overly complicated.


So I've begun to experiment with other materials; fabrics in particular. I have chosen a couple that coincide with the look and color scheme of the current package.

I think this might give me the look I'm trying to create without losing the product - or increasing the cost. Now, for some modeling...