Packages & Modeling...Continued

I've decided I do not like modeling...okay, well maybe not, but for something that is supposed to encourage the design process, has been leaving me with the feeling of falling short. Okay, so maybe it's not the models, maybe it's my time management PLUS the fact that I'm taking 4 classes and I have projects in 3 of them on a consistent basis...okay, enough whining.

On to the models...

One of the areas I am trying to improve upon with the existing packaging is that it is a open-flap box. In other words, if you were to sit the box of cards upright, there woudl be no way to keep the cards from falling out unless it was sitting between two objects or at least leaning on one side. See?


So on Tuesday, I presented my first model. It is composed of 2-ply chipboard (that's all Plaza had at the time!) and it is actually quite sturdy. I went with the suggested idea of designing an oversized package. I expanded the dimensions based upon the size of the stationary envelope and incorporated a technique we learned during our modeling demonstration with Professor Anderson. By creating small slits, (approximately) equally-spaced apart, I was able to create a top that would fold over. Wrapping the pieces with fabric and covering the inside, my idea was that I would get a chic box that could sit up-right on a shelf that would still be attractive to my target market and hopefully not increase the cost. Additionally, the package could be used to store future stationary as well as pens if a buyer wanted to keep them on their desk.






However, that model was not very well-received. The oversized-box was a bit "too oversized" - my desk crit suggested that I continue with the idea of designing something sustainable or recyclable, but also consider that it shouldn't be an eyesore or impede upon desk space. Additionally, other peer suggestions concluded that I might pursue a "drawer" type of design or if I continued with the fold-over design, be sure to design the internal pieces to match the fold.

Back to the drawing...or rather chipboard, we go...

We were rained out of class on Thursday (I was up at 6 anyway trying to salvage a 1-ply chipboard model that had gone awry the night before), but I did make it in to see Professor Lechinsky on Friday. He seemed to appreciate the direction of where I was going - despite the fact that the model was incomplete. In the midst of a pre-nervous breakdown and panic (i.e. I was trying to line up the inside pieces, cut too much, threw it all down in a tantrum and headed to bed), I began to welcome the idea of a drawer design. This would address my major concern with the current design and assist - in addition to me cutting down the size - in making the design less of an obstruction. Professor L suggested that I try "musuem board" and develop another study model prior to the final. Musuem board actually has two sides...one of which is more of a laminated / glossy finish. This would definitely provide the chic look I am looking for inside the box and it would be more sturdy than the 1-ply chipboard.



Just sad...won't even stand up. *sigh* But it IS a definite improvement in size.

Unfortunately, I was unable to secure the museum board over the weekend (working / catching up on other projects / the quarter-million people attending the rally downtown on Saturday), so guess who's going to have a busy Monday evening?

At this point, I am grossly annoyed with my own excuses, but I am in the process of trying to regroup. I will get better! In the meantime, I have the pleasure of reviewing my classmate Rose's blog...