Packaging and Merchandising Design - Exercises

29/08/19 - 3/10/19 (Week 1 - 7)
Azmina Fathima Haris (0337113)
Packaging and Merchandising Design
Exercises

LECTURES

Lecture 1: Purpose of Packaging
Week 1 (29/08/19)

We started our class by discussing the purpose of packaging and we had to find our points and discuss them with the class. Mr. Shamsul summarised our findings into five broad categories, that is:

- Protection: prevent the product from being tampered or damaged during transport
- Communication: providing information about the product (ingredients, instruction, expiry date) and
   also information to the seller (like the barcode and other product detail)
- Marketing: branding with the use of consistent packaging and visuals
- Convenience: features added to the product that makes it more user-friendly
- Sustainability: life after purpose; can be reused and recycled

Lecture 2: History of Packaging
Week 2 (5/09/19)

This week's lecture was on the history of packaging. We got to learn about the evolution of packaging and how it came to be the way it is today, right from the use of glass bottles and the invention of cardboard and also various other materials that are being used today in creating packaging. We also learnt that there are different kinds or levels of packaging, primary, secondary and tertiary; which in short can be distinguished from one another by considering whether it's going to be sold, or shipped in or transported in bulk, like cartons for instance.



INSTRUCTION

EXERCISES

Box making and Dieline (Week 2 - 4)

For our first exercise, we were asked to create a simple box packaging for any product that we own which should be between 15 - 30cm in dimensions. We should start off by measuring the product and getting an estimate of how much our box should be - just big enough that it can be taken out comfortable and not too small that it's very tight. I initially chose to use a bottle for this exercise but then felt like it would be too simple, even if I added a window to the front of the box like I had planned. Here is my plan and measurements for the box -

Fig. 1.1 Diecut and measurements for box

Fig. 1.2 Completed box

Fig. 1.3 Top view

Fig. 1.4 

Fig. 1.5

Since we still had some more time to work on this exercise, I decided to use a humidifier as my product instead since I would be able to make it a bit more complex by adding a compartment as well. This time, I tried making it using thicker card and changed the closure so it opens completely, rather than from the top.

Final dieline

Fig. 1.6 Box attempt #2 

Fig. 1.7 Final outcome

Fig. 1.8 Final outcome

Fig. 1.9 Final outcome

Fig. 2 Final outcome

Fig. 2.1 Final outcome

Bottle label (Week 5 - 6)

For this exercise, we had to find a bottle label design that we felt could be improved and redesigned. I chose a brand of fruit drink with basil seeds, the lychee flavour specifically. I felt that the brand, called Pran, could have improved their label design more to reflect the price of the product and also, to reflect its quality as an imported product. I felt the label looked common and cheap similar to a locally produced drink.

Fig. 2.2 Chosen bottle label

I wanted to create a design that was more contemporary, with minimal illustrations and to replace the simple paper sticker with a plastic to create a gradient style effect. I found these label designs rather interesting -

Fig. 2.3 References

I created the label in Illustrator and also drew simple vector art of the fruit. I also tried improving the logo of the brand as I felt this was too bold, and I considered changing the colours to more neutral shades but after a bit of research, it turned out Pran used those colours to represent the flag of Vietnam, which is the country of origin. Instead of making very drastic changes, I switched the colours in the logo and I also changed the typeface used as in the original.

Fig. 2.4 Redesigned logo (before and after)

Fig. 2.5 Process in Illustrator 

Fig. 2.6 Final outcome 

Fig. 2.7 Final outcome (front)

Fig. 2.8 Final outcome (back)

Fig. 2.9 Final outcome (back)

Thermoforming (Week 7)

For this exercise, we had to try thermoforming and we were told to bring a few objects that would not be deformed under heat. First, I tried using a cutter/blade but then this one did not turn out too well -

Fig. 2.8 Attempt #1 Cutter

After this, I tried using a set of keychains, as I felt this object was more or less smooth and flight and it was unlikely that it would pop or overheat.

Fig. 2.9 Attempt #2 keychains process

Fig. 3 Final outcome

Fig. 3.1 Final outcome

Fig. 3.2 Final outcome

Fig. 3.3 Final outcome

FEEDBACK 

Week 2 
Mr. Shamsul commented that my prototype looked very clean for the first try but I should take into consideration the thickness of the card next time when creating the top and bottom covers and to provide enough space for it to shut tightly. He also showed me how to make sure my box's folds are straight and clean so the card doesn't crease.

Week 3
Mr. Shamsul said that the locking mechanism on the box was unnecessary and it would be alright without it too. He told me to think about how to create the compartment.

Week 4
No feedback this week.

Week 5
Mr. Shamsul commented that my chosen label was worth redesigning and it could be improved.

Week 6 
My design looked good and it was clear at first glance that it is a lychee flavoured drink. Mr. Shamsul liked the design but he told me to change the colour of the barcode to one with a white background so that it can be read.