Packaging & Merchandising Design - Project 1
WU ZIYANG / 0368325
Packaging & Merchandising Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University
Project 1
INSTRUCTIONS
For in class practice, we have to make a packaging for a massage ball.I found the packaging I liked online and started making dieline for it.
Fig 1.1 Dieline for massage ball 1
Fig 1.2 Dieline for massage ball 2
Item 1: Premium Chopsticks
High-quality chopsticks are usually made of high-grade materials such as rosewood, ebony or metal carvings, and have a high price and collection value. They are often used in gift or high-end tableware occasions. However, if such chopsticks are only packaged in simple plastic sealing or paper bags, they are prone to scratches, moisture, and lack displayability. By customizing packaging boxes, not only can protection be enhanced and damage prevented, but also the overall appearance can be improved through traditional pattern design, making it more ritualistic and culturally expressive, strengthening the brand image, increasing the selling price, and making consumers more convinced
Item 2: Premium Orange
High-quality oranges such as Gannan navel oranges or California oranges, due to their plump shape, bright color and high nutritional value, are often used as festival gifts or business presents. However, traditional bulk or net bag packaging is difficult to reflect the high quality of its products. Customized packaging boxes can enhance the overall texture through compartments, shockproof structures and aesthetically pleasing appearances. They not only protect the fruits from being scratched but also increase visual appeal and user experience, making them particularly suitable for creating high-end fruit brands and festival gift boxes.
Fig 1.1 Sketch Attempt 1
Fig 1.2 Sketch Attempt 2
After that, I made a new packaging draft for the high-end chopsticks. There are two drafts at the bottom of fig1.2, one is an orange and the other is chopsticks
Fig 1.3 Dieline Attempt 1
Fig 1.4 Dieline Attempt 2
Then, I started to make dieline in the Ai software based on the draft approved by the instructor. At first, I wasn't sure what the size of the packaging should be. The instructor taught me to use the measurement tools in the Ai to determine it, and this function was very helpful to me
During the communication with the instructor, I found that the second dieline did not fit well in practice, so I made a new dieline for chopsticks
Fig 1.5 Dieline Attempt 3
Fig 1.6 Dieline Attempt 4
Two dieline after the lecturer's approval, I was allowed to start making laser card
Fig 1.7 orange Laser Card
Fig 1.8 orange Laser Card
Fig 1.9 orange Laser Card
Fig 1.10 Chopsticks Laser Card
Fig 1.10 Chopsticks Laser Card
Orange packaging is the multi-layer folding and interlocking lock design makes sure the package closes tightly, so the oranges won’t fall out or shake around when you’re handling them. The edges and corners are nicely wrapped up, which helps absorb little bumps and gives great protection against pressure and shaking. This packaging can hold four oranges, and in Chinese culture, the number 4 is seen as lucky!
Then，After communicating with the lecturer, I found that the packaging of my oranges was very good and I chose a nice packaging material. However, the packaging of the chopsticks needs to be modified because it is too small and cannot hold more chopsticks.
So I remade the packaging of the chopsticks and printed them on larger paper.
Fig 1.11 Chopsticks Laser Card Attempt 2
Fig 1.12 Chopsticks Laser Card Attempt 2
Fig 1.13 Chopsticks Laser Card Attempt 2
I designed two modules for the packaging of chopsticks. One can be folded to form a hollow rectangle, and the other is in the style of a drawer, which can enhance the protection of the product, reduce scratches or collisions caused by transportation on the chopsticks. The structure is flat and can be folded for storage and transportation, saving inventory and logistics space.
Experience
This project offers an opportunity to make packaging by hand, which is an unprecedented experience. By choosing two non-boxed items from my daily living environment and designing custom packaging for them, I deepened my understanding of how structure, form and user experience intersect in packaging design.
From drawing lines to making prototypes with cardboard, I have learned that minor miscalculations in dimensions can seriously affect functionality. The iterative process taught me how to balance protection, aesthetics and ease of assembly.
Findings
Customized boxes are not just for protection - they are for display.
The difference between the plastic packaging of packaged chopsticks and that of ordinary disposable chopsticks is like heaven and earth. Customized packaging enhances perceived value and offers opportunities for brand promotion, especially for handmade or handcrafted products.
A prototype is indispensable.
Even after digital line planning, physical models still have deficiencies in terms of fit, closure and stability. Hands-on prototyping allows for real-time problem-solving and improvement.
User experience begins before a product is seen.
Opening the package is the first physical interaction with the brand. Smooth surfaces and other barrier-free designs contribute to a positive unboxing experience.
Every millimeter counts.
During the prototype design stage, even minor errors in measurement (as small as 1-2 millimeters) may render the box unusable. The precision of design leads to the reliability of production.
Conclusion
This project deepened my understanding of how form, materials and user interaction can be combined to create successful packaging. I have fallen in love with packaging design. It is both interesting and very practical. I am more confident in applying these skills to client projects and personal design challenges.
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