Packaging & Merchandising Design [ Project 2 : Innovative Packaging (Collaboration project) ]
24.04.2025 - 04.07.2025 week 1 - week 11
Sheryne Axellia Putri / 0367267 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Packaging & Merchandising Design
Project 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Instructions
2. Feedback
3. Reflection
LECTURES
*All lectures are noted in exercise blog.
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 2
In this project, TBS, SLAS and TDS to collaborate on producing a commercially viable product with business model, business financial, packaging design, consumer profiling, media visibility and marketing plan for a water bottle product named “DYO”.
- Objective:
The objective of this project is to encourage students to use their critical thinking skills and design skills to create packaging that effectively communicate the brand message and are aesthetically pleasing.
1.1 Progress - Ideation
Week 1
We were introduced to the DYO product by some business students, and we also learned about previous presentations, like Thermobrew. DYO has four target audiences, so there will be four groups selecting the audiences they want to focus on. Each group consists of four members.
My group members are Aisya, Lizzie, and Jovan. We added our names to the sheet for the DYO project, but we haven't had the opportunity to choose which target audience we want to focus on yet. So, in short, DYO is a water bottle that has dual lids and compartments, and you can put 2 different drinks inside. Gradually we joined the GC for TBS, TDS, and SLAS students working for DYO.
- Check out their E-portfolio
Week 2-3
As you can see from the image above, it is to show how the dyo care tumbler should look like, they have a hydration tracker, and a compartment for you to store your pills. The target audiences for dyo care is young adults.
So I incorporated that idea into my logo:
Final Logo Compilation
These are the logos that got voted for from the 4 target audience group, then we sent it to the TDS students.
The chosen logo is created by the DYO kids group, the no. 4. The TDS students requested to make the font more formal, and so they did, thus this is the final look of the logo:
I created a new design for the front of the box. We wanted it to include a window so that customers could see either the color of the bottle or the hydration tracker, which highlights the unique selling proposition of the product. However, in this second attempt, I felt that the design seemed more suited for skincare products and lacked a dynamic feel.
I also added an illustration showing how to use DYO care properly. Since our target audiences are adults, we want to make it easy for them to read the manual.
I chose this because it's simple but has personality to it, and the window shape looks elegant too, while the text layout doesn't look too blocky. All of use agreed to use her design, so she finalized her design, and changed the color to blue.
1.2 Progress - Logo
Week 7-8
Before this week, the SLAS students did their part by creating surveys for packaging design and a consumer profiling survey.
However, we are lacking clear direction for the design students. Should we start creating the logo, or should we determine our color palette first? This group project feels very passive; sometimes, the TDS students have to ask the TBS students about their product, even though it's their product. It often seems like we care more about their brand.
The entire process is quite slow, with poor communication and a lack of direction for us TDS students. As a result, we have started to create the logo on our own.
Logo sketches
I started to sketch and put my ideas, and asked the TDS students about their brand, and how they wanted us to convey it. These are the questions and their answer:
- What is the story behind DYO, does the name 'DYO' stand for something? DYO means two in greek
- How do you describe your brand in 3 words? Youthful, contemporary, bold
- What is the main purpose of DYO? Our mission: Dyo is here to make hydration cool, convenient, and built for your lifestyle - no matter who you are or where you’re headed.
- How do you want your brand to be perceived by consumers? The go-to brand for modern individuals seeking an affordable lifestyle essential that fits seamlessly into their day.
I tried to keep in mind what they want DYO to convey. I searched about the words in greek:
After further brainstorming, I don't think implementing the Greek letter into the logo is a good idea because my group wants to emphasize the uniqueness dyo has in their product; the dual lid.
I was inspired by the look of the dual lid so I tried to digitalize my sketches.
I started to make various shapes and typefaces for the logo, especially the layout and look of the lids.
Then I made the font to have the shape of the lids instead, and made various layouts. The problem with the logos below, they could be seen as magnets, pills rather than lids. Which is why I prefer the bottom right because the font shape already justifies itself as a logo.
I saw Lizzie's version of her logo, and I liked the element she created beside the letter 'D', as it can be seen as the dual lids.
Our group created logos, with each member designing two final options. We plan to present these to other TDS students for voting on one logo to use.
1.3 Progress - Packaging Design
Mood board
Given that there are four target audiences with different groups, I was initially confused about how these designs would come together and how the TBS students could utilize them. Each group is likely to have different design outcomes, which led to some confusion among us. However, after receiving confirmation from Mrs. Shamsul to focus solely on our own design based on DYO Care, we felt more clarified and decided to move forward.
Aisya created the die line sizes based on the information we got about the bottle sizes.
- Measurements:
800ml (2x400ml + pill compartment)
27cm height x 8cm width
- Care Instructions
- To keep your DYO tumbler in its best shape:
- Hand wash only using warm water and mild soap
- Do not soak or use bleach
- Rinse thoroughly after each use, especially with coffee or juice
- Leave the lid and both compartments open to air dry completely
- Not dishwasher or microwave safe
- Use a soft bottle brush for deeper cleaning
- Sustainability Note
We’re committed to reducing waste where we can.
All DYO packaging is 100% recyclable
Our tumblers are made to be long-lasting, replacing hundreds of single-use cups and bottles over time
- Brand Tagline
ONE bottle. Endless ways to live your life.
- Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Use for both hot and cold drinks
- Carry it in your tote, gym bag, or backpack
- Wash after each use to prevent staining or odor
- Ensure both lids are tightly sealed before use
Don’ts
Do not microwave or freeze
Do not use for carbonated drinks
Do not clean with steel brushes or harsh chemicals
Do not soak the bottle for long periods
We selected the packaging we wanted to use, opting for a simple and practical design. The sketch I created isn’t to scale yet; I just wanted to lay out the concept and see how it would look. The colors we chose are green and light gray because these two colors are very calming and minimal.
I created a new design for the front of the box. We wanted it to include a window so that customers could see either the color of the bottle or the hydration tracker, which highlights the unique selling proposition of the product. However, in this second attempt, I felt that the design seemed more suited for skincare products and lacked a dynamic feel.
After feedback, Mr. Shamsul liked the illustration idea and wanted us to explore with the layout and color choices, so my group and I made variations of the packaging design. And I fixed my illustration to look more proper and professional.
My members helped finalize and provided feedback on the illustration.
We agreed that the illustration looks much better on the left, not with the reverse colors.
Here is my design for the packaging. I aimed to make it easy to read while ensuring the front is visually appealing and clean. We created a mock-up box based on the die line, and I also included a version in blue. Initially, I chose colors from our palette, and I believe that blue symbolizes trustworthiness.
Our design actually emphasizes the use of two colors, symbolizing the two waters inside the bottle.
Insights from SLAS students
We compiled our designs to send to the SLAS students so they could conduct eye tracking. However, the process did not go smoothly for them. Instead, they decided to conduct interviews and ask respondents which designs they preferred.
- Packaging 1A-1B: Aisya
- Packaging 2: Lizzie
- Packaging 3A-3B: Me
- Packaging 4: Jovan
This is the result from the interview they did; it seems they prefer the color blue, with detailed instructions. I do feel this information isn't quite enough as feedback. So we decided to go with the blue and continue developing our layouts.
If the reason is just because of the colors, we should've placed each designs to blue so we can have more precision and understanding which design they prefer.
Finalizing the design
Before printing and cutting the packaging, we have to decide which design we wanted to use, I suggested to use Aisya's design.
And there's a reason for her to use the gradient transition, is to emphasizes the transition to a healthier lifestyle.
The bottom tuck is the tricky part because it doesn't require a glue to lock it, but precision. Below, you can see the tuck bottom won't fold with each other.
Final Packaging design
1.4 Progress - Physical Packaging
Physical Mockup #1
I printed out an A3 version of the packaging, and cut it. Everything seems normal until, the top needs more height in order to go inside.
Physical Mockup #2
I printed another prototype after adjusting the height and width of the tuck. It somewhat fit, but I have concerns about the material. This version is made of paper, which is delicate and prone to folds, making it quite fragile. In contrast, our final packaging will be crafted from cardboard, with a thickness of 0.3 cm to 0.5 cm. I'm apprehensive that transitioning to this more resilient material might pose some challenges.
Physical Mockup #3
We visited the laser cut studio once more to verify if our die line is accurate, and naturally, things didn’t go as seamlessly as I had wished. Jovan was a great help in adjusting the tuck sizes; we made modifications and assessed how they will appear when flat because, as shown below, the tuck is not oriented properly and appears quite snug.
Physical Mockup #4
After creating one more prototype, we achieved the tuck perfectly, with a flat design and no gaps. The next step is to transfer the final design onto the new die line, which I helped with.
Final Packaging
We reached out to Mummy Printing in morning to have our packaging printed, which has been quite frustrating; I understand they must be busy every day. However, I contacted them at 9 AM, and there have been ongoing issues with our files, they require the dieline to include bleeds, which Lizzie and Aisya assisted with. Unfortunately, their responses have been quite slow, taking about two hours for each message. They finally approved our file at 6 PM.
On the bright side, the packaging was completed before our class, and there were no errors with the cutting. Jovan assisted in picking up the packaging from the printing location.
Another good thing, our bottom tuck is fine, even though it's less thicker than cardboard. Because the printing shop doesn't have cardboard, only eflute.
- Material: White Vinyl Sticker
- Size: A2
- Large Format Printing: Latex (long Lasting)
- Large Format Board: Eflute (Brown)
- Cutting: Die Cut + Creasing
2. Final Submission - Physical Packaging
After speaking with the TDS students about their prototype, we learned they will not be making one. This means we cannot be sure if our packaging size is accurate and fits the bottle. However, Mr. Shamsul suggested that we keep moving forward.
FEEDBACK
Week 9
The illustration is appealing, so make sure to include it in your final packaging design. Some of the designs has the window is oversized, which could weaken the sides. Consider making it smaller, possibly just a small opening to showcase the material and color. And lastly try experiment with layouts and the placement of the USP.
Week 10
We can reduce the wavy part, but it is a good idea. The layout already has a good balance, minimal it suits our target audience: adults. We should try other colors.
Week 11
SLAS students' interview takeaways: The interviewees liked the color blue, because they associate it with wellness, and suggested that key information should be prominently displayed on the front side.
Week 14
We showed Mr. Shamsul our final packaging, it's good, and the tucked part on the bottom is acceptable.
REFLECTION
Experience
I appreciate my group members for ensuring we meet our submission deadline. My critique is that I wish the group created DYO had provided us with clearer guidance on their preferences regarding the design. They might be occupied, but it's unfortunate because DYO has the potential to become a truly great brand. Until now, they haven't asked about our final packaging box.
Observation
It’s essential to tailor your packaging design to resonate with your target audience, envisioning how it will captivate their attention on store shelves. In this case is the use of blue as trustworthy and the clean and minimal layout to look professional.
Findings
Selecting the right material for your product's packaging is of utmost importance. The choice you make can greatly influence not just the appeal of your product, but also its protection and sustainability. For a water bottle, a thick material is fitting.
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