Project 5: Packaging Project - Your Final!

Here are initial details for your final project. We will discuss this Tuesday! Have questions ready, but read this first.

PACKAGING OVERVIEW:
This project is a continuation and exploration of Image and Type as unifying graphic design elements in a 3D point of purchase environment.

THE ASSIGNMENT:
Re-design an existing consumer product package which is already on the market. The choice of this product is crucial to the final presentation. Choose something which will inspire, encourage, and initiate lofty creative design ideas for the final work of this semester. I would suggest you choose a product which is in dire need of redesign instead of those packages which are already successful from their point of purchase delivery.

Your final design will be presented in the same format as the previous projects (flat design print flush mounted on boards at your standard 12” x 18” board size). Another version will be presented as a 3D working prototype. 

You must think about the entire construction of the assignment (graphics that run from front to back, top to bottom). The necessary information from the existing “found and redesigned” package/product should still accompany your final design (for example, logo, ingredients, ISBN #scan, manufacturer, bar code, etc.).

THE OPTIONS:
You must redesign the logo for this project and the shape of the original consumer product you have chosen to redesign. Stay focused on your original concept, because you will need to develop this relatively quickly, so you can have time to perfect your design and prototype. Do not overdo it with too many details or extraneous bells and whistles; think about simplicity and clarity in your design.

A few notes:

1. Do not make your package too large. I would keep it smaller than a tissue or cereal box.
2. It needs to hold up well and be stable when we critique it. Construct it carefully with solid materials, so it isn't too flimsy.
3. You must do a number of mock-ups, so don't think your initial one will be the one you use. It usually takes 2-3 before you get it right.
4. Do not rely too heavily on brand conventions they already have in place. Yes, you may use their colors and logo, but you need to create new elements that make it unique and marketable.
5. Don't forget elements like weight, bar code, manufacturer logo...anything that is on the current actual package. Remember to make it as realistic as possible!
6. Do not choose a product that relies on characters that already exist. For example, you can not do a Disney product, because that means you would most likely need to use Disney characters in your design. Anything that relies on characters or illustrations that already exist (such as videogames, etc.) should not be used for this project.

There are three ways to come up with your packaging concept.
A. Use a packaging template you find online or in a packaging template book.
B. Design your own. This requires a good bit of trial and error, but it can be done.
C. Carefully deconstruct an existing package, lay it flat, and create a template from that.

THE STARTING POINT

1. Do a walk through of a supermarket, specialty store, hardware store, and/or shopping mall.
2. Choose a product that you feel might be better designed for public consumption. 
3. Consider shelf space and interaction between product and consumer.
4. What does it look like on the front, from the side, and when it is stacked alongside itself?
5. Do some individual testing for yourself. RESEARCH.
6. It is better to establish the packaging shape and format before you begin any visual design, so you are designing for the size and shape constraints.
7. Think about the point of purchase approach in marketing and advertising. You’ll need to write a creative brief about this to turn in with your project at the final critique, so keep this aspect in mind.
8. What is the proper hierarchy of type on a three-dimensional form?
9. How does color and size of type work along with your images?
10. Is your product necessary, frivolous, important, healthy, or comical in our society? What is your market? Include this in your creative brief also.

SCHEDULE:
T, 11/17/14   
Project must be chosen and approved by me by this date - discussion - work in progress

TH, 11/19/14   
Work in class - Bring in prototypes and printouts for review.

T, 11/24/14   
Thanksgiving Week - You MUST work on this during break!

TH, 11/26/14   
Thanksgiving Week - You MUST work on this during break!

T, 12/01/14   
Work in class - Bring in prototypes and printouts for review.

TH, 12/03/14   
Work in class - Bring in prototypes for review.

T, 12/08/14   
FINAL CRITIQUE
Turn in the following: 3D package comp, package flat board, creative brief, project archive, sketchbook