Package Machine Blog

In 2009, the in-house team at Incase devloped new packaging for their small item products:

“The main focus was to facilitate the test fitting and product demonstration experience at Apple retail stores. Our research showed that consumers were opening packages and test-fitting products before making purchases. In most cases, the packages were not correctly returned to the shelves or were somewhat damaged and unsightly, making it difficult to sell these products.  The design solution was to create an outer wrap that was easy to slide on and off, offering full access to the product without damaging the package.  The sliding action of the wrap was simple and intuitive and did not involve additional flaps or mechanisms that the previous packaging employed.

Graphically, the goal was to refine the layout and information to effectively communicate key product features. The front panel was kept minimal and clean to maximize product visibility and help consumers to quickly locate or distinguish between various product styles. Additionally, we introduced violator icons, which were integrated into the front panel border to communicate the main product feature.  On the back, the information was designed around a simple and friendly icon system to reflect a clear hierarchy of information.

Lastly, we took the opportunity to make this packaging environmentally friendly because the previous packaging was not recyclable. From the beginning of the design process, we were committed to using paper pulp trays because of its eco-conscious and material properties.  This approach paid off because we were able to manufacture the pulp trays using 80% post consumer waste. Moreover, recyclable plastics such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PS (polystyrene) were utilized, making each package 100% recyclable.”

Segura, Inc., a Chicago design, advertising and communications firm created the packaging and designs for 5inch:

“Packaging and the design of each and
every disc for 5inch, the creators of pre-designed, silk-screened blank
CDRs, DVDs and trigger cases.

Recording artists use 5inch discs as demos of their most recent
audio excursions. Designers, artists and photographers use the discs to
showcase their portfolios. Their discs are also ideal for your MP3s,
video and multimedia presentations, photo albums, file transfers and
data backup.

Each disc is printed in a limited run. (think of it as… “They did
to blank discs what Swatch® did to watches”). Once the design is gone,
it is gone. New designs are printed and posted on 5inch
on a regular basis. They also carry solid color and even “clear” CDRs,
DVDRs trigger cases in a variety of styles and colors, disc hubs,
various storage items and t-shirts.”

See more after the jump.

“This project has been awarded The Creativity Awards Annual 39 Certificate of Excellence and just picked up a Certificate of Excellence in the Graphic Design USA American Package Design Awards 2010!

This was a school project I completed while studying Graphic Design at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University in Philadelphia. It is a custom package design for a beginner’s harmonica kit. The package includes a harmonica, instructional booklet and a cd/dvd folder.”