Year
2024
Category
Packaging Design
Paper carton packaging for colored markers, redesigned for an integrated user experience—going beyond storage to actively participate in the drawing process.
The product—art markers, comes in a wide range of colors, either sold individually or in a curated set of 4-12, to fit the need of artists who uses multiple different colors. Therefore, it is a common practice for artists to reach for new colors, and switch markers mid-creation.
The Problem
The current packaging of the markers is a flat, rectangular plastic box that has a narrow opening on the top. This compact packaging is a great storage for the markers, to keep them neatly packed when not in use. However, when artists are creating, this packaging, along with markers that was taken out of the packaging, becomes clutter on their workspace. This results in an unorganized workflow where artist had to locate the next color in a pile of markers, further disrupting the creation process.
I aim to make my redesigned packaging not only serve as a storage solution, but also participate in the creation process, just like a pen holder. There are 3 goals: The markers should be easy to take out and put back, the packaging should stand on its own, and it should do that taking the least space possible, maintaining a tidy and organized workspace.
Development
In my design process, I experimented with a few approach to achieve my goal.
Expandable: designs that expands top opening, making it effortless to take and put back the markers
Retractable: the packaging retracts to expose the top of the markers for easy access
Stabilization: mechanisms that offers support at the bottom of the box
No spare parts: caps are either attached to the main box, or have a designated use/position when in use (such as a part of stabilization), to reduce clutter
The final design combines some of the approach, is a triangular box that expands sideways, with 2 caps as stabilizing pieces.
Graphics
The redesigned graphics are inspired by vintage matchboxes with beautiful lettering and illustrations. They are meant to present consumers with artworks they can potentially create with the markers, as well as showcasing the color themes. The lettering and decorative trim are made out of the brush strokes from the markers, and the illustration utilized all the colors in the set.
