Project Proposal and Weekly Plan

My integrative project is to develop sustainable packaging. Firstly, I plan to utilize paper material, since it is easily recycled and doesn’t require as much energy needed in extraction as plastics or metals. Secondly, I want to focus on user interaction with the package. My initial idea was combining these aspects into transformable packaging that can be re-folded into a new object. It relates to sustainable material use due to the ‘second-life’ the package receives. Beginning with a container, such as a simple cube, and adding perforations, instructions, and fold-scores, it can transform into a functional form through the user. 'HangerPak' by Steve Haslip inspired me to imagine transformable packaging designs. The clothing package has illustrated instructions on its flat side. After folding, the container becomes a hanger for the previously enclosed clothes. This piece struck me because it the physical interaction with the package extended the usual waste into something functional. This type of project holds potential for audience because it opens the availability of make-able items to under-resourced environments, such as schools. I expect to see my final project functioning in the world.

My design would serve for behavioral adaption, if not by the user, by the package to already existing waste habits. Even though reusable containers are more sustainable than recyclable packaging, the instituted behavior is ‘quick, grab-and-go’. So, would anyone take the time to fold something? The user engages with the form’s structure, feels excitement, and senses accomplishment through creating. The challenge is to find a way to incorporate both material and interaction while keeping interest.

I will explore various packaging issues until I reach an interesting and innovative topic. Cardstock, coated papers, and blades are the envisioned materials. I plan to pay from job-money or from grant-money.

Sources and References

The Packaging and Design Templates Sourcebook

            Luke Herriott

Design Matters Packaging

            Capsule

World Changing: A User’s Guide to the 21^st Century

            Harry Abrams

Emotional Design

            Donald A. Norman

Designing Sustainable Packaging

            Scott Boylston

‘HangarPak’ by Steve Haslip

Tetra Pak (company)

Easter egg-dye kits (perforations turn box into egg holder)

 

Week of

Oct 17: Create more small projects for different packaging design issues.

Oct 24: Hone in on an idea and research, do prototypes

Oct 31: Continue on prototypes

Nov 7: Write and Submit grant application

Nov 14: Material exploration

Nov 21: Refine prototypes in material

Nov 28: Prep for materials due

Dec 5: Materials due

Dec 12: Prepare and present work

Dec 19: Next stages of developing the form

Dec 26: Christmas break

Jan 2: Start “branding” ideas

Jan 9: Develop logo and color variations

Jan 16: Bring into the outside world to get feedback

Jan 23: Interviews and observation

Jan 30: Refine after seeing the design issues

Feb 6: More observations/ interviews.

Feb 13: Develop graphics in relation to form

Feb 20: Implement in the ‘real-world’

Feb 27: Gather reactions

Mar 5: Continue to refine

Mar 12: Create final proposal

Mar 19: Final production

Mar 26: Final production

Apr 2: Work due to gallery installers

Apr 9: Prepare for gallery exhibition, contact information on cards, invites

Apr 16: Write thesis and submit

Apr 23: Done