PACKAGING AND MERCHANDISING DESIGN - EXERCISE 1
22/09/2025 - 29/09/2025 / WEEK 1 - WEEK 2
SHANNEN HIEW KAR YEE / 0354055
PACKAGING AND MERCHANDISING DESIGN / BACHELORS IN DESIGN (HONS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / TAYLORS UNIVERSITY
EXERCISE 1
JUMPLINKS
1. Module Information Booklet
2. Lectures
3. Exercises
4. Feedback
5. Further Reading
MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET
LECTURES
WEEK 1
- protection
- convenience
- sustainability
- communication
- marketing
WEEK 2
EXERCISE
WEEK 1
- PRODUCT: POWERBANK BOX
Functionality wise, this product is not design very well as there is no instruction at all on how to first open the box. At first when I got the package, I was figuring out on how to open the box whether if I should pull the bottom of the box or if I open it from the side. Despite the struggle, the way to open it was from the bottom of the box horizontally, just slowly let the box drop out.
Aesthetic wise, I would say that the color of the packaging is not appealing enough. Even though there is a contrast in between the color aqua and black, I believe there is more colors that are interesting to use such as black and gold. Not only that, but the typography also as well are not compatible with the content that is inside the box.
Sustainability wise, the product packaging has mixed material such as the outer box layer has a plastic coating which reduce the chance of recycling. Other than that, the company could make the packaging smaller to avoid over packaging.
MARKET RESEARCH:
In my opinion, the market of this particular brand of power bank are not as high as other brand as it lacks certain points of the packaging itself. For example, it lacks specific data and statistics that support the any claims. They could improve it by including more details of the power bank or improve the graphic of it.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
In terms of functionality, the packaging design is straightforward and well-organized, offering the power bank a safe and secure enclosure. The product slides out of the box neatly and with no effort thanks to the smooth opening from the bottom. Its sturdy design offers durability and practicality while guaranteeing that the goods won't be harmed during handling or transit.
In terms of design, the package is sleek and modern, giving a feeling of quality and professionalism. The style is visually appealing and simple to recognize because of the clean, minimalistic appearance created by the contrast between blue and black. The product appears in a flawless and secure way due to the bold text and clear image on the front that efficiently displays the important details at an instant.
When it comes to sustainability, the packaging makes use of strong materials that help maintain the product for extended use and minimize the possibility of waste from damage. It is also effective for storage and transit because to its small rectangular design, which reduces extra room and packing materials. It could become even more environmentally friendly while maintaining its original sturdiness and looks.
2. PRODUCT: SARABELLA JEWELRY BOX
The appropriate opening direction isn't shown by any cutouts such as a half circle or slot, arrows, or instructional images. Friction and Security: Based on the opening technique you describe, it appears that the compartment is either too loosely fitted causing product dropping out or the supposed sliding motion is just not smooth. This could cause user frustration and possibly result in the product being dropped or damaged when it is first opened.
The box is uninteresting on its own due to its uniform white color and lack of contrasting graphic elements such as a logo, texture, or pattern, which also fails to support the product's quality or cost.
Overpackaging or using a package that is too big for what is inside, is a waste of energy, ink, and materials. It unnecessarily expands the product's size during production, storage, and delivery. A common yet serious physical and environmental problem in current packaging.
MARKET RESEARCH:
Because it lacks certain elements of the package itself, I believe that the market for this specific jewelry brand is not as large as that of other brands. For instance, there is no design on the box because it is just a white box with a piece of ribbon tied around it. I understand that the company is attempting to maintain a minimalist design, but the jewelry's price is completely out of line with the box's high-quality design.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
In terms of functionality, this packaging makes use of a slide-out system that provides a particularly enjoyable, drawer-like unwrapping experience and adds a layer of perceived value that is frequently connected to high-end items like jewelry or technology. Although the precise opening method is less common than a pull-tab, it encourages the customer to take their time and interact carefully with the packaging, transforming the discovery into a planned reveal rather than a sudden rip.
In terms of appearance, the selection of a simple, white box offers a refined, classic canvas that allows the contents take center stage. The packaging symbolizes an appealing and modern brand by using the high contrast appeal of aqua and black to create a fresh, modern look that contrasts with traditional luxury color schemes like black and gold. Additionally, the typography is subtle and readable, guaranteeing that important product details are readable without overpowering the overall design's elegant simplicity.
In terms of sustainability, the choice of using a multi-layered structure (inner tray and outer box) naturally offers the enclosed product better protection, lowering the possibility of damage and later returns. The outer layer's plastic covering, on the other hand, guarantees improved water resistance and durability, increasing the packaging's useful life for possible reuse. Future material and shipping cost reduction is made possible by the chance to make the inner box even smaller, providing a clear route to a more sustainable redesign without forcing a total physical redesign.
TUBE
- PRODUCT: SEPHORA LIPGLOSS
In terms of functionality, the product is much larger and more substantial than a typical single lip product, which makes it more costly and more likely to break. Additionally, the length increases the pressure on the link point, increasing the possibility of breakage or leakage, particularly if the separate base piece holding the wand does not secure properly, which could result in mess and product waste.
More importantly from a design point of view, the positioning and size of the branding or labeling which are small, central, probably in a neutral tone are easily missed, letting the product take center stage while failing to establish a strong brand identity on the shelf. Although it has a strong visual appeal, the design puts form and trendiness ahead of its own unique branding, which makes it easy to confuse with similar multipurpose packaging employed by rivals.
Sustainability wise, although the design is compact in one dimension, it is overly long, which results in a higher than necessary material input per volume of product compared to a simple, single-material tube or pot, ultimately contributing to greater plastic waste.
MARKET RESEARCH:
Since it is the most reasonably priced lip product in the Sephora shop, its market is extremely desired after all. Yet, due to its design, I find it to be quite inconvenient.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
With its sleek, single-tube form, this lip butter balm's packaging is incredibly functional and provides incomparable convenience and usability. Users may easily control the amount of product and apply it directly or with their finger thanks to the squeeze tube design's simple, tight screwcap. Because of its basic simplicity, this design is very travel-friendly and portable, fitting neatly into any pocket or purse without the bulk or leakage risk that comes with multiple applicators.
In terms of appearance, this package is a brilliant example of modern, colorful simplicity that flawlessly reflects the essence of the "Summer Fridays" brand. The tube's striking, monochromatic cherry red color conveys the product's flavor characteristic right away and gives off a lively yet elegant vibe. Strong brand identification is produced by the brand name's eye-catching and unforgettable clean, vertically oriented typeface.
This package shows a thorough examination of material efficiency and possible final use choices from the point of view of sustainability. Compared to multiple materials or complex component designs, the one-material flexible tube structure greatly simplifies the recycling process, increasing the probability of acceptability in recycling streams that process plastic tubes. Because of its small and effective size, it uses less material single unit, which lowers overall resource consumption and the impact of transportation.
BOTTLE
- PRODUCT: SAUCE BOTTLE
The combination of the bottle's separate pour nozzle dispenser and its tough, fragile glass body compromise its functionality. Although the pour spout which is probably made of rubber or plastic and metal is aimed at controlling flow, it is a loose, multiple-part attachment that adds a variety of weaknesses: it must be taken apart for cleaning, which makes everyday use more difficult, and it may easily work itself loose, causing spills and mess.
The bottle's aesthetics are boring and basic, neglecting the glass's potential. It looks more like a "general-purpose container" than a branded food item because of its straightforward, transparent glass body and minimal metal spout. The tiny, rectangular label, which seems like a stand-alone sticker, is too small and awkwardly positioned to effectively communicate a powerful brand image. The label is visually poor and easily missed on a crowded shelf due to its dull color and thin script.
In terms of sustainability, the user must carefully remove and separate the metal and rubber/plastic components from the glass in order to recycle it. Most customers will skip this step, which will result in the whole thing being wrongly categorized or thrown away. The intended reusability becomes ineffective by this complex closure system, which also makes the package less sustainable than a simple, single-material cap because the spout will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
MARKET RESEARCH:
According to market study, not many people are purchasing it because of its uninteresting design and ineffective spout. Customers would want to make use of the bottle that comes with the sauces when they purchase them.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
Because of its standard shape and simple to use characteristics, the bottle design achieves good functionality. The narrow neck is ideal for regulated pouring, preventing accidental food overflow and minimizing mess, while the sturdy glass bottle offers a stable base that prevents tipping. The product's freshness and flavor integrity are maintained throughout its whole shelf life thanks to the metal screwcap's extremely dependable and secure seal.
In terms of aesthetics, this packaging is a stunning illustration of creative, product-focused design that effectively uses color and contrast to produce a visually arresting line. As a genuine and instant sense for the flavor within, the transparent glass lets the sauce's natural, vivid color shine through, making it the label's main attraction. Maximum shelf impact is guaranteed by the simple label design; the bold, readable, and consistent text forms a powerful and elegant brand block, and the eye-catching flame emblem effectively conveys the "heat" and caliber of the contents.
Glass is the major material used in the packaging, which is a really good choice from a sustainability perspective.
2. PRODUCT: MOSQUITO REPELLENT
Functionality-wise, a small, stiff yellow bottle with a wide green top over it doesn't immediately show how the product which is probably solid or powder is supposed to be distributed. The lack of a controlled pour spout or sifter increases the chance of an unintentional overdose and mess, assuming the product is shaken out. A minor barrier of security is also provided by the huge, circular green cap, which seems to be easily removed. The absence of a noticeable, sturdy locking or child-resistant mechanism is a serious functional and safety failure, causing unnecessary danger in homes with kids or pets, especially since this product is probably an insecticide or pesticide.
In terms of appearance, this visual overload makes it challenging for the customer to rapidly recognize important details, including the active substances or usage guidelines. A professional or trusted brand image is not conveyed by the inconsistent typographic usage and insufficient details organization. The aesthetic communicates a disorganized, low-budget vibe rather than clarity, which is harmful when the product is a substance that needs user confidence and caution.
This package has sustainability issues because it uses a variety of non-biodegradable plastics. The huge cap is made of a distinct kind of stiff green plastic, whereas the container itself is made of a rigid white or yellow plastic.
MARKET RESEARCH:
Due to its inconvenient use when customers desire more product to come out of the plastic packaging, this product is not at all in high demand. People consistently like spray or patch types.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
By providing a variety of specific formats, the packaging for the Mosquito Repellent Spray exceeds in functionality and enables the consumer to select the most appropriate application method for their needs, such as controlled direct application or fine mist coverage. Slips are reduced by the bottles' steady, curved shape, which makes them comfortable to hold while using.
In terms of appearance, the packaging creates a simple, reliable, and organic brand identity. The design immediately suggests natural ingredients and a mild, safe product by using a refreshing dual-tone color scheme. The bold, blue "MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY" font dominates the label for easy recognition, and the whole design is sleek and contemporary, making good use of obvious visual order.
The packaging prioritizes material efficiency and recyclability, which is a positive step from the perspective of sustainability. The basic, mainly cylindrical bottle forms use the least amount of material and are probably composed of easily recyclable, popular plastics. Importantly, the label prominently displays sustainability indicators that actively convey the brand's environmental commitment to the consumer, such as a leaf-like symbol for natural components and the circular loop for recycling.
CAN
- PRODUCT: FOOD CAN
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In terms of functionality, the product's operations are terrible. First of all, it was very difficult to grasp the screw and pull it off because it was too tight. For customers with long nails, what more can be said? In order to open it, the user would typically use a knife or other sharp item to simply grasp the screw. Furthermore, if the product is liquid, it may splash around when it is fully opened. Additionally, the lid may fall inside products, which is not very hygienic.
Because of its outdated and overly complex box design, this product lacks visual appeal. In contrast to current minimalist designs, the typeface and layout seem old-fashioned, and the red, green, and yellow color scheme looks unbalanced and cluttered. When opened, the metal interior and corn contents do not blend in with the exterior design, and the overall presentation prioritizes functionality over aesthetics.
This product is not sustainable since it makes use of a metal can with a printed label, which is made and recycled using a lot of energy and resources. If not properly recycled, the disposable, non-biodegradable packaging adds to garbage.
MARKET RESEARCH:
Since it is a well-known food brand in Malaysia, this product is actually in high demand, even though its functionality and overall quality may not be that outstanding.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS:
The product functions really well in terms of functionality. The glass jar is simple to hold and open, and it has a tight seal that preserves the freshness of its contents. The product stays safe and hygienic since the screw-on lid is securely fastened to stop spills and leaks. Furthermore, users can easily recognize the flavor and verify the freshness of the contents without opening the jar because to the glass's transparency.
The product has a modern and eye-catching design. It has a chic and modern appearance that makes it stand out on the shelf thanks to the strong font, simple layout, and brilliant colors. The product's natural ingredients are highlighted by the appealing contrast created by the use of colorful labels and clear glass. Overall, the design strikes the ideal mix between function and beauty.
Instead of using disposable plastic, this product uses a glass jar that can be reused and recycled, making it sustainable. Glass is non-toxic, durable, and reusable for a variety of everyday applications. This packaging is an environmentally responsible and eco-friendly option because it uses less plastic in the lid and paper label.
FEEDBACK
WEEK 1
- This week there was no feedback since it was just the beginning of class.
WEEK 2
- We had no classes this week.
REFLECTION
EXPERIENCE
- This week class was just an introduction to our module so it wasn't very stressful on me. It was interesting when Mr. Shamsul showed us different variety of boxes and the uses and functionality of all the boxes.
OBSERVATION
- I noticed that the classroom atmosphere was friendly and interesting during the first week of instruction. Students were eager to participate, and the lecturer provided a clear explanation of the course program. Everyone was able to adapt and feel more at ease in the class, and the semester got off to a strong start.
FINDINGS
- Apparently, from what I learned in this class was that boxes are not created just for a simple thought of packaging. It has a lot more purposes than i thought it has. Company also don't just create boxes out of their liking, they have to go through a lot of processes that either might lead to a successful one or a failure.
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