Packaging and Merchandising Design - Project 1

21.4.25 - 27.7.25  / Week 1 -  Week 14

Packaging and Merchandising Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Aliah Farhana Binti Mohd Fauzi / 0357957

Project 1 - Custom Boxes for Non-Boxed Items

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INSTRUCTION

Module Information Booklet

Designing Custom Boxes for

Non-Boxed Items:

The objective of this assignment is to develop your skills in creating custom packaging solutions for items that do not come in traditional box packaging. By the end of this assignment, you should be able to demonstrate your ability to design functional, creative, and visually appealing boxes that enhance the packaging and presentation of non-boxed items.

Task Description:

Item Selection: Choose two non-boxed items from your daily surroundings. The size of the item is between 15cm to 20cm. These items should not come in traditional box packaging but should be relatively small in size (e.g., a mug, a book, a pair of sunglasses, a candle, etc.).

Justification: Provide a brief justification for your selection of these items, explaining why custom box packaging would enhance their presentation and functionality.

Box Design

Box Structure: Create detailed diagrams or sketches of the box structure for each item, including dimensions, flap designs, and closure mechanisms. Ensure that the proposed box is functional and secure.

Prototype: 

Create physical prototypes of the custom boxes for both selected items. You can use cardboard or other suitable materials to bring your designs to life.

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CHOSEN ITEMS

Figure 1.1 Chosen item #1

Figure 1.2 Chosen item #2

After a consultation with Sir Shamsul, he has personally approved for my products as it has fulfilled the requirement. I've chosen these items because I want to create an attractive and suitable box for them. I believe that a well-designed box can enhance the overall appeal of a product.

SKETCHES

As per instructions from sir, we were told to sketch at least 2 sketches per item thus these are my sketches:

Sketches for Figure 1.2 

Figure 1.3 #1 Sketch

Figure 1.4 #2 Sketch

Figure 1.5 #3 Sketch

Sketches for Figure 1.1

Figure 1.6 #1 Sketch

Figure 1.7 #2 Sketch

Figure 1.8 #3 Sketch

Figure 1.9 #4 Sketch

After a feedback session with Sir, he expressed that he liked the concept shown in Figure 1.4. However, he suggested that I use a white box instead of the standard color, as it would give a more luxurious appearance. For the hand cream products, he approved both Figure 1.6 and Figure 1.9, leaving the final choice up to me.

Although I initially planned to use the design from Figure 1.9 for the hand cream (item #1), I encountered challenges with the mockup. Therefore, I decided to proceed with Figure 1.6 instead. To continue with the mockup, I had to change the template so I could experiment and adapt the design more effectively.

Figure 1.10 Revised version for (Figure 1.6)

MOCKUP

Figure 2.1 Process mockup for (Figure 1.2)

Figure 2.2 Mockup for (Figure 1.2)

Figure 2.3 Mockup for (Figure 1.2) from top view

Figure 2.4 Mockup for (Figure 1.1)

DIE-CUT LINE 

Figure 3.1 Die-cut in illustrator for Figure 1.2, PDF 

Figure 3.2 Die-cut in illustrator for Figure 1.1, PDF 

LASER CUT PROCESS

Figure 3.3 Laser cut process at Block E, Laser cut Lab

https://youtube.com/shorts/xPLFOvoHFy8

This was the video I recorded as the staff were explaining on how the laser cutting works in order for me to remember the steps to do it alone. 

FINAL PRODUCT

HAND CREAM BOX

Video Box Opening

BEAUTY PRODUCT BOX

Video Box Opening 

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FEEDBACKS

Week 4 - After showing my items to Sir, he mentioned that the measurements didn't meet the required length of 15cm to 20cm. So, I asked if it would be acceptable to pair the compact powder with some brushes. For the hand cream, I proposed adding two more of the same brand to meet the size requirements.

Then sir agreed and asked me to proceed with the mockup as well as make a die-cut line for the box in illustrator.

Week 5 -After presenting my first mockup for the beauty product, Sir suggested a few ideas to help prevent the items inside the box from moving. He also asked me to consider several other aspects related to the suggestions he provided. Mr. Shamsul also asked me to add some soft elements for my hand cream box as the hand cream itself has soft and cute elements to it and it doesn't match with my current rigid looking box.

Week 6 - In this week's class, I presented both my mockups and die-cut line. Sir mentioned that the mockups were all good. As for the die-cut, I asked him to take a look, and Mr. Shamsul helped me improve it by teaching me some shortcuts to make the process easier.

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REFLECTIONS

Throughout the process of working on this packaging design project, I have gained several insights through findings, observations, and personal experiences that have contributed to my development as a design student.

Findings:
One of the key things I discovered is the importance of accurate measurements and functionality, especially when designing a real-life product. At first, my items did not meet the required length of 15 to 20 cm, which led me to think creatively about how to combine products to meet the size requirement. I learned that packaging design is not only about visual appeal but also about meeting practical needs.

Observations:
From my observations during class and through the feedback I received from Sir and Mr. Shamsul, I realized how much small details can influence the outcome. For instance, ensuring that the items inside the box do not move is essential, and creating precise die-cut lines plays a major role in the overall structure. I also observed how my classmates approached their designs, which gave me new perspectives on solving design challenges.

Experience:
This project taught me the value of patience and persistence. Creating the mockups and the final product took a lot of time and effort. There were moments when my initial attempts failed, and I had to go back, review what went wrong, and improve my work. Although it was frustrating at times, this process helped me understand that trial and error is a normal part of design. I also appreciated the support from my lecturers, especially when Mr. Shamsul showed me helpful shortcuts to improve my die-cut layout more efficiently.

Overall, the journey of developing my packaging design has been a rewarding experience. It reminded me that every polished final product requires a thoughtful process filled with learning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.