Project Overview
For this project, I was tasked with designing and producing a physical package prototype that solves a common problem with an existing product:
honey stick candies.
The typical packaging for these candies is often just a plastic case or a Ziploc bag, which fails to offer a practical or aesthetically pleasing solution for storing and accessing the individual sticks. My goal was to create a package that not only keeps the honey sticks organized and easily accessible but also looks elegant enough to be displayed on a desk or counter.
Problem Statement:
The existing packaging options for honey stick candies are inconvenient and uninspiring. The candies often end up scattered at the bottom of a drawer, making them difficult to find and access. Additionally, the packaging is usually made of non-recyclable plastic, contributing to environmental waste. The challenge was to create a solution that would address these issues while also being environmentally friendly.
The Solution:
I designed a package that features a hexagonal external box with interior drawers to hold the honey sticks. Each drawer can hold a different flavor of honey, making it easy to organize and access the candies. The external box is made of plastic, which can be repurposed as a flower vase between refills, while the interior drawers are made of recyclable cardboard. The drawers are refillable, reducing the need for single-use materials and promoting sustainability.
Market Research & Target Audience
In conducting market research for this project, I examined existing packaging solutions for honey sticks and similar products, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact. I observed that most brands prioritize practicality but often neglect the visual appeal and sustainability of their packaging, typically using plastic cases or Ziploc bags. These options do not offer an attractive presentation or eco-friendly choice.
In addition, I explored various geometric designs and found that the hexagonal shape offers several advantages. The hexagonal design maximizes storage efficiency, making it ideal for shelving, as the boxes can fit together with minimal wasted space. This shape not only enhances the product’s display but also optimizes storage both in retail settings and at home.
These insights guided my decision to create a packaging solution that is not only practical and elegant but also environmentally conscious and shelf-friendly. By integrating these elements, I aimed to elevate the honey stick experience into something more refined and functional, appealing to both consumers and retailers.
The target audience:
Eco-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who prioritize sustainability and are looking for products with minimal environmental impact. They would appreciate the use of recyclable materials and the refillable design of the packaging.
Health-Conscious Snackers: People who enjoy natural, wholesome snacks like honey sticks and are interested in trying different flavors in an organized, convenient package.
Design Enthusiasts: Consumers who value aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.
The elegant hexagonal packaging that doubles as a decorative item would appeal to those who appreciate form as much as function.
Office Workers and Students: Individuals who keep snacks at their desks or study spaces and would appreciate a product that is easy to store, access, and looks good on display.
Gift Shoppers: Those looking for unique, thoughtful gifts that combine beauty, practicality, and sustainability. The Mx Honey packaging could be seen as an attractive gift item.
Retailers and Boutique Shops: Small retailers or boutique shops that focus on high-quality, unique products would likely be interested in stocking Mx Honey, especially given its eye-catching design and shelf-friendly packaging.
Developing the Brand Identity & Logo Design
Brand Values:
Simplistic: The design is clean and minimal, focusing on essential elements without unnecessary embellishments.
Luxurious: The use of gold accents and sophisticated materials communicates a sense of luxury and quality.
Gender-Neutral: The brand embraces inclusivity, avoiding traditional gendered representations and using "Mx" as a symbol of neutrality.
Patterns and Motifs:
Hexagons: Inspired by honeycombs, these patterns are a key visual element, reinforcing the connection to bees and the natural origin of the product.
Honey Dipper Tips: These are used as handles on the packaging, adding both functionality and thematic consistency.
Packaging Design:
The hexagonal box design is not only visually appealing but also practical for storage on shelves. The combination of glossy and matte black with honey gold accents creates a luxurious and modern look.
The handles, shaped like honey dipper tips, add a unique touch, making the packaging both functional and stylish.
Logo Design:
The logo features a geometrically designed bee, symbolizing the brand’s connection to nature and its modern, structured approach to design.
"Mx" in the brand name signifies gender neutrality, breaking away from traditional gendered associations with bees.
Color Palette:
Honey Gold:
Represents the richness and warmth of honey, adding a luxurious touch to the packaging.
Glossy Black:
Used for a sleek, high-gloss finish that contrasts beautifully with the gold accents.
Matte Black:
Provides a sophisticated, understated background that enhances the product's premium feel.
Typography:
PF Market Display (Bold): Chosen for the logo, this typeface is bold and impactful, perfectly complementing the geometric bee design.
PT Sans: Used for non-decorative type, ensuring readability and maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
Helvetica: Used for the nutrition label, complying with industry requirements while keeping the design consistent.
The Process
Template Prototyping:
Materials: Printer Paper
I began by sketching a visual concept in Illustrator and creating a test template for the hexagonal container and interior drawers. The original design featured seven smaller hexagonal drawers inside a larger hexagonal box. However, I encountered an issue with the drawers' orientation, as they sat on their pointed edges, making it difficult to design a functional opening. This led me to revise the design, positioning the drawers on their flat edges and reducing the number to two.
First Printed Draft:
Materials: Cardstock Paper
In this stage, I incorporated the first version of my logo into the interior linings for added visual interest. This process helped me determine which surfaces needed specific designs and colors. However, I faced challenges with scaling both the interior and exterior packages to ensure the drawers fit correctly. An accidental 'fit to page' setting during printing resulted in mismatched sizes, preventing the drawers from fitting inside the outer box.
Finalized Template:
Materials: Cardstock Paper
I refined the design by updating the interior pattern with the finalized logo and reducing the drawer notches by 75%. Due to limited access to laser printers and large-format cardstock, I had to produce my prototype at 40% scale. This limitation affected the fit of the product and the handles intended for the drawers.
Reflection & Learning
This project taught me the importance of adaptability in design. Initially, I aimed to use shiny gold foil for a luxurious look, but printing limitations required me to switch to a golden yellow. However, I discovered that combining matte and glossy black printing could create a sleek, carbon fiber effect, maintaining the high-end feel.
Another challenge was the size of the cardstock available, which forced me to work at a smaller scale. This limitation made certain design elements, like the honey dipper handles, impractically large and led to their removal from the final prototype.
Overall, this experience emphasized the need for flexibility and creative problem-solving, ensuring that I can balance design vision with production realities in future projects.