Thursday, 4 December 2014

Gdes3003 Thu Group - Prototypes & Feedback

A wider selection still of prototypes or 'proof of concepts' from our thursday Green Design students. Here a selection of various types of solution plus individual student thinking notes..

Ian Cotterill

What materials will your prototype be likely to use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

I would use sturdy card for my design, which would be thick enough not to warp in shape so much, but still retain some flexibility in how it’s used. This could help me make my box strong enough to hold six bottles and sturdy enough to hold together. The flexibility of the card would help put the side of the packaging into the proper shape.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date?

There has been similar packaging used for carrying bottles, particularly used in shops like the Co-Op. The basis of this design I think is very good, and my idea is to experiment with its shape to try and put some branding into its design, as well as make it more noticeable and appealing to customers.

Does your prototype have the potential to be re-used, re-cycled, returned or composted?

The point of my design is to have it reusable for carrying bottles, in the same way that supermarkets distribute reusable bags. This would cut down on the amount of card used to make the boxes.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

To establish that the box can be constructed using only card, with no glue or tape used at all. I also wanted to see if the box can be made into the shape of a bowler hat, which would act as free advertising for Hobson’s Brewery.​


(Andy comment)
I think the shape of the Hobson's Hat carrier is quite a unique idea here Ian and certainly stands out.. As we discussed in the learning team, I think you've got to decide on a clear second use though - either bottle carrier or more recipe-oriented. I recommend (if you haven't already) looking into FSC board and papers as these (a bit like the National Trust idea shown) could help make your idea a more rounded sustainable packaging solution.. A bold design though Ian and clear that you've spent time planning and executing it to date - good.

Carl Bagnall

What material(s) will your prototype likely use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

My packaging prototype will most likely be created out of a thin cardboard. This material is strong, lightweight and is easily recyclable.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date – please give an example.

My design is based of a variety of bottle containers that are available in some supermarkets, although I would say main inspiration comes from Maximus Brouwerij's portfolio piece 'Stout 8'.

Does your prototype(s) have a potential re-use or might they be recycled or returned in some way or possibly even composted?

My prototype has a re-usable aspect to it. The inside of the packaging contains a map which outlines the locations of Hobson's Pubs in the worcestershire area, these maps come directly from Hobson's 'walking with offa' series of PDF's used to direct walkers through various routes alongside pubs.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

The key ideas of my prototype is to use the least amount of materials possible (one sheet of cardboard). Once the customer has invested into the Hobson's brand by buying the package they are invited to discover more Hobson products while also discovering more about the local area. It really tries to push the emotional investment with the local area and brewery. Hobson's have created 12 local walks which also pushes the consumer to buy more in order to get another map.

The packaging could also have a link to the digital world with a proposed 'ale vs cider' campaign. The idea being that the votes would be counted by the amount of cider/ale is sold in a 3 month period as well as the likes/members of an ale or cider Facebook page. Proposing the question "which is your favourite?" could create a fun and competitive campaign which would hopefully increase sales if the public is 'voting with their wallets' while encouraging photo/video sharing online.


(Andy Comment)
A simple container solution here Carl but I really like the additional idea of pub walks integration. Getting people outdoors and offering some different perspectives within the region etc.. It would also assist folks in getting out there to small pubs - many of which Hobson's/Oldfields are keen to support and who already supply their beers and ciders.. Linking a social media aspect to this too would/could potentially make it a lovely rounded 'value-added' set of ideas.. You weren't 100% sure of the container materials when we spoke in the learning team though so I suggest further research into FSC boards etc and (in an ideal world) get more from the video talk from 2012 on this blog from Robert Horne papers too..

Hannah Beattie


What materials will your prototype be likely to use and why are these ideal/ appropriate ?

-I have chosen to work with natural materials like cotton, hessian or hemp because they are 100% biodegradable.

-For the dividers I will either use one of these fabrics or cardboard.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date ?

Within my research their has been a few packaging designs that have influenced my design but none are really related to beer or cider packaging it is more the use of materials.

Does your prototype have the potential to be re- used. recycled, returned or composted?


The bag can be reused, recycled and retuned to composted and does hopefully have a long second life.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype ?

-Thinking about the future – tax on bag law to be implemented in 2015 (in England) people are more likely to buy a bag than a box.

- Reusable for a male and female audience, could be reused as a bottle bag but also a food shopping bag (removable separators)

-Separators also have recipes on them.

- Bottle caps can be collected for a prize.

- The handle is the bowler hat logo for oldfields an Hobsons.


(Andy Comment)
I think the bag idea is a good one Hannah, a few folks have gone that direction in some way or another on this module and it was one of the potential options mentioned on the brief too. It may mean that you drift over the planned '£1 per item' on the brief - but I think Oldfields/Hobsons are keen to hear all and any ideas in this area at present and are willing to listen if an idea may cost a little more  - but does then offer a wider set of 'value-added' elements. Some suggestions made at learning team discussions and I think we also wondered if the separators could be the recipe ideas/how you might achieve this etc.. Some idea on costing for research/report purposes would be additionally helpful too..

Jasmine W

What materials will your prototype likely use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

The cylindrical containers are intended to be made from biodegradable plastic as it is strong and provides a watertight barrier for the liquid to sit in when it is poured. The handle and additional support will be constructed from recycled cardboard as it is strong, readily available and abundant, whilst furthermore allowing me to print the appropriate pieces of information on it.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date - please give an example.

There are 2 main secondary use examples I have researched that have influenced my project these are...

1) The Revelry Wines Packaging = The wine isn't stored in a bottle, it is instead stored in a cylindrical container that acts as a cask, you pour the wine directly from it and into your glass.

2) The Recycle Bols Genever Packaging = Where the tops of spirit bottles are cut off to make unique glasses for bars.

Does your prototypes have a potential re-use or might they be recycled or returned in some way or possibly even composted?

The majority of the packaging has a re-use, the cylindrical containers can be re-used by the consumers as glasses to drink from. Additionally, the cardboard that surrounds parts of the containers for the handle and support can be recycled by planting it thus enabling the seeds to grow...a promotional campaign illustrating that their alcoholic beverages can furthermore be cooked with/enjoyed with a meal.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

Each individual bottle sits within it's own cylindrical container made from a biodegradable plastic, (these act as 1 glass per bottle, you simply take the lid off the container, remove the bottle, pour the drink into it and enjoy) the tops of these are fused together like yoghurt pots providing a primary strength. Impregnated cardboard strips bow round all 6 containers (joined by interlocking tabs and minimal glue) creating additional support whilst enabling them to be carried with a handle. When you no longer need the handle/cardboard support you simply remove it and plant it in your garden so that the impregnated seeds can grow.


(Andy Comment)
Really like this set of ideas here Jasmine. It's a clever re-use strategy with the cups - we also mentioned tying these in with what might be commercially available too - i.e. from the likes of London Bio Packs or poss Biopac in Evesham.. The chord that ties the packs together being seed-impregnated papers is a master-stroke too as is the way you've created a bespoke website tied-into the 'seeds of change' idea.. Some lovely conceptual ideas here Jasmine that truly push the bounds in terms of primary and secondary uses and 'value-added' facilities.. Good work to date..

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Gdes3003 Weds Group - Prototypes & Feedback

Initial few samples of the very rough 3D prototypes or 'proof of concepts' from the Gdes3003 Green Design weds group. A huge thanks again to Alison of Oldfields/Hobsons for coming along to talk to each student and add further comments in learning teams.

(Andy Comment)
Great that Alison from Oldfields could come along to see prototype work ongoing.. I think she was really pleasantly surprised at the depth of thinking that some had started to go to re both materials/packs/2nd lives and even linked marketing and social media strategies too..

Lauren Mills


What material(s) will your prototype likely use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

The packaging prototype will be using cardboard as a form of material using tabs and slots to enable the design to be completely glue-less. This material has been chosen as it is one of the most popular materials for packaging to date. Cardboard will also be most suitable as it is quite a versatile material and enables the use of various printing techniques along with being a reliable and generally environmentally friendly/ recyclable material which was a specific requirement in the brief.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date – please give an example.

The design was influenced by other packaging designs I had viewed in supermarkets I found these to be a very basic holding system so my idea enhances this to make a much more secure form of transporting the required amount of goods.

Does your prototype(s) have a potential re-use or might they be recycled or returned in some way or possibly even composted?

The packaging design will form a second use of photo booth items these will be used for fun as well as enabling a promotional campaign allowing consumers to take photographs using the items provided then upload them to social media. This could also be linked to a chance to win/enter a competition linked to the brand. The cardboard from both the packaging and second use items will then be able to be recycled.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

The packaging design is created from only one sheet of card coming together to form a box style carrier including built-in handles and an abstract design forming its own style of window. Its second use is interactive and brings awareness to the brand.


(Andy Comment)
 A really clever use of one piece of card to achieve a unique-looking box. It seems a stable and strong construction, lockable, glueless and I particularly like the way you've worked it so that there is a triangular 'window' when assembled to still show the bottles inside to some extent - and without extra costly die-cuts etc involved.. You additional master stroke is the social media linked marketing strategy with the specs, moustache etc - clever, based on precedents that you personally have seen in action etc.. Some fine-tuning of how this might all work and how the exterior design elements may look on the box ultimately - but some really good ideas ongoing here Lauren, keep up the good work..

Luma de Oliveira

What materials will your prototype be likely to use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

- Jute: It’s 100% biodegradable. It doesn’t need pesticides or fertilizers to grow. 3-4 years life span.
- Minimal amount of  Recycled cardboard
- Raffia

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date.

These two examples have influenced my thinking because they have clear second use and are sustainable approaches.

Does your prototype have the potential to be re-used, re-cycled, returned or composted?

Re-use:
- Bag: shopping, transporting things,etc.
- Recipe: People can prepare a two meal using the recipe given with the box

Return:
People can return a token in order to win a Hobsons/Oldfields recipe ring binder

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

Packaging is made out of:

Bag: where the bottles are going to be stored
Cardboard base: Will sit on the bottom of the bag to give the bag a sturdy base. This will also be where the recipe will be written.

Rafia: Will sit amongst the bottles to avoid breakage.
Bag tag: where the product info will be as well as the token.

Pros:
- Appealing to the female public.
- Jute is sturdy and will bear the weight of the 6 bottles.
- Jute bags are reusable: people could use them at the shops instead of having plastic bags, or for other purposes.
- By using the bags elsewhere the Hobsons logo would be travelling around and other people would be seeing it (free marketing)
- Recipe will encourage food matching, and it would also have a QR code that will lead to a special responsive page about food matching.
- Recipe will also have a "don't keep it under your hat" section where people could share a picture of the meal they prepared using the product on Facebook. A prize will be given to the winning picture every month.
- Token will reward and encourage loyalty.


(Andy Comment)
We talked about this while in the learning teams but yours is another idea that has been well thought through and researched to date here Luma.. While this may come in slightly over the £1 per pack threshold it does seem to deliver a range of added benefits - including food-related/food-matching (as Oldfields have already indicated is very much an interest of theirs) and you mention a bottle top idea too which could link with folders etc.. Interestingly you've taken on board Alison's comment too at the initial briefing and have conciously thought about getting the female market more integrated and involved in this strategy.. Some good thinking and with further refinement these ideas show much potential..

Katy Bradley

What materials will your prototype be likely to use and why are these ideal/appropriate?

I have used on want to use a sturdy type of card, corrugated or multiple layers. For my idea I need to have a strong bases for my design purely because of how the bottles are kept within the product. So a strong card material.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date?

Influences for this design aren’t strong, I found a few existing products in the beginning that displayed hanging bottles, but they where for things like alco-pops and nonalcoholic beverages. So I like to think my design, as a whole is unique, but with products loosely linked to my idea it proves it is a tried and tested idea with usability.

Does your prototype have the potential to be re-used, re-cycled, returned or composted?


Being made of card it is widely recycled and easy to get hold of and as for a second use this design has a unique one. It can be turned into a musical instrument, with the hanging bottles you can fill with water once done and tap on them with the supplied soft-ended drumstick!!

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype?

Strong packaging ideas offered the main ideas to my design; I wanted to use the structures of designs that could withstand a lot of weight during various stages of use. I was also influence strongly by the idea of something being individual and simplistic, these ideas came from some American based design students who had either won or come runner up in the American design award.


(Andy Comment)
I think both Alison and I thought there was a lot of humour involved in this idea Katy - quirky, humourous and (practically) it uses less materials, little or no glue and still brings in the ref to the Hobson's Hat quite overtly with the holder section.. It took me a moment to grasp the linked marketing/social media ideas but now I look at them I think they could well hold much potential as a viral social media concept.. The idea of using the empty bottles as a musical instrument that is played with an item supplied (or maybe even a pencil to hand?).. Quirky and holds potential to make a unique campaign here. Some further refinements re materials I think - i.e. research into FSC materials and biodegradability etc maybe.. Various suggestions made this week in discussions to help take the idea further though but at this stage I think it hold much potential - good work..

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Gdes3003 National Trust 'Inside Out' Packaging

A lovely little example of packaging that has both a 'primary' and (numerous) 'secondary' uses.. It's main use is as a child's meal box holder in National Trust (NT) cafes.. 

Made from FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) - approved board from a mix of recycled and well-managed sustainable sources.. Uses little or no glue to achieve this.

It has a range of secondary uses:

1. The pack can be taken apart and reassembled as a dice to help choose which of NT's "50 Things Before You're 11 3/4" activities you might do first (many of these are explained on both the inside and outside of the pack).
2. The inside of the pack is printed on in black and had imagery to colour-in.
3. The inside of the box also explains how to grow the cress seeds (come free with the box) can be grown and allows the child to cut-out seed markers for the garden so you know where it's planted.
4. You can cut out part of the inner box and it acts as a postcard with tick boxs to send back to the NT with details of what activities you've done.
5. The outside of the pack also has a 'bug biscuits recipe' and colouring-in section.
6. Also on the pack's outside you'll see a 'tree spotter' game for the ID of different trees..

Plus various other activities within their "50 Things" scheme.






Friday, 7 November 2014

Gdes3003 Module Visit, Lecture & Workshop At The Centre for Alternative Technology - 2014

We had a busy afternoon over at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) recently for the Gdes3003 Green Design cohorts. Students took part in a lecture around 'Zero Carbon Britain' which is CAT's latest research into how we might de-carbonize our economy. Students also took part in linked workshops which allowed them to think further and make some of their own decisions about the importance of some of the issues raised in the lectures. This all took place within the amazing Sheppard Lecture Theatre - which is the largest rammed-earth structure in Europe. It's a fantastic building and quite an awe-inspiring place to undertake talks and workshops.. 

I've put some images of the day's various activities below and have also placed some quotes from students taken via audio interviews on the coach on the way back to Worcester.
"It (the lecture) was broad in nature - but I think much of the information was transferable and I'll be bearing some of it in mind when I’m thinking about my further packaging ideas."
The cohorts on the way over to CAT in the morning.
"I’d not been to anywhere like (CAT) before. I loved the mud-walled lecture theatre and the way it was heated and cooled like that with the big doors and ceiling vents – it was a really good experience.." 
Students undertake workshops around what they feel is important
for a sustainable future.
"With (the concept of) 'Zero Carbon Britain' I really do think it’s achievable - but I think it’s only going to be possible by getting politicians to pull their fingers out – it won’t happen without new legislation.. There’s only so much individuals can do really.."
The Sheppard lecture theatre's rammed-earth walls..
"I’m always in support of getting out of the classroom to see new things."
A mix of graphics and sustainability elective module students
work through workshop tasks along with design lecturer Andy Stevenson.
"Going out, seeing other things and how they do things at CAT was really positive. I wonder if we could do something there that allowed us a couple of days on site maybe – instead of just the afternoon – that would be even better - there's so much to see."
Student listen to Ann's lecture around their 'Zero Carbon Britian'
research findings.
"I haven’t been anywhere like (CAT) before, I was really looking forwards to going as I find all that eco stuff really interesting. The way (Ann) showed all the info and graphs were really good too. It brings the stats alive into a way you can understand it, it was great, I love learning."
An interior shot of the WISE building at CAT
(Wales Institute for Sustainable Education).
"I found the visit and lecture really interesting, a lot of people talk about sustainability and low impact living but CAT seems to actually ‘do it’. I thought their ethics were really interesting too – not taking funding from big business or being biased or in anyone’s pockets."
Zero Carbon Britain and it's effects on future food production
and our own consumption.
"The idea of CAT and what they do is great – they should do more of these around the world. I really liked the lecture theatre made of mud in particular. Having the infographics and graphs made it all a bit more eye opening too – I’m a visual learner!"


Hearty food from CAT's vegetarian restaurant on site.
"I’d been there as a child - but even though I’d been before, it was still interesting to look around all the exhibits.. I felt that Ann's lecture expanded nicely on issues we’d started to discuss in some of our sessions - especially ZCB. Plenty to see and do there.."
Another group of students work through tasks set on the back of the 
Zero Carbon Britain talks.
"I really liked CAT and the architecture there. It was good that we had a mix of lecture and workshops – it broke up the afternoon well."
A close-up of some of the 'issues' students were asked
to 'rank' in order of importance.
"CAT was really different – I’d never been anywhere like that before – really interesting.."


Ann and Andy talk about sustainability in the round -
Andy discusses second uses, closed cycles etc with the Hobsons' brief.


Students walk around one of the various exhibitions on site.


Students were set a documentary task on site
to put on their own journal/research blogs.


Some of this year's group on site with the nearby Welsh hills in the backdrop.

Friday, 24 October 2014

Gdes3003 Student Visit to The Worcester Resource Exchange

Pictures from today's visit to the Worcester Resource Exchange for Green Design students. Kate who manages the (WRE) was kind enough to give us all a guided tour and intro talk so that students could see the array of materials here - both post industrial boards and papers - as well as art materials too. We've visited the WRE each year and it's common for students to use their materials in either part-developed mockups or their final artifacts when working on sustainable design/packaging projects. Many thanks again Kate! :)

Kate's so-called 'secret place' where all of the materials not
on public display are based.

One of the students looks through the many materials on offer.

WRE manager Kate talks about some of the boards and papers
they have on site.

WRE have a large range of food containers from post
industrial sources.

Kate demonstrates further materials and their possible uses.

Some of the art materials available at the store too.

Many of the books on site tally with those on the
module's bibliography.

Showing further art materials on site.

More materials - including a vast array of old maps!
I could have stayed much longer (tutor)!

Monday, 20 October 2014

Oldfields Orchard Project - Q&A Post

This post will stay online as a basic facility for you to ask questions of your client (Alison Chadwick) at Oldfields Orchard Cider (Hobsons Brewery, Cleobury Mortimer). While we don't give out direct contacts with our clients ordinarily, Alison will try to check this (as will the tutor) on a once-weekly basis to see what questions arise. Some are normally easy to answer by the tutor - but some will be more specific and best answered by Alison in relation to this brief.

N.B. This post will remain 'live' for the duration of the project, please 'bookmark' this post's link so that you can easily go back to it to add further Q's as needed (as new posts supercede it on the blog).

Questions as 'comments'
Please post your Q's as 'comments' at the bottom of the post by clicking 'Comments' and then typing in the box that will appear. Then follow any instructions it asks you for validation (to check that you're a human being and not a software thing randomly posting comments to blogs). It's possibly easiest to post as 'anonymous' (or) you can use your Google log-in if you have one too.

Format
If you can post in the following format then this will make it easier to reply to:

- Your name
- Your Question

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

GDES3003: Client Meeting With Hobsons Brewery/Oldfields Orchard Cider

Cider product manager Alison Chadwick from Oldfields Orchard Cider (Hobsons Brewery) and independent packaging consultant Simon Harris came to help deliver this year's sustainable packaging brief. 

From left: Simon, tutor Andy, student Liam (in bowler hat) and Alison.

The brief is essentially to research, develop and design working creative concepts to redefine their existing 6x bottle carrying packs. These packs need to be flexible so they can carry a mix of either cider or beer bottles. Students were asked to work within the company's branding guidelines and colourschemes but to arrive at 'blue sky' thinking solutions to a sustainable packaging re design.. Their packagers presently use standard systems which incorporate (some) glueing but are very keen to look at what can be done with other materials and formats along with little or no glue use and sustainable inks. Each pack is required to have a clear re-use after it has delivered and protected the bottles to their destination..

Hobsons Brewery prides itself on being a sustainable business - having strong commitments to both the local sourcing of materials and ingredients. In addition, they're part-powered at the brewery by their own wind turbine on site so they generate their own energy too. Cider Product Manager Alison explained in relation to the brief: “Sustainable packaging is a great fit with our ethos at Hobsons and we are really looking forward to hearing the students’ ideas about how we can encourage re-use of our gift packs after the beer and cider has been enjoyed. We are keen to develop the ideas hand in hand with the students and feel that we will benefit as much as they will from the whole process”. Alison also added that this brief is both wholly real and professional-level and one that they would ordinarily give out to their own designers.. 

Senior Lecturer in Design Andy Stevenson added "I'm really excited about the link with Hobsons Brewery and Oldfields Orchard Cider. As Alison says, it's both a 'live' and entirely realistic sustainable packaging project, which is fantastic for the students to be part of. With luck our guys will get both some further experience working with 'live' clients's wants - as well as the opportunity to design some unique, funky and creative sustainable packaging solutions that can potentially go in their portfolios too."

One or more of the successful student designs may be taken further forwards by Hobsons/Oldfields Orchard if they like the ideas produced eventually. If so, then that student (or students) will be offered the opportunity of being involved in that further process should they wish. Design student Lauren Mills who is working on the brief said "I’m really delighted to be working on this professional level sustainable packaging brief for Hobsons Brewery and Oldfields Orchard Cider. I believe working in this area of sustainable design will be a unique and valuable experience for me. It also enables me to work once more on a ‘live' brief with real potential. I'm really positive too about being able to work for a client with genuine requirements and this has ignited a new challenge for me." 

This project could be the source of some excellent 'live' portfolio work for all students involved. We're also hoping that it will provide an opportunity to have a polished 3D sustainable packaging artifact that could be part of their final degree show displays too if they wish.

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Gdes3003: Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint - Final Student Feedback

Peter at Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint has very kindly spent a lot of time putting together individual feedback to students who undertook their Sustainable Packaging Project. We've put the .pdf with all students' feedback as an open .pdf on the right of this blog.

Peter has also suggested which 'top 5' most effective designs they're interested in and a quick summary of their reasoning. Well done all - some great work on a really interesting project..

Peter's Most Effective Solutions:


1. BELIUNAITE, Egle
I picked this design as my favourite “eco-materials” solution. The use of bamboo fibre is new to me, and I especially like the transport solution which is both minimal and attractive. The labelling really says “eco” and the shape of the container is really innovative.




2. HANDLEY, Ashley
I picked this as my favourite Tetra-pak solution. I really like the idea of using this type of packaging and this design was the most stylish (competition is this category was tough!) I especially like the clear window showing paint colour and way that the cartons fit into the box.




3. HATCHER, Rebecca
I chose this solution because of the thin aluminium can in a cardboard wrap used for the paint container. The minimal material use is really clever and I wonder why no’ne else is doing this?




4. LIPSCOMB, Sian
I chose this as my favourite pouch design, although all the designs in this category were very good.  Especially liked the charity tie-in which I thought was a great idea. Although I do have concerns over the practicability of filling pouches with paint I am very keen on the minimal use of materials and the opportunity to use bio-plastics.


 


5. SHERRY, Carl
At the end of the day we are likely to go ahead with metal containers because of their appearance in a conservative market. I picked this solution as the best of metal can design and I especially liked the pulp transport packaging - which looks like it would withstand any amount of abuse by couriers.