Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Award-Winning Packaging Ref From Jennie at WVB

Jennie's sent this ref and thought it might be a useful one to pop up on the blog.

"Packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa UK won the Corrugated Pack of the Year Award at the 2011 UK Packaging Awards with their clever structural design for Old Tom ale’s Wrong Way Box, made of high quality corrugated board, replacing an inefficient and expensive wooden pack... One judge described the presentation pack, which holds two bottles of the ale and a glass, as ‘very original’ and praised its ‘very clever cut-out design, which allows use of a single piece of packaging’...

The corrugated pack is designed to resemble the wooden crate it replaced for Old Tom ale and is called the Wrong Way Box as Smurfit Kappa innovatively turned the product on its back and used the top and bottom flaps to secure the product, so no extra fittings were required. As well as cutting the unit cost of the packaging, the design allows a complete view of the contents, yet has sufficient display faces for informative print. Additional factors that pleased the UK Packaging Awards judges were the fact that the Wrong Way Box is supplied flat, taking up less room in the warehouse and reducing storage costs; is lighter, significantly reducing postal costs; and has built in buffers, so no void fill is required."
Read more...

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

GDES3003: Eco Package Prototypes 2011

Detailed below examples and imagery from this week's 'Prototypes' deadline.

Nicole 01

Nicole 02

Nicole 03

Nicole 04

Nicole 05

Gareth on Ben
six fastenings
Suitable shaped box
Wonder whether the products will be secure enough in transit.
He may need to move the draught pieces from the base of the package to the top to make the base more secure.
Perhaps include some more illustration on the front.
Perhaps a recipe on the back lining up with the draughts board so can be re-used as a recipe card or a game.
Strengthen the handle.
Appeal to both genders
[Andy - Gareth this very token/too summarised and needs to be expanded to the level of other student's comments].
Zoe
Nathan Poppleton on Zoe Magee

A. The shape is a box simply. Safe and secure for the product, with a fold over top to keep the box shut.

B. So far there is not much concidereation for the graphical side apart from the bear mats using the shape of the barley they use to make the ale.

C. I can see it hold as many bottle as you can fit in aslong and it has a properly design bottom. Simple solution. As the product will be made out of cardboard the container is strong and a little bump resistant.

D. As there isnt a strong design just yet, i cannot make a judgment on who its aimed at.

E.
1. The bottom of the packaging needs a better folding system. So just a little tinker with the net.

2. Its in need of the designing know. It has all the conciderations in the research to back up the shape and size. But a colour scheme would be beneficial to the whole project.

3. Possibly using beer mats may constrict you in to design for one purpose, And also gender. Changing the front of the packaging to not pop out and seeing the product might help with the selling aspect.
[Awaiting phone pic from Nathan covering his delayed Prototype submission]
Zoe commenting on Nathan

It’s a generic box shape with locking tabs at the top and bottom of the box. It will have a rope handle for easy transporting and carrying. It also uses a bit of glue for joining the sides of the box.

Nathan has three design ideas. He seems to have mainly focused on the detail of the designs and says he will add more information later. From what I have seen, I quite like them. He’s going for a plain black background with simple coloured elements on top. My favourite one would be the one with the red WV logo on the front.

I can’t really comment on the strength of the packaging at the moment because his is paper. However if made from card I think it would be strong enough to hold the bottles, transport them safely enough as well as look good on the shelf. The cut out windows are a good idea so the buyer can see what they’re buying.

I’d say nathans packaging appeals more to the male audience because it’s pretty simple and bold.

The three things I’d suggest to look into for next week are:
1. The material that you’re going to use for the box and handle.
2. Which colour design you are going for.
3. How to make it glueless. 

Claire
Adam Nicolaou commenting on Claire Hatch.

B, Package Format.
Square design that will be constructed out of card using 12 fastenings. I found the folds and general construction of the packaging to be very clever and gives the packaging a strong hold. The packaging has a really unique, strong second use which will be used as a beer money box, with 3 separate compartments, for different coins.

C, Graphic treatments.
Brought along a strong prototype of the packaging. Detailed illustrations and concepts with the graphical info that will be used on the packaging. All in colour and clearly annotated, portraying the thoughts and vision really well.

D, Strength.
Really clever and charming second use.
 
The packaging uses very clever, intricate folds.
 
I really like the simplicity of the packaging, not too complex and over the top and captures the mature, traditional characteristics that Wye Valley wanted their packaging to have. Still maintaining a modern vibe though.

The packaging will be very strong due to the folds and will protect the three products well.
The info that will be displayed is another strength of the packaging. QR codes, ale and food accompaniments as well as info about Legges and Wye Valley.

E, Audience. I feel that the packaging strikes a nice balance that will appeal to both male and females. The ale piggybank is something that I see appealing to dad’s and grandad’s. The colour scheme is on that is more female and elegant.
F, Improvements. 
More supportive material, or look into different types of cardboard to use. 

Try and design and illustrate more toward the females and bear in mind not to clutter the packaging with too much text maybe? 

Third one?
[Andy] It sounds like you've got some interesting ideas here Claire.. Love the idea of an 'Ale Piggybank' in some way.. Would that mean 'saving up for a quiet pint' or similar maybe [I guess you could develop and tie-in a suitable strapline re this?]. It sounds like you've been working on fastenings - which I do think very important as this will need to hold the two bottles of beer and one condiment so there could be quite a weight.. I like the simple 'door opening' idea too. While it uses a little more in materials you could re-use this in some clever way I'd guess.. I'd be keen to see this evolve Claire and additionally more of an idea of graphical treatments that you might use too [which Adam's seen ref to but I haven't had chance as yet]..

Adam
A Claire Hatch with Adam Nicolaou's solution

B. Wooden box with a slide-out draw with vinal and leaves around the edges to also form windows. Inside will be straw and a wooden structure to keep the contents safe. There will also be string around the packaging which adds another visual element as well as extra support. There are roughly six fastenings either in jigsaw form or by using screw/nails.

C. Detailed photos on his blog and detailed, annotated sketches.

D. The wooden structure allows more support. I think the final pack will protect and support the contents and as it's square it should stack up and transport easily. Leaf shaped windows will show product labels.

E Because of the illustrative cut-outs. i feel it could appeal to women more.

F. I think that the use of bigger windows will allow more of the contents to be shown, giving the audience an idea of shape, size and more general info about the products, so they know what they're buying.

I think a more generic shaped window would attract more custom from both men and women. Maybe a large leaf shape placed in in the middle of the front of the packaging will overcome both issues?

I think maybe more thought into an alternative use would be useful. 
[Andy] On first sight Adam this looks quite a generic solution in terms of box construction. It's not clear how it'll cope with the two beer bottles and the one Legges condiment from this image. I think Claire is on the money though re suggestions - you really need to see more of the product while it's packaged on the shelf which you don't at present because of the small windows. Additionally, Claire hints that a second use hasn't been fully worked through yet either so I think you need to look around at others and make some decisions regards this aspect too..

Harriet

Ida
Andreea on Ida
The prototype represents a bag made out of hemp rope, that is holding 2 bottles and one condiment.

The prototype does not include any graphical elements.

The prototype will be flat, will not be used for transporting due to the fact that is not strong enough to protect the products, but it will be able to carry a bottle or a condiment or the other way around.

Because it is a rustic design, I feel that the package will work for any type of audience and age.

3 considerations that could improve the prototype:

- maybe the package can be supported by a brochure that will give information about the product

- some nice illustrations related to the condiments that the beer is using, that would be made out of the same material

- give it a second use
[Andy] Innovative idea Ida, rustic and aesthetically very pleasing.. Quite a departure from your last recorded idea on this blog at POC stage.. I think that Jennie liked this but wondered about the logistics of making it/costs involved in contrast with the more usual board-related packs.. I think if you can prepare a 'case' to help justify this approach including what places have used such ideas previously and maybe how successful they were etc then I think this would help a lot and back-up your case.

Rhys

Rosanna
A) Dominic Gambetta commenting on Rosanna's work.

B) Rosanna has gone for a trapezium shaped box that fastens at the top with two tabs and handles.

C) In terms of graphical style Rosanna is going for a more off-white colour with black to tie in with WYB's current colour schemes. The logo as part of the cut-out on the front is really effective and I like the way that it works in its format.

D) The trapezium shape is very strong and durable as it partially reflects the shape of the triangle, the fact that the shape fastens at the top point gives this package a lot of durability, the card currently used is very thick and sturdy however Rosanna intends on making it a little thinner as it's a bit too thick at the moment.

E) In terms of audience I think that this would appeal to wives / girlfriends etc, because it's quite bold and would stand out on the shelf. As there are no visual mock ups yet I can't get a massive feel or idea of how exactly it would appeal.

F)
I would work on creating a strong graphical treatments that greatly compliments the shape of the package.

I'd think about the recipes & treatments that you will apply to the cutouts.

I would also recommend working on a system to avoid the sides sliding out. 
[Andy] Like this Rosanna. It does look strong and it's shape is very distinctive too. I particularly like the clear and strong-looking locking tabs that you use on the top of the pack. I can see this stacking on a pallet if needed too. I guess at present the graphical treatment is becoming something you're focussing on too. Dom suggests that you need a bold treatment - I wonder if those watchwords of 'traditional' 'rustic' 'rural' have some bearing on this.. One idea that a few were looking at was the bold treatment via traditional 'woodcut' imagery [lino-cut is similar or we even had folks potato-print last year!]. This could not only be used for imagery but potentially also for some of the larger text elements maybe.. Good work though at this stage - keen to see how this evolves as the remainder weeks pass pre and just after Christmas..

Vicky Harris
Vicky Holdford commenting on Vicky Harris

B. The solution that Vicky has taken is to try and create a packaging alternative that is both reducing the amount of packaging and giving it a second alternative. It is fastened by string at the top, which is used also as a handle, which works well as it seals the packaging while reducing the materials as it acts as its handle. There are folded in compartments for all three products to show the labels, which will show what the customer is buying. These compartments fold back out once the products are out of the packaging. The second use of the packaging is really inventive. It folds out into a calendar, I feel that this idea will be unique and will make the product more appealing towards the female audience that are more inclined to buy it as a present.

C. The prototype gives a clear view of what the packaging will look like as a final. It is clearly laid out in computer designs to show how the calendar and the designs on both the front and back of the packaging would work. The top of the calendar has three plain boxes that are the compartments that fold back after the products are out of the packaging. These sections I feel need some sort of image or design to make the calendar more interesting but other than that I like the design and feel it is very effective.

D. The products are kept within the packaging by card at either side as support. The tops of the bottles are also kept secure by the packaging being tied at the top. There are sections cut out which sit just under the top, which holds it in place. I feel that in its present state it would hold the products but I feel that if they were transported that they may move slightly within the packaging because the side support is not finished. The design effectively displays the products, which I think is an important thing for the target audience, as I would imagine people would be more inclined to buy it when they can see the products inside.

E. I definitively think this design caters to the female audience because the overall design is quite feminine. I think this is because of two subtle design features. There’s a nametag on the prototype, which I think is a good idea because it will be brought mostly as a present. It makes it seem quite delicate and personal. I also like the use of string to fasten it and using it as the handle. It’s an attractive element because it stands out from the rest of the packaging. I also like that the design is developed from the typical box shape. I also like that the colour scheme is based on two colours, this keeps it simple, rustic and will reduce costs in the production. Overall I feel that the design works really well in catering to both males and females, which is one of the main aspects of the brief and quite hard to achieve.

F. I only have two improvements as I feel the packaging is very successful in its concept and design.
The first improvement would be to focus on trying to include an extra design element to the calendar to make it more appealing and interesting. This is because at the moment it is very plain and I feel it needs something at the top to finish it off.
The second improvement would be to maybe look into other materials for the handle. I love the idea of using string but there may be other string/rope like materials that could be stronger for the design.

[Awaiting Vicky Holford's delayed submission]
Vicky Harris on Vicky Holford

The solution Vicky has chosen is a box shape, it has 2 interlocking tabs on each section,is front opening, and has a removable handle.

Vicky has chosen to repurpose her packaging by making it into a lamp.

The box will have hops decoration on the front, and the logo will appear on the handle, which will be removed when the products have been used.

The graphical solution is not yet printed in colour so I can’t comment.

Vicky’s package looks like it will be strong enough to hold the products that will be enclosed, she will be using supporting elements inside the packaging to hold the bottles and condiments in place securely.

The packaging appeals to both male and female audiences, the decoration on the front of the packaging will draw in the female audience, I would say more towards wife to husband or daughter to dad, the cut outs on the front of the packaging are in the shape of beer glasses which will make it appealing to the male audience as well as female.
The improvements I would make are:
to make the box smaller so that the products have less room to move around and will use less cardboard.

I like the hops as decoration, but think it could be improved by adding information about the contents of the box, or something relating to the brewery or legges.


I think that adding information about how it can be recycled or about the material used in its creation would be beneficial.
I also think (although I haven’t done it myself yet) that adding information about its second usage would be helpful. 
Kashka

Dom
Rosanna commenting on Dom’s solution.
Box Shape with 10 fastenings (tuck in flaps).

Design of “3” on the front to represent the three items inside. Something different to simply having regular cut out shapes. No actual graphical treatments to show in forms of print outs, but the idea is to keep the printing to a minimum and using the cardboard as the background.
Material does seem sturdy enough although perhaps rethink the handle. It doesn’t look quite as sturdy and is quite small. I think it would perhaps balance out the design if it was a little larger. The bottles and condiment fit quite snugly into the box so there doesn’t seem to be any immediate danger of them being broken whilst being transported. Stacking could be a slight problem as the handle would get squashed but in terms of display value it certainly is different and therefore will attract interest. However, because it is so predominant on the front it may distract from the actual WVB brand and become confusing.

I believe it would appeal to female audiences as it is quite a smart design and a nice gift set. However, I guess it does just need all of the graphics work on it to determine whether it would appeal to both female and male audiences. But what gift set of beers/ales wouldn’t be appealing?

All in all I do quite like the general idea. The net is ingenious in the way it all tucks in to create the compact gift box.
However, as I said before I would rethink the handle. It doesn’t look or feel sturdy enough to carry three heavy items and if the design was reconsidered I think the overall design could become more balanced and safer to carry.

I also believe the “3” design on the front, although it is different to what everyone else has come up with it is slightly confusing as it holds no relevance to WVB.
Finally, in terms of the design I cannot really comment on yet but I do think the box design would benefit from quite a simple graphical treatment.
[Andy] This looks sturdy Dom and I can glean a few considerations from what Rosanna's explained here too.. The look and feel do indeed seem pretty sturdy and from the quick look I got in class it's many tabs do lock it solid - which is a real boon for it.. Clearly there's more devts with the handle required though regards it's strength.. Not having had time to look indetail I'm not sure regards the '3' reference [is this some ref to the 'XXX' they used to have on beer barrels maybe?]. A better idea of graphical treatments would also help at this stage too as and when you're able..

Emily

Laura

Vishnu
Rebecca commenting on Vishnu

Package format
They have chosen a cardboard carrier, no sides so not the usual ridged box shape, and with one tuck type fastening at the handle to hold it together. It has large windows to be able to show the body of the bottle and their labels.

Graphical treatments
The graphical elements show a clean block colour of black as the packaging colour, with the Wye Valley logo prominent on the front of the pack. Very minimal text presenting the products contained.

Strength
The cardboard is single corrugated so is thick enough to hold some weight. It is tightly measured to the bottles to hold the bottles firmly in place while showing the product in the sized to the bottles windows.

Audiences

The block colour of black gives a premium feel to the package that would be picked up by either male or female so it could be bought by a female as a gift for a male but also wouldn’t stop a male buying it for themselves.
Improvements
Need to show a link to Legges to show the partnership and reason for the condiment being in this pack.

Refine second use i.e the picture frame idea. Consider the options of different ways of presenting it as gift out of the pack and how best to make it desirable.

Check the strength of the end sides that are holding the bottles in place. Are they thick enough to hold?

Lizzie

Gareth

Gemma

A.  Kashka Neri commenting on Gemma's Whiteman design

B.  The packaging is designed in a shape of 3 Triangles: "Valleys lookalike".  Clearly Gemma reflected on adapting shape to the Valley It has locking tabs, 12 in total. The design is contemporary, with great potential. It will be secured with hemp string around.

c. Graphic treatment: no visible graphic treatment at the moment apart from cut – outs. But Gemma has talked about placing historical pictures in order to include short history about Wye Valley brewery.

D.  Gemma has thoroughly thought about the strength of the design and fulfils the criteria. I just would like to make comment about perhaps making sure that the box can be easily carried. The design will be easily stackable on production line as well as during transportation. It is a strong design with many possibilities of secondary usage:
-Ornament
-Safekeeping box
-As a vase for dry flower arrangement
-Pot Stand or any other stand
-And I personally think it could work as a bottle rack

E. Audience? I think that Gemma needs to consider secondary use in order to appeal to female audience. At present the historical aspect will appeal mainly to male audience but the shape of the box might attract both

F. -Cut-outs could be used as beer matts
- Handle could be taken into consideration rather than hemp – it might add additional strength
-Also make sure that the condiment will fit securely – as the height will vary.
-Carefully consider the secondary use and graphic treatment – so they both correspond accordingly.
Rebecca
Vishnu Parmar Commenting on Rebecca

Packaging Format

The packaging is a box, which is fastened by four cardboard slot-in locks at the back the top of the box is open with a handle constructed out of the cardboard. The packaging has 3 windows at the front to view the product.

Graphical Treatment

The packaging has both company logos on the front with green hops the back advertises 100% recyclable but more information about the beers and condiments need to be added.

Strength


The strength of the packaging is works well and feels sturdy enough for the 2 bottles and the condiment

Audiences

The packaging works of all audiences and has a simple rustic look.

Improvements
Look into or work on packaging second use

Personally I think the packaging should be closed at the top. Have a look at pushing the handles together and seeing if it works when the top is closed.

Just have look and make sure that if the packaging is held sideward or swung when carrying would the locks on the side open and cases the bottles to fall out?

GDES3003: Session Mini Task: Wed 7th Dec

Today's session will consist a mix of peer, tutor and client feedback on your individual prototype eco-packaging solutions. While you're waiting [or in between] in your LT for one or other discussion I'd like you each to turn your attention to one of your peers' work to date and make comments/suggests which could be utilised between now and next week's peer assessment session. With the questions below please try to give as much information as possible - think in terms of what level of detail would be useful for you personally to receive at this stage..

In order to do so can you please:
1. Identify one other person in your learning team whose work you'll look at
[try to pick someone who's not your best mate otherwise you run the risk of potentially useless comments like "I really like it" which won't be either objective or of any help].

2. Comment on this blog post [click 'comments' below this] in the following format:
a. Your Name and who's solution you're commenting on.

b. Package format. Describe the style of solution this person has taken [i.e. the box shape, type of and number of fastenings used].

c. Graphical treatments. Describe the graphical solution/style this person has brought along or applied to their pack for today's prototype deadline [this should either be on the pack now or supplied as a colour print-out or similar or as a min on screen - we're well beyond rough sketches now].

d. Strength? How has the person dealt with the need to make a strong pack that contains a combination of heavy bottles and condiments? Do you think in it's present state that this pack will both protect, effectively transport [if needed] and effectively display the goods on offer? Please answer in as much detail as you can "yes" is no help to the other person..

e. Audiences. Does the package and graphical style appeal to the mainly female audiences [mum's, sisters wives, girlfriends etc] as a primary factor while still retaining enough 'bloke-ness' to be seen as an ultimately 'male' gift [one of your big challenges with graphics]?

f. Improvements. Given the considerations above, suggest 3x clear improvements that your chosen partner can think about before next week's session. Be as clear and in depth as you can here - the more you can suggest then the better you'll help your opposite number..

Thursday, 24 November 2011

GDES3003: Post CAT Visit Blog Task for Weds 30th Nov

Big thanks again to all those at CAT who took the time to talk to us this wednesday and show us around.. Jo's overview of all things sustainable was a useful re-assertion of many of the background issues that we've covered in the module with a few additions in there too [which if you didn't note then you'll hear on the .mp3's on the module's timetable].

Additionally, the walk about the site showing practical applications of sustainable thinking was also useful. Issues such as how much energy was used in their construction, transport etc are all very much important in our own field when we're looking at packaging materials. This lateral thinking also tallies nicely with the early session we did on sustainability across different disciplines and how you could be inspired by clever thinking from architecture, 3D product design and other like areas..

Now that you've seen sustainable thinking and living in action at CAT we'd like to get you to reflect on both these experiences, how this might affect your considerations with materials usage as well as some basic observations from you as visual communicators on the existing information design materials at CAT as Ann suggested.

Assessed Blog Task For Wednesday 30th Nov

Please put your individual returned comments below this post in the 'Post a Comment' box. With [your name] first.

Q Materials lightness, suitability for purpose, minimalising of materials use and 'clever or smart' usages of materials were all considerations discussed at CAT with Jo. With your present designs for the WVB package mixed with the research that you've done to date and some of Jo's discussions suggest 3 ways in which you might minimise your materials use with your package.  
TIP Do you really need it to use all that cardboard at the moment? 

TIP Look at some of the last student designs like Anna Pirvola's idea which had a clear second usage and thinned-down materials use while still cleverly allowing bottles to be packaged & transported if needed..
Q CAT is in part about educating people about how to live more sustainably. After seeing a wide range of displays on practical methods to lower dependence on a high carbon lifestyle [and bearing in mind where you chose to stand in the 'line' between tech solutions and/or a simpler life] - what two things might you yourself do to lessen your own carbon footprint in the future?

Q Describe 1 example of information display that you saw while at CAT: What it was, how it was presented graphically and in what context [i.e. covered area, out in the open, specialist display etc]. Could the display you saw be improved and how do you think this could be  achieved?

Images from the visit this year

Rammed earth walling - CAT's WISE Centre

Tranquil courtyard 01

Tranquil courtyard 02

CAT Education Officer Jo Gwillim in one of the WISE classrooms

Jo Gwillim in the WISE Lecture Theatre



University of Worcester Green Design Students

UW students and Jo in the grounds at CAT

UW students analyse sustainable materials


Some of the CAT information graphics on site

More Information Graphics on a giant wind turbine blade

Friday, 18 November 2011

GDES3003: Example Early Student Proof Of Concepts, Nov 2011

Below a set of very early student structural concepts in relation to the WVB eco-packaging brief.

Andreea
[Andreea]
I want my packaging to send the message "dedicated family-run business that's using local resources and makes the best beer possible" to the audience. I will go with a simple material such as cardboard or paperboard, one that is thick enough to be used as a book rest for the kitchen, in which you can place the cooking book (just with recipes that will work with the Wye Valley beer) that's coming with the package, or other books that they have in their house. The design that will go on the package will be the key in order to put across the message.
[Andy]
Yes, like the play on the family-run idea and the 'local ingredients'.. We discussed a possible map showing circles around the WVB head office that give an idea of how local some ingredients actually were sourced [you may wish to talk about the re-use of ex process materials like the mash that goes to local farmers as cattle feed too - poss a link with 'cradle to cradle' there? the link with beer and food is a strong one and interesting - I've popped a few other refs on that idea further down in this post..
Ben
 [Ben]
When constructing my packaging the main things I focused upon was making sure that it was easy to assemble, easy to carry, flat-packable and that it showed off the product through some sort of window design.

For this product, I am working with cardboard so that it keeps with the idea of being flat-packable, cost effective and is widely recycled.
For second uses afterwards I am looking into mixing in pub games into the packaging and as well having some sort of information presented on the box or as an additional item that talks about the mixture of beers and food.
[Andy]
All sounds broadly logical Ben.. The pairing of beer and food is big business and growing in importance too. I've popped some links on comments below to further refs.. Do remember to try and simplify the pack and minimise materials usage where possible - this was one of the challenges last year and one or two came up with unique solutions which trimmed-down the amount of cardboard used [see Anna Pirvola's ideas in this blog earlier on].
Claire

Emily
[Emily]
The rectangular container was merely a test for strong bases for packaging.

However the hexagonal box was looking into ways of creating simple to make net and effective lid idea.
I would like to use either a lightweight wood or cardboard for my ideas, with typography as the secondary elements of my work.
 
Finally, I would like my packaging ideas to have a second use of; a game design - hexagonal box, or a strong storage device or grow box in a shed - wooden container.
 [Andy]
The idea of the hexagon is nice Emily.. It's a tremedously strong shape [with stacking and transportation in mind] and you could rightly site influences from many related genres including sustainable architecture via Buckminster Fuller. Like the second use idea - fitting it all in is going to be a challenge I suspect but some good initial thinking..
Gareth
[Gareth]
I wanted to focus on the accompanying of beer alongside food a I felt it was a good USP, and gave a reason to buy it that potentially covers the whole audience. Those that enjoy cooking and those that enjoy the products within. I was inspired by how some hampers are put together, and found it useful considering the different sized and dimensions of the products being packaged. I also like the natural, handmade feel that they give you, which I feel ties in very well with/and can reflect the breweries ethics, and compliments the whole eco-friendly natural vibe. 

When it comes to the secondary purpose I was going to include two main things that will be beneficial to the customer and support the beer complimenting food aspect of my idea. In the lid of the packaging will be a book with recipies and meals inside that gives the customers insight into what you can make with what products, as well as enticing them to buy more products in order to cook other options suggested in the book. The box itself, in an attempt to cause no waste at all I thought about the top of it folding down into the bottom to complete it and make three storage containers, for Tea, Coffee and Sugar for example (but am still working out how to accomplish this). 

I'm still considering the design on the packaging, but I'm sure it'll be made of some form of card and possibly rope or such like to tie the box together as well as act like a handle for both uses of the packaging. This in keeping with the eco-friendliness of the packaging and the rustic, natural, handmade feel to the whole concept.
 

Gemma
[Gemma]
I went with the slightly more complicated design due to its interesting flexibility and features. The construction is relatively simple and only one side needs a bit of glue (this will be modified to use no glue but is still under construction) If the glue was a must then it would be made from non toxic substances such as rice, wheat flour or liquid glycerin.

The main material will be cardboard. Due to the flexibility of the box it can have a number of secondary uses. It can be a double picture frame - you see a different image depending on which angle you look at it, perhaps a collector edition series - history of the brewery in images. Another secondary usage would be a pan cooler for the kitchen. The sturdy triangular shapes hold well when heavy items are placed on them and the holes that were used previously to see the products now double up as ventilation. 
Harriet

Ida

Kashka 01

Kashka 02

[Kashka]
  • The structure characteristics of my gift box are:
  • The box will be MOLDED using sustainable material: paper pulp. It is easy to generate as well as there will be no need for glue. The construction will be sturdy and safe during transportation either from manufacturers of after client's purchase, as well as easily stacked on top of each other.
  • The box will be designed in a way that it will accommodate 2 bottles of Ale and it will be interchangeable between either ketchup (LONG) or mustard (WIDE) condiment - therefore there will not be a need for another design of a box.
  • The box in its primary construction is already sustainable but further it will have secondary use. It can be reused in a variety of ways: Planting box impregnated with seeds like flower seeds, herbs, hops , etc.  Rather than using ink on the box itself, the box will have sticker ( to give clean and premium look) at the back with information - that could be a recipe incorporating included condiment, which you can collect (stick it in your scrap book), or information on how to grow hops, etc (to be considered at the later stage).
[Andy]
Love the potential re-use re planting/garden. I recall a similar idea with a beer set by St Peter's Beer in which they did a 'garden gift set' - the perfect combo for grandpa or dad's allotment etc.. Be a little careful about how many things you try to squeeze in to the set though - you might run the risk of over-cooking it a little. You could poss use garden twine in some clever way to act as a packing material too I'd guess either loose or via roll[s]..
Laura

Lizzie

Nathan

Nicole
[Nicole]

Initially I have been trying to create a unique beer-box shape that has a premium feel and will stand out on the shelf.
I am looking to incorporate Wye's proverbs, recipes, food pairing suggestions and dominoes in to the design by combining print, embossing and cut outs (die cut).

I have been looking into 'multi-sensory purchasing' and how these days it isn't enough to just have standard packaging for products in a competitive market.  It is now important to differentiate the brand and this can be done by engaging not only the customers vision which accounts for around 60% of the customers decision making process, but also their other senses such as smell, sound, taste and touch.  Sound and taste could only be experienced whilst sampling the product however I think it might be possible to engage touch and smell into the packaging perhaps by incorporating the scent of the hops and I am looking in to manufacturers who can create this type of packaging - although I don't know at this time how long the scent would last if the cardboard was impregnated with hops, they might have to be in a small container with a 'room freshner' style top that can be opened/closed and touch could be satisfied by adding texture of some sort.  To be continued...!

[Andy]
Clever idea to think in terms of multi-sensory Nicole.. you might consider trying to contact Roger Proltz who writes for CAMRA [Campaign for Real Ale]. He's very much involved in the pairing of beer with food etc and may have a unique perspective on beer marketing and ideas to evolve it further etc..
Rebecca
[Rebecca]
The construction was based off of a 3DS box design of how it uses small slits to hold fold overs for the sides strength. I was looking at different visuals for a way to carry the box, as well as using the shape and size of beer mats so the pieces that get taken out on construction are put in as part of the gift box. The material I am considering using will be single wall corrugated cardboard. The secondary use for this I am considering at the moment is a dart board.
[Andy]
Like the dart-board idea.. I guess the challenge is to create a design that will last a few darts games [as is cardboard] or maybe you could trade on the idea of 'emergency dart board' maybe? I've seen roll-up dart boards that may act as further inspiration..
Rhys
[Rhys]
My package isn't cleanly perfected but the whole general idea is that as I explained before on the illustration, (above), I included some holders both interior and exterior to hold the primary products in the interior, (Wye valley bottles and condiment), the exterior having other secondary products, mostly beverages. I constructed the package into the shape of a cube and not into a cilinder shape that is supposed to resemble a cask, however the only material I managed to get at this point was a thick double layer of corrugated cardboard not the thin one which is ideal for bending, however this had to suffice for now. It was hard to bend and with the concern in mind that I risk the material breaking from bending it too much which I did, also the problem figuring out the net design for the package into a cask shape, I thought that I construct my package into a cube for now. I may experiment with different material as there are probably easier material to make the package. I included another use where it can carry other beverages which is what the grips are for on the outside and the rope attached to carry around, therefore easier to transport products.

I haven't given up on the idea of designing a cask shape package but with a little more time I can figure out the right net design to construct it from and the package is simple enough in terms of fitting each part together as well.

I haven't thought what typeface and color I would use yet but I plan to make the packaging aiming towards the female audience so that this is can be bought as a gift.
Rosanna PC
[Rosanna]
I really wanted to use the triangular shaped packaging as it is quite different and unique. Moreover, the triangle is a part of their logo (which I will use on the front with WV cut out to reveal the condiment inside.  I also wish to take advantage of the cardboard to build a ludo board with coasters and from the coasters the game’s counters would be popped out.  I really wanted to put the punched out card from the front windows to good use so  I decided to use the recipe card idea as it will be appealing to both men and women. Especially if it is mostly women buying these as gifts for male family members or friends. There would be a variety of recipes available to collect, which would make people go back to buy more. ALSO, because they are using beer as an ingredient…you will need to go back and buy more eventually (to drink and cook with!). So it keeps the customers coming back to buy the beer even after the gift set is no longer available. I thought this aspect was quite important to include as WVB was very specific about wanting beer to be food matched more and become an appreciated culinary ingredient too.
[Andy]
Yes, like the pairing of food and beer idea - think WVB are keen to look more into this area too.. I think the variation of recipe cards could well generate repeat purchases too - which I'd guess is very desirable for WVB. Like the idea of trading on the 'V' shape too in the logo..
Sami Dore

Vicky Harris
[Vicky]
I wanted to stick with a basic shaped box as i feel this can be flat packed more efficiantly, although i really need to scale down the materials used as its a bit bulky with lots of space around the contents. I would like to incorporate the print style from the hessian sack which is on the wall in the brewery. This would be for decoration and would only use one colour. The Hop leaf die cut,  could be pushed inside rather than cut out altogther to allow for a second use recipe card holder/stand.
[Andy]
The hessian sack idea very much resembles the hop sacks we saw at WVB when on the visit. It's a good 'rustic' look and feel - shame really that combining small hessian sacks and bottles etc isn't an easy one. Seeing the product[s] is all important in this equation.. Like the simplistic 'hop' drawings though - this seems to tread that fine line that is potentially attractive to both the female purchasers and the male receivers of the gift pack. Yes, minimising the use of materials while still enabling transport and effective display on the shelf is an important consideration too.
Vicky Holdford

Vishnu

Zoe
[Zoe]
I chose this design because it is simple, can be easily transported, flat packed and easily assembled by hand with no glue necessary. It also has a handle (which is better than the current plastic one that the brewery have on their packaging) and this makes it easier for customers to carry and would save using a carrier bag. I will also have three pop-out pieces that will be beer mats.

The final piece will be made from recyclable card and I'm hoping to have minimal printing, keeping the natural colour of the material.
[Andy]
Simple but effective basic considerations Zoe.. Like the fact that you're thinking about minimising print considerations. It's often a challenge to do this and remain dynamic and effective but Hannah Potter [see bottom of the post] did some effective ideas last year. Do remember to try and minimise the amount of packaging used where possible too - as I mention with Ben at the top of the blog there have been ideas which have done this quite nicely while still allowing easy assembly and transportation etc..