Packaging Design

 20th April 2026 (Week 1)  -  4th May 2026 (Week 3)

Insha Thahirah Rajab - 0360671

Design Principles - Section 02

Bachelor's Degree  in Creative Media (Honors) - Taylors University

Exercises - Structural Anatomy of the Money Packet

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CONTENTS

Lectures

Instructions

Exercises

References

Feedback

Reflection

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LECTURES

Week 2 

What Is Packaging?

Figure 1.0 What is Packaging (PDF), Week 2(27/04/2026)

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INSTRUCTIONS

Figure 1.0 Module Information Booklet (PDF)

Overview:  Choose FOUR (4) products (box, bottle, can, and tube) in the market that you believe have poor packaging design. Ensure the product is readily available for purchase. 

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EXERCISES

Exercise 2 - Structural Anatomy of the Money Packet

1. Project Overview

In this exercise, we are stripping away the surface graphics to focus on the architecture of paper. Your goal is to reinvent the money packet through structural innovation. You will explore how a single sheet of paper can be transformed into a functional, secure, and aesthetically pleasing container through folding, interlocking, and die-cutting.

2. The Challenge: "The White-Out Project"

Design a series of two (2) structurally unique money packets using only white, unprinted cardstock. Because there is no visual design to rely on, the "beauty" of the packet must come from:

• The logic of the fold.
• The ingenuity of the closing mechanism (no glue or tape allowed for the final closure).

3. Structural Objectives

• Kinetic Experience: How does the packet move when opened? Does it expand, slide, or "bloom"
• Glueless Integrity: At least one of your designs must use an interlocking tab system that remains secure without the use of adhesives.
• Materiality: Utilize the weight and grain of the paper to provide structural strength.

4. Technical Constraints

• Color Palette: Strictly white (different shades/textures of white or any color paper are permitted).
• Dimensions: Must comfortably hold a standard banknote. You are encouraged to experiment with orientation (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal).
• Quantity: Two distinct structural variations (e.g., one origami-inspired, one industrial/geometric, and one experimental)

5. Suggested Areas of Exploration

• The Pop-Up: A structure that lifts the banknote toward the recipient when opened.
• The Multi-Stage Fold: A packet that requires multiple "unfold" steps to reach the money, building anticipation.
• The Tension Lock: Using the natural tension of curved paper to keep the packet closed.
• The Asymmetrical Closure: Moving away from the standard rectangular flap to something organic or geometric.

6. Deliverables

• A set of two technical die-lines (1:1 scale) indicating cut lines, mountain folds, and valley folds.
• Two high-fidelity mockups using 160gsm–220gsm any color specialty paper.
• A 10-second video for each packet demonstrating the opening and closing movement.
• E-portfolio to show your process.

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WEEK 1

Sir went through and explained the MIB, looked at some past pupil's examples for their final packaging submission, and finally got briefed on Exercise 1: Packaging Design Analysis. We were told to find 4 products with poor packaging, and bring to class to conduct analysis. For project 1, a label design had to be created. Projects 2 & 3 were group works, and we were informed to start grouping as early as possible. For our final packaging product, we had to choose between Wireless Headphones, Toiletries set, and an Oriental Takeaway food box for two. But for this week, we had to start on exercise 1, which was to find 4 badly designed packaging, bring to class, and conduct a thorough analysis.

After class, I decided to get a head start and find 4 products I felt fit the description:

WEEK 2

We went through the lecture slides, and began to understand what packaging is, its function and purpose. Afterwards, each of us showed Mr Shamsul our badly packaged choices, and explained our reasoning for approval to work on. We were then advised to start finalizing our groups, and finish up our packaging analysis by next week.

PRODUCT 1 - CHINA GREEN TEA

Figure 1.1 China Green Tea Packaging, Week 1 (25/04/2026)

Chine Green Tea is a green tea product available at Jaya Grocer to sale for retail. A 100g box (shown above) is sold for 7.50 RM at the tea and confectionary aisle.

Product Analysis

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REFERENCES

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FEEDBACK

Week 1

Specific Feedback: Try to figure out your groupings, I can pair you with a student for easier workflow. 

General Feedback: For Project 1, we will be workign with Mr Kombucha, helping them redesign their label. You can pick from a variety of flavors. Look through your senior's packaging design, make sure your final has intention. Use the taylors 3-D printing and laser cutting studio. For your final, which you will work in groups, try to mix around, and pick your chosen product.

Week 2

Specific Feedback: Your products chosen are good and all approved.

General Feedback: Guys make sure to group up for your next task. Also come to me for approval on your packaging analysis and make sure to explain to me why you chose this.

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REFLECTION

Experience: Exercise 1 was fun, introspective, and helped me understand the basics of packaging and how to amplify a message and branding to audiences. Classes were easygoing but educational, I understood the purpose of packaging and what makes a design functional and aesthetic.

Observations: Many observations were made during this exercise, mainly the observation of badly designed packaging, and identifying key issues, as well as relating it to a target market. By comparing good and bad design, we are able to conclude what makes a good package for a specific product. Identifying each product's form: box, bottle, can, and tube, we can note how each packaging varies and what features are included in each.

Findings: Through research, I understood what each demographic of each market, and what they are looking for in a packaged product. I learnt the difference between strong and weak branding, and how this can be implemented in their design, as well as their entire concept/ messaging to the consumer. I researched competitor brands and identified factors which made them stronger to other brands, and how weaker brands can implement these strategies.