Apple Product Design Challenge

 
 
apple_mug_pic.jpg
 

OBJECTIVE:

I was given 1 week to create a packaging solution for a ceramic Apple mug, with a US power adapter, and a 10-page product documentation booklet as inbox accessories. The design had to be both protective and delightful for customers to unbox.

USER RESEARCH:

I collected data from a similar product offering via YouTube unboxing videos to gather requirements and insight into designing the user experience.

 
User Feedback:
“Box is really nice and reusable for storage”
“Square box is packable”
“Box top slides off easily”
“Plastic wrap prevents anyone from opening or touching the box”
“Nice touch, color, & clean presentation”

Research Observations:
Users needed a knife to cut the plastic wrap from the box
Users didn’t intuitively know where to grab the mug
Users didn’t immediately realize that the charger was underneath the mold in the box

CONCEPT GENERATION:

Concept 1

Packaging solution consisting of an unfolding carton box that stores mug vertically using 2 molds with accessory cutouts on top.

PROS: protective | CONS: size, box style

 

Concept 2

Packaging solution consisting of a rigid box (w/ a long top cover) that stores mug and accessories horizontally on same plane

PROS: size, box style | CONS: cluttered

 

Concept 3

Packaging solution consisting of a rigid box (w/ middle closing top & bottom) that stores mug and accessories horizontally stacked in same mold tray

PROS: presentation, size | CONS: complex mold

 

PROTOTYPE:

PROTO1.JPG

UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:

User will unwrap plastic from box using a pull tab to prevent need for outside tools (knife), open box with both hands by separating top and bottom rigid covers to be presented with the standalone Apple mug. Users will then pick up the mug by grabbing the handle, and lastly remove clearly visible power adapter and documentation booklet.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Streamlined presentation of product

  • Maintains customer familiarity with unboxing experience (i.e.—iPhone unboxing)

  • Complies with Apple’s minimalist brand

  • Made with Paperboard, Molded Fiber, and a Cellophane sleeve—environmentally friendly and responsibly sourced materials that are more cost effective than plastic alternative