2021 – 2022
Packaging Design Tools
Thinking outside the box
Studies indicate that packaging design elements like color, imagery, and logos influence the way we think and feel about its contents. As part of my work at Futurice I headed the design of a series of innovative packaging design tools for an eco-friendly packaging solutions provider.
Team
Product Owner, Packaging Expert, Data Scientist, Frontend Engineer, 2x Software Engineer, Product Designer
3D design tool
In one project stream, I joined a multidisciplinary team which had built an initial proof of concept for a 3D packaging design tool. In close collaboration with a front-end developer and a packaging design expert, I revised the existing designs and refined the overall information architecture of the product. One core functionality of the tool included the design of a UI to interact with three-dimensional packaging models, allowing users to intuitively apply color and imagery to different parts of the packaging. We additionally designed an augmented reality view to allow users to experience their designs in a more realistic context. The designs were tested with potential users through interactive prototypes which I prepared.
Stress test simulator
Another stream with a similar team setup, developed a digital solution using artificial intelligence to simulate stress caused through transport conditions like stacking or humidity. I again started the project by revising existing and refining existing work. One of the core interactions I designed enabled users to configure different packaging solutions with custom materials, folds or cutouts. Another interaction visualized the stress test results in three dimensional space and provided functionalities for users to analyze and compare the performance of different box designs.
Conclusion
Throughout the project I ensured adherence to the clients CI and design system to create a coherent interface language across the different products. This sparked new conversations and collaborations on the evolution of their design system. The toolbox itself did end up not only encouraging external users to explore potential designs themselves, but moreover improved the communication between the different parties involved in the design process.
