The Packaging Is The Message

Our products are designed in a holistic way which means that packaging and shipping play an important role in the development process. Our decisions are influenced not only by cost but by the impact these decisions have. For this reason we have been re-developing some of our packaging and figuring out new ways to cut on waste and create a more user-centered experience. The first candidate for re-design was our line of PaperForms. About two weeks ago we eliminated the bleached liner in all of our boxes and replaced it with a recycled kraft liner (bringing back our original look -circa 2004-). The box itself was re-designed to better fit and protect the product without having to create a new die. Internal wings were perforated into the tabs to hold the product down during shipping. The same box fits V2, Flow and Acoustic Weave reducing inventory and the need for additional dies. Next up in the process is the label. We will re-design the graphics to work better with the new kraft color but will still use the soy-based inks to print them.

The Bendant Lamp is up next. After looking at all the alternatives we have created a more efficient packaging system for the Bendant lamp. The new design reduces material use and labor, while elevating the user experience. A flat-packed chandelier that is co-designed by our customers deserves packaging that fits the experience of the lamp. Several tests and rounds of prototypes have generated a lot of great information about how to better ship and display our Bendant Lamp. Some of the improvements include a handle and a perforated cardboard zipper to extract the lamp. The graphics are under development but I will be sure to post the results. For now I leave you with some images of early prototypes and tests.

Of course the fun does not stop there, expect lots of new packaging improvements soon.