Blume Package Redesign
The project unboxed
For this project, we were tasked with picking an existing product and company to redesign their packaging. The product line chosen needed to align with one of the following categories: cosmetics, packaged food, small electronics, or toys. There were 3 main components to this redesign: A decrease in the amount of packaging, a change in materials to make them more environmentally friendly, and be reusable. The last requirement was to produce a physical die cut of the revamped packaging.
Key Requirements & Objectives
• Developing skills and learn objectives for package design
• Finding and solving a pain point in the existing packaging by thinking creatively and strategically
• Research sustainable material alternatives
• Learn about and create a die cut
The company I chose was Blume, specifically their Superbelly collection. Blume is a company that focuses on improving one’s overall health and wellness through improving sleep quality, gut health, and energy.
Peeling back the existing packaging
The Superbelly product showcases four flavours: Lemon Ginger, Acai Pomegranate, Strawberry Hibiscus and Mango Passionfruit. Each of these flavours is individually packaged according to flavour in a reusable plastic bag. Within each of the packages, there are small tubes that hold the product (powered superfoods that you mix in with your water). I wanted to eliminate the double plastic packaging, make it smaller and have more than one flavour within it.
Figuring out what needs to go in the box
We needed to come up with two initial concepts. The first one I chose a cylindrical shaped container that could be easily reused and had a scoop element. The second, was a box structure, with a display box holding smaller, individual boxes that were for each flavour.
From trim to form to diecut
I decided to pursue my second concept due to time restrictions and wanting to ensure all flavours could be accessed from one package. Next, I had to start making the die cut. This task presented challenges within the design that needed to be reworked. For example, I had to adjust the opening mechanism for the individual flavour boxes for easier access to the product.
With the prototype, some more issues came to light. First, the small boxes weren’t the same depth as the bigger box. This prompted me to review my math for the measurements and reevaluate. Second, the miniature boxes are too small, so the overall design needed to be scaled up, giving a more rectilinear shape.
After addressing and fixing the discoveries made with the original paper prototype, it was time to edit the die cut, test it again (which proved to be successful) and add the content. Now, because Blume has the original package with all flavours separate, each one has its own unique colour and gradient attached to each flavour. By taking those colours I decided to create a gradient that incorporated all them them, to help further show the consumer that it holds not just one but all of the flavours.
Packaging the idea
A finished, redesigned, working product that is now a more sustainable option; It is intended to be made out of seed paper, which is a paper made from resourceful materials with flower seeds embedded within it, allowing for easy breakdown.
Unboxing the insights
This project was an incredible learning experience about the world of packaging and die cuts. It also challenged the skill set I already had, prioritizing functionality and practicality with the design.
Skills strengthened
• Brand alignment & Visual storytelling
• Layout composition and hierarchy of content
• Translating brand values into the design
• Die-line creation with an understanding of print specs
The feedback I received was critical. Helping me understand what I would do differently, approaching a project like this again. I have a design account on Instagram that allows me to share and post my work. I documented this project and tagged the company. They reached out and said they were thoroughly impressed with my design. They asked to post it on their account with credit to me. The amount of love and encouraging comments received from the company and its consumers was incredible.
If I were to revisit this project with a better understanding of how the design of packaging works, I would like to explore my first concept further.
I'd love to hear from you!
If you connect with my work and are looking for someone to help bring your design vision to life, I'm here for it. Let's talk about how we can create something meaningful together.