#bug pack

What primary/Secondary research did I do?

For my primary/secondary research, I took pictures and collected images of packaging as well as using actual packages in my sketchbook. I analyzed the packages and pointed out their pros and cons in terms of design and how it’s advertised to the public. I also used a small box taken apart and stuck down in my sketchbook to show netting and how it works in the package industry. Research can also be found in my blog as I look into detail about packaging/ advertising agencies.I also went to multiple shops to look at specifically children’s bug catching sets to give me a general idea on what they’re like. Another primary research, I was given an hour to create a new type of packaging for the haribo sweets which needed to be fun and colourful for children to catch their attention. This task helped with quick creative thinking and what it takes to make a good, high quality package for a good, high quality product. 

How did my research help me to develop ideas/ form my final outcome?

My research helped by giving me an idea on what my end product would be and what it would look like. It helped me stray away from what most kid bug packs look like and come up with something different but fun for children to play with. 

What brands have I looked at and how did this influence my work?

I looked at multiple children’s toy brands to help me come up with my final outcome. I focused mainly the brands that had their own version of a bug catching kit, such as SainSmart Jr., Nature bound, Backyard safari ect. All the designs were pretty similar, so i decided to go for something a little different by creating a bug vivarium instead of a plain standard tank that most of these childrens bug catcher kits consist of. This makes it much more fun for the child as it feels like they have caught their very own pet.

What were my initial ideas and how did I develop those ideas?

When I first started my design, I sketched multiple ideas and picked out the one that ticks off most, if not all the criteria of a good design for a childs toy. I started off with a jar like container design but deemed it too plain and continued to sketch until I got the idea of a three container bug “apartment” build where the containers can be stacked. I kept this idea until the last few weeks as I did not have enough material and only made one of the three said containers.

What materials and techniques did I use? 

My main material was plastic for the container. With the help of a tutor, I was able to cut out the parts in plastic with a laser cutter and glue them together with a specially made plastic glue. Once dried, I filled up the container with plants and stones/gravel to create a terrarium-like design. I added a plastic insect to demonstrate how the product would work. 

What inspired/ influenced my final ideas and outcomes?

What mostly inspired me was terrariums/ vivariums used for pets. I thought this would be a fun idea for my product as it allows kids have have their very own “pets” to observe and look after until freed into their back gardens. There is no real commitment with it unlike an actual animal/pet which is both good for the parent and child. 

How/Why did I choose the techniques and materials for my final outcome?

Lack of time and materials played a huge part in my production. I used whatever plastic was lying around in the classrooms as well as using the abandoned college garden to my advantage by collecting small plants and gravel. I used a hair dryer the help the glue dry quickly as well as drying the plants as they were wet due to rain. 

Did I make any changes in my design that altered my final outcome? Why?

There were two main design changes that altered my outcome. Instead of making three, stack-able containers, I only made one singular container. My second design change was the netting of the box. My tutor introduced me to a website that can create a 3D box net that has ridges so it fits better than just squares and rectangles. I had originally did not have these ridges as I didn’t realize it needed them to fit and stick more efficiently. 

Are my final outcomes successful? How/Why? Why not?

I overall believe my final outcomes were successful as they were fun/playful as well as a more unique spin to normal childrens bug catcher kits. One thing that didn’t come out as successful was my ladybug mascot I designed for my project. It was rushed near the end due to lack of time but still overall came out good. 

What did I learn from this project?

I learned how to design something for a specific target audience as well as adding my own design on a product that already exists and making it my own. This project allowed me to explore my creative thinking through the side tasks given a well as the final outcomes. 

What new skills, knowledge, techniques and processes have I learned? 

I have improved my crafting skills as well as learning more about packaging/branding agencies and how they portray themselves. This project also helped me improve my creative thinking as I had to create original ideas in a certain amount of time for some tasks given to me.

Is there anything I could have done differently to make my project more successful? 

My number one downfall was my management of time. Due to my poor management overall, I rushed certain aspects and took longer on others. For my next project, I will be cautions of this and keep it under control and paced.  

Did I meet the requirements of this project and have I overall been successful in my final outcomes?