UX packaging design for knife set and salt&pepper mill

Beyond packaging: kizuna kitchen

Packaging for knife set and salt&pepper mill

This packaging design, consisting of two pieces, was made in the 6th semester during my bachelor degree. The task was to design packaging with purpose and more ways to use it, rather than just throwing the packaging away after you've opened it.

It constists of a packaging for a knife set, holding up to three knifes and a packaging for a salt and pepper mill. The packaging of the knife set, can be transformed into a knife block, to store the knifes, thus giving the packaging a new purpose.

The packaging for the salt and pepper mill can be adjusted in just a few steps, and lets you use it as a holder to carry the mills around easily.

Problems to be solved

disposable packaging

packaging can't be used further and thus creating lots of trash

packaging design

creating a suitable packaging, inspired by japanese knife craftmanship

material

packaging is most often made out of plastic and not recyclable

Research

target customers:

25-60 year old

like quality, sustainability, design and asthetics

people who like to cook and value functionality, quality and durability

pay attention to the price-performance ratio
active on social media, read testimonials on the internet
multi-channel communication
online and in store shopping

benchmarking knife blocks:

interchangeable design
heavy & bulky
packaging cannot be reused

benchmarking salt&pepper mills:

hard to transport
unstable
salt&pepper mills can fall out

Concept and ideation

consistency:

It is important to reflect the consistency of several products in a series. This is achieved by using similar materials, design patterns and functionality.

UX:

The packaging of the products can be used in a variety of ways and offers added value compared to standard commercial packaging. With a few simple steps, which are explained in AR, the knife packaging can be transformed into a high-quality knife block. Parts of the packaging can also be put together as trivets. It is also possible to assemble a cookbook holder instead of the knife block.

sustainability:

No glue or paint is required for the packaging.

durability:

The wood is stable, resistant and durable. In times when everything is moving faster and objects are thrown away more quickly, this is a reflection on old values.

context:

The design is minimal and uncluttered. Only the most important information about the products appears on the back of the packaging. The logo draws the eye and serves as an anchor point. The aim is to use the product as a high-quality piece of wooden furniture in your own kitchen.

prototyping

initial construction in 3D

after the right concept was found, the packaging was made out of wood

style guide

colors:

dark blue (#2C4294)

stands for purity, serenity and stability
color associated with luck in Japan

logo:

user experience can be seen in the logo

kizuna means connection, knife is connected with the packaging

AR concept

AR overlay on the packaging

You can choose between the instructions for the knife block and the book holder.

Care tips or relaxing music can also be accessed through the lower buttons

The knife set and the salt and pepper mill have a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone.
This opens an overlay with AR functions.
The AR application shows the customer how the packaging can be transformed and how a second benefit can be derived from it. In the process both packages are displayed as 3D models and can be placed next to the real product. Subsequently the user can take a closer look at the model and view the animation step by step in order to recreate the second use easily and without any problems.
In the first AR concept, an animation shows how in just a few
how a knife block can be assembled from the packaging of the
knife block can be assembled in just a few steps.