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Brand Systems

CurvD — Packaging System

A distinctive, ergonomic package for the CurvD mug that protects the handle, stacks efficiently, opens easily with a one-push slide, and doubles as a gift or display box.

Year :
2022
Course :
Packaging Design (Academic)
Role :
Research, concept, structure design, dielines, graphics, prototyping
Project Duration :
2022
CurvD — Packaging System — cover

1)Brief & Objectives

Deliverables

Structural concept (inner/outer), opening mechanism, dieline & material spec, brand graphics, usability notes

Tools

Hand prototyping (corrugated), cutter/ruler, Illustrator (dielines & art), basic photo mockups

The ask

Design a protective, brand-forward package for the CurvD mug that prevents breakage, opens intuitively for all users, stands out on shelf, stacks cleanly in logistics, and extends life post-purchase as a giftable or displayable object.

Audience

All users including those with low grip strength — shoppers, gift buyers, and warehouse handlers who need stable stacking and handle-safe transit.

Goals

  • •Prevent breakage around the handle during storage, shipping, and retail handling.
  • •Open intuitively for single-hand or one-elbow use without twist or tear actions.
  • •Stand out on shelf and stack cleanly in back-of-house logistics.
  • •Extend life post-purchase as a giftable or displayable object.

Outcome snapshot

A hexagonal sleeve-and-tray system with handle-safe cradle, one-push slide opening, on-pack instructions, and graphics built around the CurvD handle curve.

2)Research & Constraints

What wasn’t working

  • •Existing square cartons blended into the shelf and didn’t protect the handle effectively.
  • •Unboxing had too many steps — extra insert card, unclear open points.
  • •Packaging needed to be cost-effective, material-light, and corrugated for strength.

Accessibility lens

Reduce fine motor demands; avoid twist/tear actions; make “how to open” obvious at first glance.

3)Concept & Form

Why a hexagon?

  • •Shelf impact & recall — the hex silhouette differentiates instantly in a grid of cuboids.
  • •Stackability — hex faces align; stable columns and pallet patterns; reduced tip risk.
  • •Stability & strength — more edge length = better crush resistance with minimal board.
  • •Gift/display use — with the outer sleeve removed, the inner shows the mug elegantly.

4)Structure & Mechanism

Two parts working together

Outer hex sleeve for branding, protection, and one-push opening; inner tray with profiled paper mold shaped to the CurvD mug.

Slide motion

User presses one hex face (hand or elbow) and the tray slides out — no ripping, twisting, or deep reach.

Handle-safe geometry

Mug lies horizontally so the handle sits in free space; cradle touches opposite hex edges to immobilize the cup body.

Fewer steps

Thank-you message and instructions printed on the sleeve face — no separate insert card.

5)Materials, Dielines & Production

Board

Single-wall corrugated (kraft or white top) for strength and cost balance.

Dielines

  • •Outer: hex sleeve with glue tab; finger relief on the push-face.
  • •Inner: hex tray with dust flaps; die-cut paper mold glued/locked at base.

Assembly & efficiency

Glue outer seam; lock inner; place cradle; insert mug; slide close. Minimal offcuts; standardized flat size for bulk cutting; one-pass print before die-cut.

Sustainability

Mono-material paper system; removable small clear label if needed; clear disposal icons.

6)Graphics & Information Design

Motif

Embossed/debossed handle curve as primary graphic — echoing CurvD’s USP and the “D” in the logotype.

Typography & panels

  • •Bold, high-contrast front panel for product name.
  • •Small sides carry care info and thank-you note.
  • •Simple pictogram (press → slide) on the push-face with microcopy: “Press to open.”

Gifting cue

One face reserved for a short greeting line; inner tray printed with subtle pattern for display at home.

7)Outcomes, Tests & Next Steps

What improved

  • •Protection — horizontal orientation + cradle eliminated handle contact; less rattle, better edge crush.
  • •Unboxing — one-gesture open; fewer components; clear instructions on-pack.
  • •Branding — iconic hex silhouette + handle-curve embossing for stronger shelf and photo recall.
  • •Reuse — inner tray premium enough to display the mug at home.

Usability checks

  • •Timed open/close with different users → reliable <3s open; no tearing.
  • •Drop/tilt mock tests → cradle held position; handle never struck sidewalls.

Next steps

Lock board grade after transit pilots; add QR to short wash-care video; explore gift-edition colorways and multi-pack hex “honeycomb” for retail stacks.