Project Type
Packaging
Branding
Year
2017
Project Role
Concept
Package Design
Woodworking
Visual Identity
Photo Editing
Objective
To create multi-purposeful packaging that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is useful. The objective of this project, with my peer Kevin Lee, was to conceptualize and create an innovative packaging solution to increase the product’s lifespan beyond its original function, while also adding value for the customer and increase brand visibility.
Value Proposition
Working as part of a team, Kevin and I were able to combine our strengths and help within area’s where the other may lack. I took a very hands-on and tactile approach to this project. Based on initial sketches and measurements, I was able to go into the woodworking shop and cut the wood to the size we needed to assemble our packaging. I was also able to put a handmade touch on everything included inside the kit from the braided twine string used to close the kit and wrap the tea bottles, to the branded tea bags and seed packaging.
Challenges
The challenge for the project was to create a multi-purposeful packaging that was useful, as well as aesthetically pleasing to encourage the owner to incorporate it as a design element in their house to increase the kit’s lifespan. We wanted a design that would align with the organic nature of growing your own tea, but also fit into the urban dweller’s modern lifestyle.

Solutions
- Assemble the kit so that the consumer can use one side of the box as a hanging vase stand, and the other as a tea organizer
- Select wood as our packaging material to give a modern and rustic feel while sitting on a desk or kitchen counter
- Include easy-to-follow instructions on the back of coasters and seed packaging, paired with icons to ensure a fun and easy growing experience for all
Brand Promise
To simplify the process of urban gardening with multi-purposeful packaging that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is useful.
The Story
This was a great experience to collaborate with another designer and push each other to create an amazing final product. We were in sync from the beginning with our vision for the product and packaging we wanted to create. We haven’t had a chance to work with wood as a medium for any other packaging or studio classes. We took this opportunity, although it would be challenging, and decided to move forward with this material as our packaging. I welcomed this challenge and saw it as a chance to expand my skill set in other areas, such as woodworking and screen printing.
Research

Target Audience
The target audience is women and men who live in urban areas with little to no backyard areas or land for gardens. They enjoy tea and like the idea of having organic tea easily accessible without leaving their home. The target audience has no gardening or growing experience, yet, they desire to be self-sufficient and sustainable.
Audience Needs
To simplify the process of city gardening with an all inclusive grow kit that requires no gardening experience. The all inclusive kit contains everything the new urban gardener needs to successfully grow their own tea with simple and easy to follow directions: plant, grow, sip, relax.
Process
My design process started after conceptualizing a product that would work well with multi-purposeful packaging. We knew from the beginning that we wanted to work with wood and make a truly handcrafted product. From this starting place, we conceptualized a grow-your-own tea kit for the urban dweller. I began quick, divergent thinking and wrote down as many words as possible that I associated with tea and that would resonate with our intended target audience.
Once we agreed on Unknot as the name, we developed a tagline that consisted of four keywords: plant, grow, sip, relax. Although this is the tagline, it’s also meant to be instructional and show the simple steps for our tea kit. I then began exploring different containers, typefaces, and type lockups for our initial logotype.



We began making paper prototypes of our wooden box to obtain the exact measurements needed for the box to be structurally sound and strong enough to support the glass tea growing kit. After we finalized the specs I then went into the wood shop to cut the wood pieces down to size using a band saw. The pieces were stained with dark varnish. Once dry, we screen printed the logo on the front board and then assembled the package with hot glue. A braided twine rope is used to secure the packaging when closed, as well as hanging support for the growing herbs inside the glass jar. We then moved on to create the rest of the tea kit contents which included screen printed coasters, pre-filled tea bags, seed bags, and instructional icons.

Brand Assets

Brand Characteristics
- Modern
- All-inclusive
- Rustic
- Minimalistic
- Simple




Final Product
Deliverables
- Multi-purposeful packaging
- Branded tea bags
- Seed packaging
- Screen printed coasters
- Instructional icons + directions
- Tea glass
- Glass to plant seeds






