Epi Bread Carriers
A designer’s job is to formulate an experience with their projects. With this project, we will be making a package that’s meant to be both functional and part of a ritual for the recipient.
Initial Planning
I am going to create packaging for epi bread, which is an intricate but somewhat fragile loaf of bread that is shaped like wheat. This packaging is meant to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional so I want to create something that highlights the shape of the bread, but also does an adequate job providing it with support so that the individual pieces don’t fall off of the loaf.
Working With the Cardboard
Having never worked with cardboard before, the process of creating 6 inch cube corners was very useful to me. I figured that making the cube using glue would be self-explanatory, but the cube that had to be constructed with no adhesive was more challenging. For my first attempt, I tried to make an extra piece that had slits in it that I could slide one side of my cardboard into, but this method required that my cardboard have significantly more strength than the small slits would allow. For my second attempt, I used notches, making the notches in which I had to slide my cardboard in somewhat smaller, so that the cardboard would have enough friction to stay in place.
Making the Bread Model
I thoroughly studied the shape of the bread, before making this model. Each leaf if approximately 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 2 inches in height. I measured out each petal separately and then cut out each piece, I added the height by adding an inch wide piece of cardboard to the base of each petal, adding in height. However, with this approach, I was unable to simulate the dome-like shape of the bread.
Sketch Models — The First Pass
When making the sketch models, I started from basic ideas, working in my sketchbook to come with with solutions to the problems that the epi bread faces when it comes to packaging. In general, the bread is quite fragile, so it needs to be protected, so that it is not easily broken.
I created an array of models, in this stage mainly using glue and tape. I attempted to create some models without the comfort of an adhesive, but this proved quite challenging and time consuming, so in order to produce as many ideas as possible, I was unable to wean myself off of adhesive in my first pass.
The First Model
I wanted to create a model that would be able to carry the bread without creating a whole box, however this model really failed to protect the bread. I thought that the circle like carriers would create some level of visual interest, but rather it just looked quite awkward. It was still an interesting experiment, but not at all viable for the actual carrier.
The Second Model
With this model, I wanted to create something that really displayed the bread as well as emphasized the pointed ends. So I decide to create an open box shape, that would hold the bread in place with a hole in one of the sides. However, the model, once again, did not provide enough protection for the fragile loafs of bread.
The Third Model
With this model, I wanted to get one of my initial ideas made and evaluated. The first thing that drew my attention with this bread was the beautiful wheat shape of the bread. I thought that it would be interesting to create a sliding box that has the general silhouette of the bread on the top, and then it would easily slide out for the user and the bread is ready to eat. However, while this model captured the outline of the bread, it did not capture the form of the bread.
The Fourth Model
With this model, I wanted to try making a container that opens somewhat like a ring box, or a pizza box, with the same idea that the bread should be on display the moment the packaging is opened. I decided to make a triangular prism box with a right angle, as I felt as though if I was to simplify the geometric shape of each individual chunk of bread greatly, then a triangle shape could capture the general form of it. I tried a similar cut out technique on this model, focusing on each individual section of the bread, rather than the whole bread.
The Fifth Model
With this model, I wanted to focus on the transportation aspect of the interaction with the bread. The bread itself is quite long, so I think that the best manner to transport it is horizontally. With this project, I continued to expand on the basic shape of the bread segments, the triangle. I liked the basic idea of this model, however, it is quite ambiguous as to what the packaging holds, since there were no cut outs to indicate what was inside. In addition, the flaps on the outside looked really messy, so I need to figure out a way to hide those.
Realizing I need to Re-frame my Thoughts Based on Feedback
With my models so far, I have been pushing the decorative aspects of the package. I need to embrace the shape of the bread in a different manner, rather than using cut-outs. When I was talking to Stacy, she said it would be helpful to embrace the form of the object. I need to figure out a way to capture the dome of my bread, something I have been unable to do thus far. I feel as though I have done an adequate job capturing the silhouette of the bread, but I need to start thinking about it in a three-dimensional space. I feel as though I need to sit with the bread, and truly think about how people interact with it and whether or not I will be able to highlight that interaction with my project.
Expanding on One Model
I decided that the model that resonated with me the most for this project was the fifth model. This model had multiple functions as it serves as a bread carrier, and protects it quite well. It also has a handle which makes it significantly easier to transport. However, I wanted to change the highly geometric form that it has currently. So I decided to make the ends of the packaging more similar to the shape of the sections of bread, creating more of a dome shape, which more closely resembles the form of the bread. I decided to make it so that the package would open from the top, like a handbag, and then the user would be able to pull the bread out from within the package. I also made the sides of the box stand up using straps that tightened on the edges of the packaging. However this was really difficult to disassemble, so that is not ideal when considering the ease of the user.
Feedback on this Model
In general, when my classmates were interacting with the packaging, they all generally felt as though the straps were really hard to tighten and work with, so I need to figure out a cleaner solution for the ends of the cardboard. People were also unsure how exactly to open the package: whether or not they were supposed to pull on one end and pull the bread out or whether they are supposed to open both ends then pull at the top to open the package more like a purse. So I want to change the way the package opens, in a way that highlights the bread more and is more intuitive/easier for the user. So I want the user to pull on one tab on the side of the package, that opens upward, and the other tabs come out then too, which will make it one swift motion. The bread will also be on display in this process.
In addition, the dome cut outs on the side exposed the bread in a manner that made some people uncomfortable, since it could be touched by other people that are not going to eat the bread. Also the packaging was quite large for the bread, so it would move around within the package and potentially stick out of the dome shapes that were in the side. So, for my next iteration, I will make the package smaller so that the bread doesn’t move around as much.
Progress on the Final-ish Model
To act upon this feedback, I first changed the manner in which I made the one piece cut out of the cardboard, with the base of the box on one end, rather than the middle. This also changes the manner in which the box should be opened, as now it opens more like a pizza box (sort of) rather than a purse. I also wanted to incorporate visual cues into this packaging. With my previous model, people were unsure as to what they must do to open the package. So on the end that needs to be opened, I added a little dome that’s meant to be a finger hole, which when the user latches their finger into it, the package opens upwards, allowing the person to easily get the bread out of the container. I also removed the dome shapes on the side because the bread was too easily accessible from the cut outs there.
Before receiving feedback on this model, I thought it would be helpful to look over the categories that we discussed that indicate whether or not our packaging in working or not. I think that my package does an adequate job at fulfilling some of the categories, but does not necessarily meet the expectations of some of the other ones.
My main questions after this exercise were how to determine which of these traits were the most important in determining the quality of my carrier. I do not feel as though my carrier creates a very “unique” and “enjoyable” experience for the recipient, however it is very easy to open and close, which touches upon the ease of the user category. The form of the carrier itself is quite simple, but still somewhat emulates the form of bread, however not exactly of epi bread, which is something I want to fix in the next model. The time to assemble the carrier is quite short, and it is only one piece of cardboard. The carrier itself is mostly sturdy, and it completely protects the bread.
Feedback on this Model
In general, when people interacted with this model, they were quickly able to figure out how to open it, which indicates that my visual cue on how to open the package was working. However, my handle for the package was too weak and too small. All of the weight of the package was on the very fragile top line of the package. In addition the thin strap was painful for those that tried to hold it.
Steve and Stacy gave some very helpful critiques on this model, which greatly helped me restructure my thoughts when making the next pass of the model. They first provided me with a solution of the handle, saying that it is holding too much weight placing too much pressure on the user’s hand and all of the weight of the bread on a thin strip. They also suggested that I use the sections of cardboard that I was originally cutting out completely to provide more support to the user’s hand.
They also suggested that I use more incisions to change the shape of my container in a way that would make it more visually interesting and more representative of the bread. However, I am having a hard time finding the balance between my cut outs being decorative and being informative of the shape of the bread. Hopefully, by focusing on the arches of the bread rather than the silhouette, the packaging will capture the form better.
The Updated (hopefully) Near Final Model
With this model, I implemented the changes that I discussed above, with the changes to the handle and the cut outs that are meant to emulate the form of the bread.
Feedback on the Updated Model
The cut out elements I implemented into the model did not serve any function, so they are decorative elements. Currently, I cannot think of any way to add incisions to the packaging that would add to the function of the package, since my opening mechanism is straightforward and I like how clear and easy it is for to user to use it. Instead I want to try changing the way I handle curving the cardboard with straight lines. Rather, I want to use some curves that would create the same effect that the straight lines I used before would do.
An Introspective Day
This feedback day, sadly, left me feeling a little more frustrated than I meant for it too. My inability to come up with new solutions and ideas manifested into frustration that I did not know how to handle well, so I decided that it would be good to talk to Steve and/or Stacy about my doubts about myself and my design that were showing through with this project.
My main goal with this conversation was to show them that even though I was frustrated, I did not want to stop trying to find a solution for the problem that they posed for me, even if after the critique it seemed that way. Fortunately, my conversation with Steve helped me ground myself and my stress again. It left me feeling significantly more comfortable with the idea of not always having a clear and “right” solution.
Acting Upon Feedback
The only incisions I could think of changing in the packaging were the ones that help me create the curve of the sides of the package. I decided that since the loaves themselves have many curves, it could be interesting if I were to change my straight incisions into curved lines that would better emulate the form of the bread. However, when I actually implemented this method, it left me feeling quite dissatisfied and uncomfortable with the curve shape. The cardboard itself curved significantly better with straight incisions rather than the curved lines. In addition the curved lines just looked like fish scales and were not visually appealing.
More Attempts to Find a Solution
First of all, my handle is too small and having both of the cardboard sections left is bulky and not comfortable for the hand to hold. So I decided to cut the half moon shapes in half again so only half of the shape was there for support instead of double the shape. This helped provide some support for the handle, but was not bulky, so the hand has a comfortable position on the handle as well.
I also decided to change the top of the box to be more visually appealing in a way that would indicate to the user where the handle is supposed to be on the actual box. I added in epi bread loaf shapes to the handle in an attempt to draw the user to the center on the box and grab the handle. However, this just looked quite sad and like leaves, not the bread. It also compromised the strength of my handle, and honestly did not serve a large enough purpose to make a visual element in my packaging.
I also wanted to change the way that I handled curving the cardboard. I do not want to keep the lines on the outside, because it starts to resemble a barn like shape instead, as the lines start looking like panels. So I started to experiment with curving the cardboard from the inside. I decided to do my cuts on the inside of the cardboard inside so that I would be able to achieve the same arc shape I had before, but the lines would be hidden to the public eye.
In addition, I also added in a panel that will latch into the bottom piece that I cut out to be the shape of the bread. This will help support the bread and keep it in place, as it was moving around in the box initially. I cut this shape out to be a bit bigger to fit other epi bread as well.
Since my cuts on the outside of the carrier resulted in it ripping apart, I decided to try changing the way that I handle making the bends and panels in the cardboard too.
The Final Model
I implemented all the changes that I mentioned above, and it resulted in a carrier that looked significantly cleaner than before. I was still able to construct the whole package using one sheet of cardboard, and I handled my cuts on this much model with a lot more care which helped me get a significantly cleaner final product.
The additional panel with the bread shape cut out helps the bread stay in place and provides the carrier with some support on the base as well.
My Final Thoughts
This project was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. It was challenging in a way that I had never experienced before, but it was also the most I have learned in a short time as well.
On a surface level, I learned an incredible amount about cardboard. I learned about the general makeup of it, like learning how to work with the flutes to create curves, and cutting through the cardboard to make tabs. Understanding the affordances of the material was crucial to this process of making clean cuts and tabs that are effective at keeping the carrier together.
In addition to all that I learned about the material, I learned a great deal about the design process. Honestly, the process was quite frustrating and left me feeling defeated on multiple occasions, but overall it helped me learn and grow a significant amount. I learned the importance of trying multiple solutions and actually constructing these different ideas out of cardboard to understand whether or not they work effectively. To counter that, however, I also learned the importance of thoroughly planning out all the measurements and such in your sketchbook before attempting to create a final model, as it saves a great amount of time to have a clear idea in your head before you start attempting to cut into the cardboard.
This process helped me become more comfortable with the idea of not being able to come up with the perfect and “right solution.” With each failure, I learned something substantial. I grew over the process of creating our first cardboard corners, to the many sketch models, and eventually creating the final model with careful and precise craft. This growth is the most important end result of this project and I know that all the lessons that I learned in this project will help me so much over the next four years.
Final Model Pictures
