THE ASSIGNMENT
For this project I had to choose a place in San Diego that carries cultural significance, or a personal importance to me. After the location was selected, I had to research its local markets and develop a fitting souvenir. I then had to create packaging for the souvenir, and develop a visual identity around the item.
THE CHALLENGE
There were a couple of restrictions. Firstly, all packaging materials were reduced to a single 11”x 17” sheet of chipboard. No fasteners could be used. This means no glue, tape, staples, sowing, etc. The third criterion was that the package must be travel safe: we assumed that the souvenir might be tossed in a suitcase bound for Florida.
DESIGN SOLUTION
I created a series of stained glass sun catchers that depict the Sun setting in the Pacific ocean. I took this inspiration from San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs. In respect to my item’s brittle nature, I developed architectural packaging that utilizes hidden steps that support the glass and provide a soft cushion in case of excessive shaking.
PHASE ONE
(not really, I just needed a divider.)
RESEARCH
My research for this project included studying the view of Sunset Cliffs, other stained glass sun catchers, and hexagonal packaging solutions. I came up with a color palette by looking at the landscape. I Then judged how far stained glass can be pushed in terms of size and detail. Lastly, I saw what hexagonal packaging can offer-and I saw ways of improving it.
DESIGNING A SOUVENIR
My decision to work with stained glass on this project revolved around the light of the Sun. It was SUNset cliffs - a place people go for the Sun. To see its light and colors. The best way to incorporate the Sun in my work was to literally capture it in glass. Thus, I depicted it setting in the Pacific ocean.
The sun catcher’s shape was determined by practical reasons. Because the object is about 4 inches wide and quite brittle, I had to look for a strong form. I discovered that the hexagon is the strongest flat shape.
LOGO AND BRANDING
I wanted to reflect my product in the logo and packaging. I decided to stick with the hexagon as my main shape. The logo represents the product’s name - SunStone - in the shape of three ‘S’ letters. The letters are made of the setting sun spheres depicted in the stained glass.
I experimented with developing a logotype that incorporates the logo mark as a letter. Upon review, I decided that I am after a cleaner aesthetic, and that such a logotype would serve no purpose.
PACKAGING
I worked on the packaging with four goals in mind - secure the object, include die cuts that let light pass through to activate the glass, don’t use glue or other fasteners, and follow the hexagonal shape.
PACKAGING DESIGN
The box consists of a main body and a removable lid. Both have the same die cuts in accordance with the sun catcher’s lead lines. This allows for light to travel through the box, illuminating the glass.
To secure the object, I came up with the idea of making raised surfaces, like steps, to support the glass and keep it from touching the back and front of the packaging.
I developed a system of precise tucking flaps that lock into place once each one is in position. I used laser cutting to achieve this level of detail.
