Packaging redesign

Project Management, Art Direction

Project Overview

Mínut is a Swedish tech startup that has developed a powerful sensor for predicting short-term rental impacts on home security.

In 2023, Mínut prioritized the redesign of its packaging to align with the launch of their innovative sensor product. This initiative delves into the thorough rationale behind opting for a complete overhaul and enhancement of the packaging, combining my strategic planning and the creative process involved in its development.

My Contributions

I managed the packaging project from conception through design to production deployment. Read my case study below to see how I collaborated with various stakeholders to devise creative integration strategies and ensure their successful implementation.

Case Study

Project scope

Marketing

‣ Comply with ESG policy

‣ New design

Engineering

‣ Relocation of manufacturing process from China to Sweden

‣ Simplify packing process

‣ Cube optimisation

Business

‣ New product

‣ Reduce cost

‣ B2B audience

New product

With the anticipated launch of the Gen 3 sensor in January 2023, it was crucial to give the packaging a facelift, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul of the box. The Gen 3 sensor boasts a sleeker design, demanding a fresh box template and mold.

Accompanied by new investors backing Mínut, adherence to the ESG policy becomes imperative. This commitment not only showcases Mínut’s dedication to social and environmental responsibilities but also positions Minut competitively in the market, appealing to customers who prioritize transparency and sustainability.

Cost reduction

The previous cost for the Gen 2 sensor box, inclusive of the leaflet, stands at $4.60. Our target is to achieve a new cost ranging between $1 to $2 per box, encompassing the leaflet.

As part of this cost reduction initiative, it's crucial to explore the possibility of designing a slimmer box that can accommodate more sensors per pallet.

This not only aligns with our cost-cutting objectives but also enhances efficiency by reducing shipment costs per unit.

Additional options were looked at into reducing the cost by removing additional screws provided and sticker.

B2B Market

Given the shift away from the retail market, our focus is on practicality and sustainability in packaging. Designing a simple, easily recyclable packaging solution is paramount. Mínut’s B2B customers prioritize the functionality of the packaging over its aesthetics. The key factors here are ensuring the product arrives undamaged and can be swiftly unboxed for immediate use.

ESG Policy

I also had to undertook a survey to identify manufacturers that are both highly efficient and cost-effective while adhering to the ESG framework. Key considerations include the use of recyclable packaging and ink, with a crucial requirement for materials to be 100% recycled and approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).

Box demonstration

The box cover is difficult to open therefore the user has to gently shake the box to reveal the base at the bottom.

Material solution

The solution is to use a pure corrugated box (without any other mix materials) for long term sustainable and affordable packaging.

Corrugated cardboard is eco-friendly, meaning it is healthy for the environment. It decomposes easily and can be recycled, making it a preferable choice for companies that want to be more environmentally ethical and lower their carbon footprint. Corrugated cardboard is also a traditional type of packaging with many years of proven effectiveness as packaging.

The fibers are also sturdy, and the structure of the boxes allows for a high weight capacity.

Moodboard

I gathered inspiration from various product packaging visuals to give stakeholders an idea of my vision and demonstrate how we can incorporate similar concepts into Mínut’s new packaging.

Drawing board

My next step involves crafting the interface design of the box. Collaborating with my team, we brainstormed a range of ideas for the design's direction. Refining each creative concept, I distilled them into simpler versions that align with the narrative of our process.

Final Result

Analysis of the new packaging

Easy to open

The new box now is easier to open using traditional tuck-in flaps.

Print to digital

I have also transferred the product setup instruction from print to the website to reduce the cost of additional printing.

Gen 3 packaging results

The updated packaging features a recyclable corrugated box and ink, aligning seamlessly with the ESG framework.

It’s slimmer and more compact design enables each pallet to accommodate a greater quantity of boxes for shipping efficiency.

Simplifying the aesthetics, the design employs a minimalistic approach, utilizing solely black and white ink.Notably, the box is designed for easy opening, enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, a streamlined approach is adopted with just one template for the entire packaging.The overall cost, inclusive of both packaging and leaflet, stands at an economical $0.50/box surpassing the initial target ($2).

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