Innovative Packaging Solutions for Hexbug Products

2. Project Overview • Introduction & Product Analysis • Drawing & communication • Sensing abilities in robots • Programming Robots • Mechanisms and Systems • Designing new products & Packaging • Presentation and Rendering • Biomimicry • Concept Modelling • Concept presentations

3. LESSON 06

4. LESSON 6 STARTER Learning objective: Learn about the importance of packaging for everyday consumer products. Develop a new product for a portfolio of similar products. Design a new product and packaging solution that is creative and innovative. DESIGNING PRODUCT & PACKAGING SOLUTIONS What is the purpose of packaging?Packaging has four key functions. They are as follows:Protect – packaging stops the contents from being damaged before it reaches the customerPromote – packaging engages with the customer, enticing them to purchase the product (sometimes instead of another product)Preserve – packaging ensures that its contents will not be effected by its surroundings prior to opening (mainly in food situations)Transport – packaging provides a container to hold (multiple) products inside during transportation to and from different places. New words: preserve, protect, transport, promote.

5. Sensing Abilities of robots Hexbug Packaging Being a packaging designerOnce a product has been developed and manufactured, graphic designers and packaging designers start work on developing innovative ways to contain the product, and feature it in the thousands of shops across the country. Look at the packaging solutions for each different Hexbug on the market below.Question? How and why are they all different?

6. Sensing Abilities of robots A look at packaging Quick AnalysisTake a look at the packaging in pairs and consider the following questions.1. How did the design team promote the Hexbug as best as possible to the customer?2. How did the design team protect the Hexbug to avoid damage in transport? 3. How have the design team communicated what the product is and does on the packaging?4. How have the design team been slightly innovative in the design beyond a simple cardboard box?

7. Sensing Abilities of robots Taking packaging apart Pairs task:Take 1 piece of packaging, and in pairs try to “flatten” the card packaging without breaking or tearing it. What have you created?Now look at the clear plastic dome. How has it been shaped into this dome from a flat sheet? A 2D NetA net folds into a 3D packaging solution and often uses glues or tape to hold it in shape. Vacuum formingThis process heats thin sheets of plastic, then forms them over a mould before cooling the new plastic shape. New words: net

8. Sensing Abilities of robots Vacuum forming Quick facts on vacuum formingThe process of vacuum forming is to heat a sheet of thin plastic which is sitting over a sealed container. This container, built into a vacuum forming machine, has a valve allowing you to draw the air out of it, creating suction because of the “vacuum” created (just like in space with no air).If the plastic (HIPS) is soft enough, by drawing out the air, the plastic will be drawn down into the space the air is leaving. If you place a solid mould or former underneath the plastic, as it is drawn down, it takes the outside shape of the former and creates domes like you see on the Hexbug packaging. New words: vacuum forming, shell, machine, HIPS

9. Sensing Abilities of robots The Nano packaging The Hexbug Nano is a very interesting product, with very creative packaging. DesignThe packaging is designed to look like a test tube. This is to build a feeling that a “real” insect is being presented inside, and is a specimen of a rare creature you have caught. You slide out the trapped specimen by pulling the tab, and release it.

10. Sensing Abilities of robots The Nano V2 packaging The Hexbug Nano V2 is a in a similar way also creative and clever work by the design team. DesignThe packaging is designed as a tunnel, but hangs on a shop rail presenting the Nano vertically. The arrows inside the square section clear tube indicate a direction of travel, telling you this Nano is going to climb.

11. Sensing Abilities of robots The common features of Nano packaging Task: What are the common features of both pieces of packaging. Make a list on your worksheet of all the features of the packaging. Consider the list below to help you:- appearance- size- colour- symbols- text- logos- warning information- branding

12. Sensing Abilities of robots The Nano V3 product & packaging ProductThe Nano V1 scrambles across a flat surface.The Nano V2 climbs up tubes.What would a Nano V3 do?Consider this question and come up with 8 different things a Nano V3 could do.Task: Sketch a design for your three best ideas, with details of how it will “do” this new action you have decided it will do. How could we evolve into a V3?

13. Sensing Abilities of robots The Nano V3 product & packaging How could we evolve into V3 packaging? PackagingThe Nano V1 packaging was a test tube.The Nano V2 packaging was a climbing tube.What would a Nano V3 packaging be?Consider what you want your best Nano idea to do, and develop some ideas. Sometimes the wackier the better.Task: Sketch three packaging solutions for your best Nano idea, with details of how it will protect, promote, transport and be innovative.

14. LESSON 6 PLENARY As a class, let us consider the following questions?A. Why is packaging considered bad for the environment? B. How could we shop and buy items without packaging? C. What would be the issues if we had no packaging?D. What might make the packaging better for the environment?

15. Summary Learning objective: Learn about the importance of packaging for everyday consumer products. Develop a new product for a portfolio of similar products. Design a new product and packaging solution that is creative and innovative. • Today you have: • Learnt about packaging and why it is necessary for products. • Developed a new idea for the Hexbug product range. • Designed a product and packaging solution that works to promote, protect, preserve and transport the new Nano.