MATERIALS: corrugated cardboard, olfa knife, xacto knife, bone folder, clear tape
I was assigned to make 6 inch corners. There were many options running through my mind as to how to construct this corner. I thought about using tabs, cutting out joints, and using glue to hold the structure together. There was also the option of cutting out squares individually or keeping it connected like an ‘L’ shape to fold inwards.
I chose to keep the sides of the squares connected and planned to fold it into a corner. There would be only one side of the corner that requires a method to keep it together. I used the X-acto knife to score the sides and used a bone folder to push a part of the cardboard in to get a clean fold to prevent any excess material spilling out. I cut out the part of the cardboard where the thickness of the board overlapped so that I got a clean and pristine fold.
This was my first time constructing something out of cardboard. I tried to observe the characteristics of the cardboard and noticed that cardboard like to fold in the way the corrugation is aligned. I also explored the manipulation of cardboard like cutting out the first layer and scoring.
OBJECT OUT OF CARDBOARD
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MATERIALS: corrugated cardboard, olfa knife, xacto knife, uhu glue, hot glue
I was given the task of making my object (donuts) out of cardboard. From my observation, donuts flair out as it gets to the middle. I decided to increase the surface area as it got to the middle and decrease as it got towards the bottom.
My first iteration included the process of layering consecutive circles with holes in the center until I got to my desired thickness. After, I took both my olfa knife and my X-acto knife to carve out the excess material disrupting the form of the donut.
For my second attempt, I printed out a template from online to study how they used tabs. While the other methods I was thinking of involved cutting out multiple pieces, this attempt focused on one shape to make the donut. Although the idea of one continuous piece attracted me, it gave me less control as to how I connected the sides together. The finished donut had many gaps and my method of using hot glue was not successful because it became very messy.
CARRIER IDEA 1
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The way donuts are packaged relies heavily on its purpose and the audience it is targeting. Is it stored in plastic cases or opaque boxes? Is it packaged sideways or face up? Is it sold in a supermarket or at a donut shop? All of these questions are factors contributing to the way the donut is presented to the buyer.
If it is sold in a supermarket, the donuts tend to be mass produced and sold stacked sideways in a see through box. This is because it allows the customers to see the donuts before buying them. The quality of the box is usually more function based than aesthetically focused because supermarket donuts are generally not meant to be gifted. On the other hand, donuts from shops are stored in opaque boxes so that the destination party can enjoy the element of surprise.
HOW CAN CURRENT CARRIERS FOR DONUTS BE IMPROVED?
Although there are many reasons the packages were made the way they are, there are still components where the carriers can be improved. The box the donuts are packaged in makes it hard for people to grab without messing the donut up. The lack of space on the side of the box as well as the way the donuts are stuck together when packaged sideways are all problems that makes the experience inconvenient for the consumer.
My first iteration of this project explores the ways this problem can be addressed by including an elevated base at the bottom of the donut box. The base acts as a tray on the bottom of the box and the consumer can pull the tray up, tightly securing it with the built in tabs on the side. This will result in bringing the donuts up as well which leaves space on the side for people to grab it with no obstacles.
My first idea consisted of building tabs in each donut hole to be pulled up, however, I realized that it would make the experience complicated if everyone had to pull a separate base for each donut. I simplified this original idea by putting the tab only at the center of the tray.
THINGS TO IMPROVE/NEXT STEPS:
- Make the lid go over the bottom portion of the box to provide easier grip for consumers.
- The tray portion of the packaging could be measure more precisely.
- More tabs can be added on the top of the container to prevent the tray from falling out.
Overall, this iteration was executed successfully considering all the factors I wanted to include in the packaging. However, in terms of craft I experienced problems that I would not have expected. The folding of each side increased/decreased the surface area of the base, leaving me with an inaccurate measurement for the box. I learned that the thickness of the cardboard should be taken into account when dealing with the measurements of the package.
CARRIER IDEA 2
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For my second iteration, I wanted to experiment with the different ways donuts can be stored. While most donuts are stacked face up or sideways, I wanted to see how it would look if donuts were stacked on top of each other. To do this, I constructed a cone attached to a base so that the donuts could drop down.
FIRST ATTEMPT
Using a template of a cone net I found online, I constructed the cone by scoring the outside layer. This allowed the cardboard to become more malleable. However, it resulted in a very unclean look, especially towards the top.
SECOND ATTEMPT
Scoring the cardboard in my first attempt was successful in achieving the structure I wanted. Taking this, I applied it in my second attempt but scored on the inside of the cone instead of the outside. The picture above on the right shows a rectangular box I made for my packaging. In the picture, the base of the box is face down while the open end is on top. Originally, this box was supposed to act as a lid for the cone structure, however, this ‘lid’ just sat on top of the base of the cone with no further act of securement. This combination of the two structures acted separately leading to an awkward packaging. The picture shows my experimentation on how to use the lid in a more effective method.
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON/NEXT STEPS:
- The lid idea was poorly executed// no latch to secure it down to the base
- The cone could be skinnier to allow the donuts to fall all the way down to the base.
- Based on feedback, this iteration reflects more of a ring holder rather than a donut carrier.
Without the ‘lid’, the donuts stored on the cone is left vulnerable. How are they going to be protected through travel? As a carrier, is this structure most effective?
Does this iteration reflect the nature of a socially accepted idea of a donut carrier?
This iteration was a method in which I experimented my creativity with this project. While traditional donut carriers are usually found in the form of boxes, I dipped my feet into different carrier forms. Although my intentions were in the right place, this iteration will not be continued due to the lack of functionality and alignment with social cues. People have their own set ideas on what a donut carrier should look like and my iteration is far off the range that it might confuse the consumer. I learned that although innovation is encouraged, it should still focus on the key aspects of functionality and interpretation.
CARRIER IDEA 3
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Taking what I learned from the second iteration, I wanted to focus on both function and the way people interact with my carrier. While existing donut boxes use very simple mechanics to reach the donuts, I wanted to explore other possibilities that conserve both the aspect of function and aesthetics.
On this spread in my sketchbook, I had three ideas exploring the same focus of interaction. Ultimately, I wanted to explore the idea of the person interacting with the carrier by opening up flaps held in place by the handle. I had many ideas for the inside compartment: shelf units for the donuts, a rotating plate, and a tray with the handle attached to the center.
I decided to try an iteration that reflected the key qualities I wanted to focus on for all of my different ideas. My third carrier had two components: the outside box with the flaps and the inside box with the handle and donut. This carrier reflects the interaction and the element of surprise I was exploring in each of my ideas on my spread.
I started by constructing a square box to contain my donuts. However, what I failed to think about was the way the donuts would be placed inside this structure. The cube structure of the box did not help enhance the convenience of picking up a donut from the box. The width was too short to comfortably grip onto the product and too deep to see what is being picked up.
The most important part for the inside box was making sure the handles were stable enough to support the weight of the product when being pulled out from the outside box. I was able to make the handles support the box, however, the way the lid was connected to the box made the entire process too difficult. To make the tabs, I cut out the thickness of the cardboard in half so that the lid would comfortably sit on the top of the box. Then I cut out a slit in the box so that the user can ‘slip’ it in. Because the cardboard was thinned out, the tab was not stable and slipping it in the slit was hard to do.
STACIE’S COMMENTS
- too many protective qualities (looks like an army tank)
- does your carrier reflect the form of the object it carries?
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON/NEXT STEPS:
- Focus on the way different components of your carriers connect (tabs)
- Structure of the carrier
How will the object be placed?
CARRIER IDEA 4
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Listening to Stacie’s commentary about how the form of the carrier should reflect the object it holds, I decided to take my third carrier idea and change it from a cube to a cylinder reflecting the donut’s round form. I kept the layering lid on the top because the element of slow reveal was interesting to me.
My idea for this iteration was similar to that of my previous one in that there would be two components: the outside layer and the inside layer. The outside layer would serve the purpose of protecting the donut and the inside layer was reflective of a cupcake displayer. I chose to make the iteration where there were multiple trays.
My craft for this part of this iteration was poor. The technique I used to connect the base of the carrier to the rest of the structure did not work properly. I carved out the thickness of the cardboard on the base so that the sides would fit to the carvings like a puzzle. However, the carrier was too big to be held together by this attachment method. Furthermore, the center pole holding the trays intact was cut sloppy and the lid got stuck when opened. The technique of scoring on the outside resulted in the first layer of the cardboard peeling whenever the lid slid back on.
I planned on incorporating a handle in this carrier as well but after seeing how the structure was altogether poorly crafted, I thought it would be more productive to move on to the next try.
IN-CLASS PEER REVIEW CRITIQUE:
- The purpose of two lids is unclear
- There is no indication of what can fit inside
- The cylinder popping out of the lid makes you want to push something/makes you want to reach for the center than the flap.
- Where are the handles?
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON/ NEXT STEPS:
- focus on craft/better joint tech
CARRIER IDEA 5
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I liked the incorporation of handles in my third iteration and the circular form in my fourth. For my fifth carrier idea, I took these elements and combined them together.
My carrier consists of three layers: the handle, the sides, and the display tray. My goal for this iteration was to make a version where it is easy to transport the donuts from one place to another and where it is possible to display them on the dinner table. The entire package is contained together by the handle layer and once the handles are released, the user can unlatch the sides to leave the base remaining.
From my previous carrier, I learned that carving out only one layer of the cardboard to fit in the sides resulted in instability within the carrier. For this version, I cut out the entire cardboard so that the side will completely go through. This technique was successful because it kept the base in place.
For the handle, I wanted to reflect the form of the donut by making it into a circle and cutting out a hole for the hand to grab. The sides of the handles connected to the base kept all the other layers intact.
During the in-class critique, my idea of the base remaining on the table and the sides releasing was compared to a spring pan form, typically used to bake cheesecakes.
Noting this comparison, I observed the way this pan opens and the way it interacts with the base. The sides latches on securely when it is intact but expands when the tab is released.
However, after making this carrier, I learned that there were too many pieces that made the user experience complicated. I knew I needed to use the deductive method to take out unnecessary cardboard and simplify the overall carrier. Furthermore, there weren’t enough visual cues to indicate to the user to unlatch the tabs to split open the sides. Another issue I was faced with was when the sides were being split open, the base was wobbling around. This defeats the whole purpose of having a display tray because the donuts would be moving around as well.
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON/ NEXT STEPS:
- make handle one piece
- add more visual cues so that the user knows to unlatch the sides
- find a way to stabilize the base when the sides are being unlatched
- maybe there is a better way to unlatch the sides ( explore the options )
- add protective element to carrier
how will the donuts be protected from the rain/insects/falling out?
CARRIER IDEA 6
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After the 5th iteration, I wanted to come up with a carrier that had protective qualities but also a new way to hold donuts. My original idea was a cylindrical container that can be opened horizontally revealing hanging donuts behind the sliding lids. After much thought and consideration, however, I realized that donuts are not conventionally stored in this way. The sketches above show my process in finding a new idea for my carrier.
I decided at the end that my fifth iteration fulfilled both the ease of transportation and functionality. From the beginning, my concept for my carrier was to build a model that acted not only as a mode of transporting products but also as a display tray for dinner parties. The 6th iteration had the same idea as that of the fifth one but it fixed the mistakes. I thought about the placement of a protective lid, making the handle all one piece, and stabilizing the base. Addressing these concerns, I was able to finalize my idea for my carrier project.
There were still aspects of craft that I needed to address like the inefficient use of joints in combining the lid and the side of the container. The joints were too skinny and could not stick together. I knew I needed to find a different method to combine these elements together.
Aside from craftsmanship, I was able to find a carrier idea that
- reflects the form of the object it holds
- functions with intention
- makes opening the gift fun and appealing
FINAL CARRIER
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In making the final carrier for this project, I had a couple of objectives in mind. From my first try in making this same idea, I was faced with a few craftsmanship issues like the lid of the carrier not measuring up precisely and the side of the carrier not joining securely with the top. In this final, I was more focused on my craft than developing the idea more.
For my first attempt at making the final carrier I used the method of cutting out a portion from the lid to slip in the sides to combine the two portions together. However, this was not planned accordingly because I did not have enough room to push down the lid without compromising the height of the carrier.
Furthermore, the gap was still there when the handles merged at the top. My measurements for the top lid was inaccurate. I did not think about the excess material needed to make up for the length that would’ve been pulled back to make the mechanism work.
For my second attempt, I cut out slits from the side to slip in the top lid.
Because my lid for this attempt was so big, I tried to slant the angle of the lid downwards so that the two sides would both fit the surface area of the base.
The method of cutting out slits and inserting the top into the sides was not a successful way to connect the two pieces together.
This is because it compromised the overall shape of the circular carrier.
To make my final carrier, I made three different attempts. My final attempt used the method of the first attempt in joining the side and lid together. I planned accordingly this time and I left space on top of the side when I made the net so that I could push down.
Overall, this project was an exploration of different techniques and ideas on one goal of protecting and carrying these donuts. From the start, I wanted to ease the convenience of reaching for a donut at parties, since the frosting tend to get on the user’s hand due to the obstructive box it is contained in. My final carrier transports these donuts but also provides an efficient way to display on a table in a setting where many are gathered.
From this project, I learned the different techniques of manipulating cardboard all while respecting the intergrity of the material. I also learned how to construct my ideas from start to finish, starting in my head to finishing with a physical form in front of me. The craft of improvising as I go to ease the physical barriers is also something valuable I took away from this project.
