The brief
Create a document showcasing and explaining a product that has three levels of projected and perceived brand quality, low end, mid range and high end. Using your document as a guide, create a design strategy for a product of your own choosing to be placed in the high end market. Research competition and create a package prototype, surface graphics and brand that adhere to your design strategy whilst differentiating from its competition.
I chose to design a package for incense sticks. The package design shape was inspired by Native American nomadic dwellings known as tipis. The subtle twist of the pyramid creates a complex and striking form, whilst also lending a sense or organic flow with the slight lean. The product itself makes the connection to a tipi, by protruding from the open top. Native American culture also inspired my surface graphics solution and creation of brand. Mahpiya is the Sioux word for sky, clouds and heaven depending on context. It is a beautiful sounding word, soft and relaxing. It alludes to the smoke that emits from incense, its spiritual connections and where it stands against its competition. The colour palette used is soft, calming and alludes to the scent of the particular incense.
