Lecture 7 - Prototype

For Lecture 7 we were tasked with presenting our prototypes to both the lecturer and a small group of our fellow students, I found this process helpful as it enabled you to distinguish the positives and negatives of your design easier as it is in a physical 3 dimensional format that you can interact with.


(My Prototype) 

I constructed the prototype out of 4 Onken yogurt pots and simply glued the strap around it so that I could analyse how the packaging would work when the weight is equally balanced (6 yogurt pots would off-balance it), I found that the strap may require an additional horizontal strap on the sides as this would make the handle stable when its being carried. My group praised my concept and enthused that my final prototype needed to be as physically close to the design as possible, this enables the lecturer to view all functioning elements of the packaging.

Following the group analysis, we were required to answer the following questions so that Andy could record our project thus far.

What materials will your prototype likely use and why are these ideal/appropriate? 

The cylindrical containers are intended to be made from biodegradable plastic as it is strong and provides a watertight barrier for the liquid to sit in when it is poured. The handle and additional support will be constructed from recycled cardboard as it is strong, readily available and abundant, whilst furthermore allowing me to print the appropriate pieces of information on it.

Is there an example of similar packaging use or precedent that has influenced your ideas to date - please give an example. 

There are 2 main secondary use examples I have researched that have influenced my project these are...

1) The Revelry Wines Packaging = The wine isn't stored in a bottle, it is instead stored in a cylindrical container that acts as a cask, you pour the wine directly from it and into your glass.

2) The Recycle Bols Genever Packaging = Where the tops of spirit bottles are cut off to make unique glasses for bars.

Does your prototypes have a potential re-use or might they be recycled or returned in some way or possibly even composted? 

The majority of the packaging has a re-use, the cylindrical containers can be re-used by the consumers as glasses to drink from. Additionally, the cardboard that surrounds parts of the containers for the handle and support can be recycled by planting it thus enabling the seeds to grow...a promotional campaign illustrating that their alcoholic beverages can furthermore be cooked with/enjoyed with a meal.

What are the key ideas involved in your individual prototype? 

Each individual bottle sits within it's own cylindrical container made from a biodegradable plastic, (these act as 1 glass per bottle, you simply take the lid off the container, remove the bottle, pour the drink into it and enjoy) the tops of these are fused together like yoghurt pots providing a primary strength. Impregnated cardboard strips bow round all 6 containers (joined by interlocking tabs and minimal glue) creating additional support whilst enabling them to be carried with a handle. When you no longer need the handle/cardboard support you simply remove it and plant it in your garden so that the impregnated seeds can grow.

Andy's Response 

"Really like this set of ideas here Jasmine. It's a clever re-use strategy with the cups -  we also mentioned tying these in with what might be commercially available too - i.e. from the likes of London Bio Packs or poss Biopac in Evesham.. The chord that ties the packs together being seed-impregnated papers is a master-stroke too as is the way you've created a bespoke website tied-into the 'seeds of change' idea. Some lovely conceptual ideas here Jasmine that truly push the bounds in terms of primary and secondary uses and 'value-added' facilities.. Good work to date.." 

A  lovely comment that has made me even more motivated to complete the module to the highest standard I can possibly achieve.