Gifting Design

Box Containing Gift, Closed
Box Containing Gift, Open
Gift Assembled

Project Statement

Design is to focus not only on the end result, but the user’s experience when interacting with the object designed as well. I created a puzzle to create a fun experience of creating the imagery the puzzle conveys after it’s put together by my mentor, Carolyn. I featured the quote from Alvar Aalto, one of Carolyn’s favorite designers, that reads “Form must have a content, and that content must be linked with nature.” This is engraved onto the puzzle, made of Baltic birch, along with a photograph of the Pocono Mountains, where Carolyn grew up. Using a square color palette, I painted the puzzle with inspiration from the vibrant colors of Alexander Girard’s prints that Carolyn enjoys. The puzzle incorporates many of their favorite things, while remaining cohesive. I prioritized the tangibility of my design; I wanted something interactive and that is enjoyable to touch as well as view. While I have worked with moving parts in a design before, the change in material took experimentation and some sanding to ensure the pieces fit together with ease. While I prioritized the gift over the packaging, my goal was to make discovering the box itself pleasing as well. To incorporate color into the packaging as well, I made an explosion box lined with the same color palette as before. I intend the experience of opening the box to a surprise of bright color, to discover the puzzle pieces within, is exciting and intriguing. Additionally, a reusable decorative box is more sustainable than wrapping paper, as it can be used for other gifts in the future.

Process

View detailed process at Gifting Design: Process

Reflection

During this project I learned the importance of presentation. Not only should the gift or design be thoroughly thought out, but the way in which the design is presented can have a positive affect on experiencing the design. My goal was to create a more sustainable alternative to wrapping paper, which I achieved, but I want to experiment with others forms of reusable containers as well. When constructing the explosion box, I struggling with precise measurements, which I revised by using a T-square in place of a ruler, so my lines are perpendicular and hit their marks consistently, and the sides of the box came together soundly. In regards to the puzzle, the functionality of the design worked as intended, save some sanding for smoother edges after being cut with the laser cutter. However, when rostering the image and text onto the wood, the image was very faint. I was able to use an eraser to remove some of the sawdust that prevented the visibility of the text, but the image was gone. I overcame this by accentuating the contours of the imagery by painting over it. While I planned to paint the puzzle regardless, I changed my idea from an abstract splash of vibrancy to a more representational painting, in order to suggest the mountains and greenery intended. I loved this project and its concept, as well as focusing on the person who will be receiving it.