Packaging Design
Overview
This unit enables students to develop an understanding of foundation principles and the needs of packaging design. Key outcomes are based upon research, conceptual and design implementation abilities and problem solving skills in order to design effective packaging solutions. Students will be introduced to the exploration of packaging forms and the printing processes - whilst utilising design elements and principles (DEPs) to create meaningful and effective projects. A critical awareness of the relationship between concept (information collection) and form (design implementation) will be developed through these fundamental and universal skills. The production of packaging design and sustainability will be considered when generating the branding, visual communication and structural parameters. Students will develop a logical and effective design process which includes testing, feedback and refinement. Students are encouraged to use industry resources to enhance their knowledge of technical, material and marketing information relevant to packaging design.
Requisites
31-January-2025
30-May-2025
26-September-2025
30-January-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Create effective packaging solutions using research, experimentation, and documentation, whilst applying contemporary packaging industry processes
- Apply both two dimensional and three dimensional design principles as a means of effective brand communication, within a packaging design context
- Evaluate a packaging category in relation to a defined market
- Develop a critical framework in order to distinguish between effective and ineffective packaging design solutions
- Refine, research, develop and document design solutions by applying constructive analysis, evaluation, and external feedback to packaging design projects
- Analyse the social and environmental factors for packaging design
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Online workshop) |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus (Lab 1) |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus (Lab 2) |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities (Independent Learning) |
7.50 | 12 weeks | 90 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project 1 | Individual/Group | 20 - 30% | 3,4,6 |
| Project 2 | Individual/Group | 20 - 30% | 1,2 |
| Project 3 | Individual/Group | 40 - 60% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
- Design elements and principles as applied to packaging
- Packaging history, terminology, methods and technology
- Research of industry conventions and mandatory practices
- Packaging form and classification
- Print resolution, colour usage, die-lines and separations
- Composition, hierarchies and visual exploration
- Research and documentation of ideas
- Using typography and imagery to develop and achieve communication objectives
- Understanding and development of sustainable practices and principles
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.