Gift-wrap for children’s book
A new gift-wrap solution for personalised books aimed at children aged 0-6.
Brief
Goals of the re-design
- increase the excitement of unwrapping a gift
-
be sent as a fully-wrapped gift, but at the same time allow customers (parents, friends) to review the book and reseal before passing it on to the recipient.
- secure the book inside during shipment
While meeting these requirements
- maintain the overall brand look and feel that is seen in the books and the outer packaging
- fit in the outer packaging
- not add significantly to storage space required at the print-house

PROCESS
Customers expressed their dissatisfaction on the existing gift wrap as below:

“I was disappointed with the quality. If you are offering an envelope, the quality should match the quality of the book.”
“Had I know that paper envelope was the gift wrapping and that the recipient would have to insert the book themselves in the envelope, I wouldn’t have selected that option.”

A box-type envelope can be flat-packed, made without the use of an adhesive, therefore, doesn’t take additional storage space and it is easy and quick to assemble. Four flaps are opened in a way that unveils a hidden surprise. It is reusable and ideal as a keepsake box.
350gsm cardboard to give a premium feel and extra protection.
Velcro closure for pleasure and ease of opening. Most importantly, it is resealable.
• Structure Design: A box-type envelope with a velcro closure

• Prototyping: Making physical prototypes of the packaging and testing their damage tolerance during shipment.

• Some options for the visual design that is consistent with the brand style.
• A finished sample for a focus group test


From a focus group test, we gained mixed feedback on the packaging. Some said that the velcro type of closure makes the gift-wrap feel industrial. For the final design, we chose a cut-out tab as a seal and altered the visual design of the upper flap to allow the tab.
From a focus group test, we gained mixed feedback on the packaging. Some said that the velcro type of closure makes the gift-wrap feel industrial.

RESULTS
“The packaging is precious and truly makes a heartfelt gift with a personal touch.”


Learnings
We conducted the focus group test only after the visual design was completed. As a result, we had little time to respond to the unexpected feedback and refine the design. I learned that involving users at the early stages of product development can save time, work and resources.