Dealing with detours

We spent last weekend building prototypes and simplifying the previous ones, preparing for the guidance meeting on Monday. Feedback was mixed with very little constructive criticism, what we took from that meeting was basically to keep simplifying the concept. However we still lacked many of the materials we needed, some proved difficult to acquire in time for the first pitch that was due in nine days. So do we put our faith in the Swedish postal service or do we work around the issue? Basically we decided to do both, we are working around some material issues while patiently waiting for some materials to arrive, hopefully in time.

Work in progress prototypes produced last weekend.

Simplifying “everything” (problematic detours)

We reconsidered some of our previous ideas because they are difficult and very time consuming to produce, a trade-off that isn’t really worth it in terms of aesthetic appeal. We haven’t only been simplifying accessibility but also the overall design, which we believe (and hope) will result in a better end product. All while trying to stay faithful to our original concept. Needless to say, this process can be very frustrating at times, it isn’t easy finding a solution that is both easier to use and to produce without compromising the aesthetic of the overall design and/or the the individual packaging.

Back on track

After many hours of intense hair pulling and frustrated groans, we’ve reached a point where both of us are happy with all aspects of the packaging concept and it’s full steam ahead on the final prototypes, which we’ve already spent MANY hours fine-tuning, every package needs to feel solid and robust, hatches need to close easily and fit well in their allotted space, there shouldn’t be any unnecessary use of carton or packaging of air. Since we’ve finally managed to lock-down the size and dimensions of all the packages, we’ve just yesterday, finally been able to start working on illustrations. We didn’t want to start working on them before everything else was set, so not to risk throwing away valuable hours if the design changes during development.

Friday through Sunday will be spent producing illustrations and constructing prototypes, we will, hopefully, be done by Monday night so we can focus on our other assignments in preparation for the first pitch.