Development

The concept that after consideration I decided to pursue was concept one. I believe that this design has the potential to produce a beautiful package and capture the characteristics that Wye and Legges were looking for in their packaging.

Here is my development of that concept.

Early rough notes and sketches of refinements and improvements to the design.

More detailed.

Outside of the packaging

With the outside of the packaging I decided to use to hop vine illustrations, in favor of one or a mix of barley and hops. My thoughts behind this design change was that I felt the vines shape and frame the package much better, delivering a more consistent visual and illustration on the face of the packaging. I just generally feel it looks much better with two vines and less cluttered. Bearing in mind a huge design characteristic of my packaging is its minimalist, simple style, it was important for me to not have a cluttered, busy face to the packaging. This is also an illustrative design that I feel will appeal more to females, with the embroidery style of the illustration. Taking into consideration that generally it will be females purchasing the products.

When it comes to the windows for the products, i'm still torn with how to combat this issue. Here again I have toyed with the idea of using square windows, which I believe work well, compliment the actual square shape of the packaging, look clean and modern. This is the style of window i'm leaning toward. I also again took into consideration, illustrating the vines in a way so they can merge into windows for the products inside.

However speaking to the client from Wye Valley, I asked them about this, what would they prefer or if having a window is even a critical element of the design. They said you could possibly incorporate a gift tag style menu, attaching it to the string that would display the products inside, like you see on boxes of chocolates. Bearing in mind that my design has that rustic, hamper vibe I was really intrigued by this and can see it working really well. I could even include this little book, gift tag feature with the packaging alongside windows as well, giving more concise, detailed information of the products or the companies themselves. This subtle touch and feature to the design I feel holds a lot potential and would be a really nice addition to the packaging.

Sides and Inside the packaging

Certainly looking at packing in a recipe book or something that would relate well to the theme and products being advertised, like a bottle opener, even a recipe card. A secondary use of the packaging and after discussing this also with the client is that due to the compartments, which primarily are included to house and align the labels to the windows, after the products have been taken out the packaging could be used to store condiments, recipes, kitchen appliances, even be used a rustic picnic box possibly?

Another couple of subtle changes I made was instead of including the logo's on the front of the packaging. (to combat cluttering the face of the packaging) I've decided it would be better including them on the sides. Carved or engraved into the wood. Also included a lip style cut out so it will be easier to pull out the drawer. 

Aesthetically and from a design perspective is 90% complete and really happy with how it's looking. The packaging has that premium edge to it and I feel is looking beautiful. However what I need to consider now and as I further develop my pacakging is the build and construction, especially from a ecological and environmental standpoint.