Packaging and Merchandising Design Task 3

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Packaging and Merchandising Design Task 3

Siam Siew Yong 0358399
Bachelor of Design in Creative Media | Taylor’s Design School | Taylor’s University

Instruction


List of Content

  • Task 3
  • Feedback
  • Reflection

TASK 3

In this task, we will develop the brand and packaging identity we established in Project 2 and bring it to life in the retail world. The goal is to design a cohesive "merch drop" collection consisting of FIVE (5) distinct items and pitch the concept to the class.

Requirements:
  • One (1) POP (Point-of-Purchase) Display: A freestanding or countertop display designed to hold or showcase your product in a retail environment.
  • Four (4) Merchandise Items: Original branded goods (e.g., apparel, tote bags, tumblers, limited edition collectibles, stationery) that specifically appeal to your target audience.
So in task 2, we chose Smile Surprise as our brand.
In first week, me and my group mate discussed the POP display and merchandises
Me started to work on the POP display while my other group mates will worked on the merchandises.

For task 2, Jing En also helped to print all the box and bottle label designs, allowing us to produce the physical prototypes of the packaging. 

fig 1.1 box side a 

fig 1.2 box side b

fig 1.3 bottles side a 

fig 1.4 bottles side b 

So this is our final presentation of the box and bottles.

fig 1.5 final physical mock-up 


When we worked on printing process, we also started to do the merchandise design and promotional strategy.
We followed the outline recommended by Mr Shamsul, and I divided the task for them

Outline
Phase 1: Research & Concepts
Analyze your Project 2 brand values and packaging aesthetics.
Develop 5 concepts that feel like a natural extension of the brand.
Goal: Ensure the items are things your target audience would actually buy.

Phase 2: Design & Mock-ups
Design the graphics and structural elements for all 5 items.
Create high-quality digital mock-ups. These should be realistic renders that look like professional product photography.
Ensure strict visual consistency (color palette, typography) with your Project 2 packaging.

Phase 3: Strategy & Presentation
Promotional Strategy: Outline specific channels (Social Media, Influencers, Events) and tactics you will use to launch the merchandise.
The Pitch: Prepare a slide deck presentation to "sell" your ideas. You will present your designs and strategy in Week 14*.

 So I will doing the phase 3 because I did a lot of things in this group assignment. 
I assigned my team mate to complete other part of this presentation slide. 

Lana and Jing En completed the merchandises such as eye-patch, diffuser, small pouch bag and toiletry bag. And their merchandises was approved by Mr Shamsul. 

fig 1.6  applications design 

And I also showed the POP product stand to Mr Shamsul, he asked me to do a planogram like real pop-up and product.

fig 1.7  process of POP in Photoshop 

I incorporated the pattern I developed in Project 2 into the packaging design to reinforce the brand identity and maintain visual consistency across different project deliverables.

So this is the final POP stand and the planogram.

fig 1.7  POP product stand mockup 
    fig 1.8 planogram
      After this, I created the presentation slides and shared them with my group members. We then began compiling and organizing all the work we had completed into the presentation. We also explained the meaning and rationale of all merchandises and strategy we used.

      Why POP product stand
      The POP (Point-of-Purchase) Product Stand is designed to attract attention and encourage purchase decisions at the point of sale. It effectively showcases the gift box and miniature toiletry bottles in one display, making the products easy to see and explore. The soft beige and pastel green color palette, inspired by the freshness of spring and reinforced with Smile Surprise’s signature motifs, creates a warm, cheerful, and inviting shopping experience that reflects the brand identity.

      Why diffuser
      Bringing the calming scent of spring into stressful study spaces.
      • Creates a relaxing study environment

      Why soft cloth toiletries bag
      A cozy, everyday pouch designed for personal care routines.
      • Washable and reusable

      Why eye-patch
      Promoting rest and mental recovery during stress periods.
      • Gentle weighted construction
      • Relieves eye strain
      • Encourages quality rest

      Why micro pouch bag
      Inspired by Gen Z's growing trend of pouch accessorising. 
      • Stores AirPods, keys, or mini toiletries
      • Increases everyday brand visibility

      I also started to work on the phase 3, so we decided to use social media platform, event booth and train ad

      Why Social media platform- Instagram
      Instagram is one of the most popular platforms among Gen Z and university students, making it the ideal channel to reach our target audience. Its visual-first format allows us to showcase the colorful packaging, gift sets, and brand personality in an engaging way. Features such as Stories, Reels, and user-generated content also encourage interaction, helping Smile Surprise build brand awareness, increase engagement, and connect with a wider audience.

      Why Event booth
      To create a more interactive and engaging experience by bringing the products directly to students on campus. Building on the Phase 2 POP Product Stand, the display transitions from a retail setting into a pop-up experience where students can explore the products up close and interact with the brand. Visitors can collect a free campaign greeting card, encouraging thoughtful gifting and peer support. To further boost engagement and brand awareness, students who share a photo of the pop-up booth on their Instagram Story can instantly claim a complimentary micro-sample bottle of the toiletries. This helps create both online and offline interaction while increasing the campaign's reach.

      Why OOH train ad
      Train ads allow Smile Surprise to reach a high volume of students and young commuters during their daily journeys. The repeated exposure in a familiar environment helps build brand awareness, while the visually engaging gift set design captures attention and encourages impulse gifting decisions. As an affordable and accessible brand, transit advertising aligns with our target audience’s everyday lifestyle and creates a direct connection with potential customers.

      FINAL SUBMISSION

      So this is our final presentation slide and video, final merchandises pdf and final promotional strategy pdf
      final presentation of packaging by grp 7

      fig 2.1 final presentation video

      fig 2.2 final phase 2 pdf

      fig 2.3 final phase 3 pdf
      the work drive link here


      FEEDBACK

      Week 11:
      Make the packaging design more simple, can test 1 layer cupboard to fold first

      Week 12:
      Redesign box mock-up approved.

      Week 13:
      Eye-patch, diffuser, small pouch bag and toiletry bag will be our main merchandise. For the pop up display, he wants to see them in a planogram. Showed and approved.

      Week 14:
      -

      REFLECTION FOR OVERALL MODULE

      Throughout this module, I learned that packaging design is more than creating an attractive visual. It is about understanding user experience, balancing aesthetics with functionality, and using design to communicate a brand’s story. The early lectures and structural exercises helped me realise the importance of considering both the visual and physical aspects of packaging. The Money Packet exercise especially showed me that a design may look successful digitally, but it still needs to be tested physically to ensure the structure works effectively.

      For Task 1, I redesigned the label for Uncle Jeff Kombucha, focusing on the Salted Calamansi flavour. I explored a nostalgic direction inspired by Malaysian kopitiam culture and traditional homemade drinks. Through research, sketching, and feedback from Mr. Shamsul, I developed a visual identity using hand-drawn illustrations, traditional patterns, and a warm vintage colour palette. And I love the final presentation I made.

      For Task 2, I became the group leader for *Smile Surprise*, where we developed a miniature toiletry gift set for Gen Z students. Inspired by the concept of “Spring”, we wanted to create an affordable and meaningful gift that represents care and emotional support. During the process, I learned how to manage teamwork and solve design challenges. After our initial box design was not approved, I redesigned the packaging by improving the structure, applying consistent visual elements, and ensuring it aligned with our 3R sustainability concept. I also refined the product labels based on feedback to improve consistency and readability.

      In Task 3, we expanded Smile Surprise into a complete retail experience by developing merchandise, a POP display stand, and promotional strategies. I focused on the presentation deck and campaign planning while supporting the overall brand direction. Designing the POP stand allowed me to understand how packaging can create an interactive shopping journey, from attracting customers with the hero product display to allowing them to experience the products through testers and personalised gift options.

      Overall, this module helped me understand that effective packaging is not only about visual appeal but also about problem-solving, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences. From designing a single label to developing a complete brand experience, I improved my skills in packaging structure, branding, teamwork, and strategic thinking. This journey showed me how packaging can become a powerful connection between a brand and its audience.




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