Package Designs II – JSS3 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

Package design is the planning and making of a container or wrapper that holds, protects and presents a product.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State why package designs vary.
2. List the materials used in package design.
3. Name the tools required for package design and state the use of each.
4. Describe the steps in making a package.
5. Follow safety rules when cutting and gluing.

What is package design used for?

A package is made to hold a product safely and make it attractive to buyers.

• Protection: keeps the product from damage, dirt and moisture.
• Containment: holds the product together for carrying, storing and selling.
• Information: carries the name, picture, price and use of the product.
• Attraction: good colours and shapes make buyers notice the product.

Why do package designs vary?

Package designs vary because the shape and size of the product decide the shape and size of the package.

• Product shape: a bottle needs a tall box, while a bar of soap needs a short, flat one.
• Product size: a bigger product needs a bigger package.
• Conventional methods: there are standard ways of measuring, marking, folding and joining packages.

What are the common shapes of package?

Four common shapes of package are the box, the cylinder, the triangular prism and the pillow pack.

• Box (cuboid): has a square or rectangular base, as in a cereal, biscuit or shoe box.
• Cylinder: round with a circular top and bottom, as in a tube for sweets or tablets.
• Triangular prism: has triangular ends, as in some chocolate and gift packs.
• Pillow pack: a folded sheet sealed at both ends, as in some snack and bread wrappers.

What materials are used in package design?

The materials for package design are paper, cardboard, hardboard, gum (glue), tape and colours.

• Paper: used for light wrapping and for printing the design.
• Cardboard: stiff paper that forms the body of the package.
• Hardboard: a thick, firm board used where extra strength is needed.
• Gum (glue): sticks flaps and sides together.
• Tape: holds joints and seals the package.
• Colours: important for aesthetic appeal, which means how pleasing the package looks.

What tools are required for package design?

The tools for package design are used to measure, mark, cut, fold and join the package.

What is the procedure for designing a package?

A package is made by measuring the product, drawing the flat layout, creasing, folding and then gluing.

1. Measure the size of the product with a measuring tape.
2. Transfer the measurements to the paper. Leave a one-quarter gap on each side of the paper to be used.
3. Mark the flaps for folding with a pencil.
4. Arrange your design on the paper and print.
5. Use the creasing blade to mark the areas that need folding.
6. Cut out the layout along the outer lines.
7. Fold the package along the creases.
8. Join the side and the bottom with glue (a glue gun may be used).

How are the sides, bottom and top formed?

• Sides: the side panels fold to face each other. The last small flap is glued to the first panel to close the sides.
• Bottom: two bottom flaps fold to face each other. A third flap overlaps them and is glued to form the bottom.
• Top: two top flaps fold to face each other. A third flap overlaps them to close the top.

What safety rules should be followed?

• Cut away from the body: keep fingers behind the blade.
• Use a ruler as a guide: cut along it on a flat surface.
• Handle a glue gun with care: the nozzle and melted glue are hot.
• Store tools safely: cover blades and keep pins in a box after use.

Evaluation

1. Why do package designs vary?
2. List five materials used in package design.
3. Name five tools required for package design.
4. Which tool is used to mark the areas that need folding?
5. State the first step in designing a package.

Assignment

Write out the steps for designing a package in the correct order, using your own words.