Baby Einstein
BARNES & NOBLE BACK TO SCHOOL | PRODUCT DESIGN
A partnership between Barnes & Noble Book Sellers and Pratt Institute GrADUATE DESIGN DEPARTMENT
Baby Einstein & Hape Magic Touch Instruments
Kids2 - packaging design - Dieline, Graphics & Photography direction
Client: Kids2 / Baby Einstein Hape MagicTouch Collaboration
Creative direction: Michelle Joseph and Mina Widmer
Design: Mina Widmer
CASE STUDY
1. Research and Analysis: The design process began with thorough research and analysis. This phase involved studying consumer preferences, market trends, and competitor packaging strategies. Understanding the target audience's needs and desires, as well as the competitive landscape, provided valuable insights that informed subsequent design decisions.
2. Dieline Creation and Structural Design: Given the distinctive shapes of the Hape Magic Piano and Magic Drums, custom dielines were created to accommodate their dimensions while ensuring structural integrity and visual appeal. Working closely with structural engineers and manufacturers, precise dielines were developed to optimize packaging efficiency and allow consumers to easily test the products on the shelf.
3. Packaging Graphics and Branding: Once the dielines were finalized, attention shifted to packaging graphics and branding. Vibrant colors, engaging illustrations, and child-friendly typography were employed to create visually appealing packaging that resonated with the target audience. Clear messaging highlighting the key features and benefits of the toys was incorporated to attract consumers' attention and drive purchase intent.
4. Photoshoot Direction: To complement the packaging design, a photoshoot was organized to capture high-quality images of the Hape Magic Piano and Magic Drums Set. Through careful direction and collaboration with photographers and stylists, captivating visuals were created to showcase the products in a compelling and aspirational manner. Lifestyle shots featuring children interacting with the toys were captured, enhancing the emotional appeal and desirability of the packaged set.
5. Iteration and Testing: Throughout the design process, iterative testing was conducted to refine and optimize the packaging and marketing materials. Mockups and prototypes were evaluated to assess their shelf presence, consumer appeal, and functionality. Feedback from stakeholders and target consumers was solicited and incorporated into subsequent iterations, ensuring that the final design effectively met the project goals.
Outcome: The culmination of the design process resulted in packaging and marketing materials that effectively showcased the Hape Magic Piano and Magic Drums Set as must-have children's toys. The combination of unique structural design, captivating graphics, and compelling photography contributed to the success of the packaged set, which quickly became the most desirable SKU within Kids2's product lineup. The packaging design not only attracted consumers' attention but also encouraged interaction with the products on the shelf, driving sales and reinforcing brand loyalty.
Conclusion: The Kids2 packaging design project for the Hape Magic Piano and Magic Drums Set exemplified the successful integration of creativity, functionality, and market research. Through meticulous attention to detail and collaboration across various stakeholders, packaging and marketing materials were created that effectively showcased the unique features and benefits of the toys. The project's success underscored the importance of strategic design decisions and consumer engagement in driving product desirability and market performance.