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Ecoco
Coconut Shells
Up-Cycled Wood
Jute Rope
Package Design, Product Design, Branding
Research, Product Design, Branding, Graphic Design
Every piece of the design has been carefully thought out; from the materials, graphics, parts and the complete design.
Sri Lanka is a country which is still developing and is facing some severe environmental and economic issues. More specifically, Sri Lanka faces problems with polluted oceans and over-filled landfill sites. Additionally, the average salary rate is low and poverty is very prominent.
Ecoco solves this challenge by utilizing local resources and sustainable resources which in turn creates local jobs and contributes to the country's economy.
Coming up with a product and package that is designed to tackle such a wide variety of issues is not an easy task. Through extensive research and multiple product iterations, new ways of approaching and implementing design solutions came into play.In order to achieve a solution to such complex issue every design choice needed to be meaningful, useful and with intention.
The result of this project was a package and product concept which offered an innovative and powerful take on sustainable and meaningful design.The project focuses on tackling a specific set of issues. This includes: low income/ poverty, waste management, and economic revenue in a specific geographical region.
Full Process Here
Throughout the development process, constant design challenges arose demanding new solutions. With every iteration and solution, new innovations and improvements contributed to a better and complete product.
Initial sketches for potential packaging solutions. Some idea which can be seen include an opening storage box, coconut themed drawstring bags, hook designs, and on the very right, the very first depiction of the final product.
The first prototype contained many flaws, yet set the grounds and brought many issues into sight which were not considered before. Some notable issues were the inability to remove the shelving panels and incorrect measurements resulted in the side panels not fitting into the cut-out slots.
The side view shows how the package holds the coconut bowls and cups. The cutouts on the "shelves" are intended to be used as drain holes for when rinsing the product to allow quick drying and avoid sitting water. The hole cut-outs are shaped as the logo which doubles as a branding element.
The very first panel design included a spoon which stored flush into the side. This approach took up too much visual and spacial real estate and created other design problems down the line.The (broken) handle seen in the top of the image was too fragile and needed additional structural support.
The other side of the panel showing where the fork would be placed.
The initial typographic layout for the panels. Three languages were considered to fit the Sri-Lankan target audience. These languages are Sinhalese, Tamil, and English.
The initial concept included a single pair of a spoon and fork which fit flush into the side panel design. This idea was dismissed since the product set was designed for more than one person to enjoy.
Another image of the handle. Ecoco branding and initial typographic layouts can be seen. Additionally, the hooking mechanisms for the ropes can be seen as well.
With the second version of the package, the shelving panels were now designed with a "pull-out" and "pop-in" mechanism for the ropes to easily be removed and restored. Additionally, the measurements were fixed allowing the side panels and "shelf" panels to slide.Another unforeseen problem which came up was the inability to slide out the "shelf" panels completely due to the rope handle knots.
This image of the second prototype displays several key shifts from the first version. Firstly, this prototype introduces the concept for the ability to use the removable "shelfs" as coasters for the coconut bowls and cups. The side panel cutouts are spaces to store the "legs" for the coaster which keep the bowls and cups from touching the ground. These are important due the nature of the rounded bottoms of the product and the need for them to stay snug in the coaster.Secondly, the concept of hanging the package can be seen as well. This allows for the product to be left to dry when washed. This also offers a secondary storage option instead of having the package stand on a surface.
The second prototype included a brief introduction of the product in the three spoken languages of Sri Lanka. The issue that arose was that the "shelf" panels cut off the text on the side panels.
The coconut cups and bowls were made from real coconut shells. This image shows the draining process for creating the cup.
The final version came out truly amazing. Visually the design was simplified and coherent. The functionality increased but complexity decreased. Every aspect of the product was carefully thought out; designed to be as functional as possible while maintaining a good aesthetic and thoughtful design.
Please reach out if you would like to learn more about my projects, process, services, or schedule a meeting.