Sunhwa Lee and Wenyuan Chen · CLIENT: Zippo (China) Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
Constellation is a limited edition packaging design for collectible lighters. The packaging lights up through small dots on its surface, and the lights can be turned on one by one to form different zodiac signs. At the end of the effect, the lights slowly fade in and out. The light effect is rechargeable with a USB cable and lasts twelve hours when fully charged. The lighters hold onto the inner packaging with magnets, so the box can also be used as a display. A hidden triangular bar folds out at the back to make the packaging stand upright. Paper is the main material used.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The packaging engages the user by lighting up. It is turned on, one by one and is connected together to create different zodiac signs. It enhances the esthetic aspect of the packaging and highlights the concept in a unique way. The lighters can be directly placed on top of the inner packaging as magnets are attached underneath. Moreover, the packaging can be used as a display tool - the user can make it stand by pulling out a triangular bar which is hidden on the back side of the packaging.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Outbox size: 435x435x123mm
Inner plate size: 365x75mm - Tags
- Zippo, lighter, packaging, packaging design, innovative, inspiring
- Production Technology
- The company always considers sustainability when it comes to deciding packaging materials. Predominately paper was used to create the packaging.
- Design Challenge
- To achieve the light effect, the team collaborated with several engineers for more than two months. They helped the team develop and establish a new light program, according to the design specifically. As the effect was not exist previously, it was the most challenging part of the project, according to the designer. After several trials, the team were able to install the effect and successfully attached it in the packaging.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2020 and launched in February 2021 in China.
- Operation Flow
- The light effect shines through the small dots on the surface of the packaging. At the end of the effect, the lights are slowly breathing. The effect is rechargeable with an enveloped USB cable and it lasts for twelve hours once it is fully charged. Also, the effect can be easily turned on and off by pressing a switch, which is installed in the packaging - it was designed with a consideration of the cost and energy efficiency.
- Research
- Based on the team's market research as well as target audience analysis, the team were able to complete a deep dive into market potential.
As the lighter products in the packaging are under high-end product line of Zippo, it was crucial to appeal Zippo enthusiasts and loyal consumers who regularly collect the brand's products. - Inspiration
- The each constellation lighter was designed based on different zodiac signs. It aims to appeal to Zippo enthusiastic - provide a comprehensive collection to them, the packaging was exclusively developed as a limited edition with only a hundred units produced.
The overall shape of the inner packaging was inspired by a spaceship and the surface was designed with a simple and abstract image which represents beautiful stars at night. - Image Credits
- ©copyright, 2020, all the submitted photography, illustration, and video, Creative Center Shanghai - Zippo (China) Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
- Patents
- Registrant's name: ZIPPO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Trademark No.347274
The trademark under Reg. No. 347274 in Class 34 has been approved for renewal. The valid period of registration is extended to April 29, 2029.
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