Gold Packaging Design · 2021
Constellation Lighter Packaging
by Sunhwa Lee and Wenyuan Chen
- A' Design Award 2021 Gold Winner in Packaging Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Zippo (China) Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 30,347
- Verification code 8328C9E07E · Verify this award
About Constellation Lighter Packaging
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.
Wenyuan Chen's Constellation Lighter Packaging represents a distinguished achievement in luxury collectible presentation design, situating itself within the refined tradition of precious object display that encompasses historical examples from astronomical instruments to royal cabinet curiosities. The work demonstrates exceptional understanding of how packaging transcends mere protective function to become an integral component of object meaning and value perception, transforming twelve individual items into a unified celestial narrative through thoughtful spatial orchestration. The designer employs the circular format with remarkable sophistication, invoking simultaneous associations with zodiacal wheels, astronomical charts, clockwork mechanisms, and ancient cosmological diagrams while maintaining contemporary material refinement. Technical accomplishment reveals itself through the precise calibration of surface finishes—the matte exterior ring bearing constellation-suggesting dot patterns creates visual and tactile anticipation before the eye encounters the glossy starfield interior where golden elements appear to float like celestial bodies against infinite darkness. The chromatic strategy demonstrates sophisticated restraint, limiting the palette to gold, black, and selective iridescent accents that suggest cosmic phenomena while maintaining cohesive luxury tonality throughout. Each individual golden piece receives unique engraved imagery rendered with exceptional precision, transforming functional objects into miniature artworks worthy of contemplation. The presentation stand elevates the disc at an angle suggesting both astronomical observation instruments and precious display cabinets, inviting prolonged examination while asserting the collection's significance through theatrical presentation. The work participates in longstanding traditions of cosmological representation in decorative arts while advancing contemporary understanding of how packaging design creates meaningful relationships between objects, narratives, and collectors. One might consider how this design transforms commercial objects into talismanic possessions connected to celestial order and personal identity.
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.