Iron Packaging Design · 2026
Fountain Of Fortune New Year Packaging
by Tingwei Chang - Bank Sinopac
- A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Packaging Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Bank SinoPac
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 5,969
- Verification code BE5E254E85 · Verify this award
About Fountain Of Fortune New Year Packaging
This gift set features an illustrated package containing two cans of Prosperity Water and an interactive mobile red envelope. The design reinterprets traditional gift-giving through visual storytelling, symbolic elements, and integrated digital interaction. By combining classic New Year imagery with contemporary interactive features, the project presents both physical and digital components within a unified festive experience. The integration of traditional symbols and digital interaction reflects an approach that connects established cultural practices with present-day modes of communication.
This New Year packaging design represents a sophisticated contemporary interpretation of celebratory visual traditions, positioning itself within the heritage of festive gift presentation while demonstrating notable formal refinement and symbolic coherence that rewards sustained contemplation and cultural engagement. The designer appears to have drawn upon established iconographic vocabularies associated with seasonal celebration and prosperity symbolism, translating these cultural references into a cohesive material expression that balances reverence for tradition with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities, the overall execution suggests deep consideration of how packaging functions simultaneously as protective container, visual communication, and ceremonial object marking threshold moments in the calendar cycle. The compositional achievement of this work resides significantly in its masterful chromatic restraint, limiting the palette to vermillion red and metallic gold while extracting maximum expressive range from this deliberate restriction, the red field providing both visual impact appropriate to festive contexts and serving as ideal ground for the raised gold ornamentation to achieve optimal legibility and luminous presence, the hierarchical relationship between dominant color field and accent metallic passages creating clear figure-ground distinction that guides viewer attention systematically across the decorative program. The technical facility evident in the precise registration of metallic foil application, the crisp definition of ornamental line work, and the successful integration of multiple surface treatments into unified visual experience demonstrates production expertise and quality consciousness, passages of particular accomplishment include the delicate rendering of willow fronds where individual leaf forms maintain definition while contributing to overall gestural flow, and the fountain motif where symmetrical formal organization accommodates asymmetrical decorative flourishes creating visual interest within structured stability. Thematically, this work engages the enduring human practice of marking seasonal transitions through material culture, exploring how objects can embody wishes, carry symbolic freight, and participate in ritual exchanges that bind communities across generations, the fountain imagery suggesting perpetual renewal, the flowing circulation of abundance, and the life-sustaining properties of water as universal symbol, while the flanking botanical elements ground these aspirational meanings in organic cycles and seasonal specificity, the overall symbolic program inviting interpretation as visual prayer for continued prosperity, health, and flourishing in the cycle ahead. The work demonstrates awareness of how packaging exists within gift-giving rituals where the container itself becomes part of the offering, where unveiling becomes performance, and where the object transitions from functional protection to treasured keepsake worthy of retention beyond its utilitarian service, this dual nature informing design decisions that prioritize both immediate visual impact and sustained appreciative contemplation. One observes potential visual precedents in traditional embossed paper goods, festival decorations employing similar chromatic relationships and metallic embellishment, and historical luxury packaging that elevated quotidian commercial functions into opportunities for aesthetic expression and craft demonstration, the contemporary interpretation here suggesting dialogue between inherited visual languages and present design sensibilities that seek to honor heritage while speaking to current audiences with clarity and relevance. How might this packaging design invite viewers to consider the role of material culture in marking time, celebrating abundance, and expressing hopes for future flourishing through carefully chosen symbols rendered with respect for both tradition and contemporary aesthetic achievement?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This gift set features a picture-book-inspired package, twin cans of Prosperity Water, and an interactive mobile red envelope. It reimagines traditional gifting as a multisensory experience, blending storytelling, symbolic design, and digital engagement for modern audiences.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Box Size: 210mm x 150mm x 80mm
Material: 1200gsm cardboard with specialty red paper and foil details
Print: CMYK + gold foil + spot UV
Inner: 2 x 330ml aluminum cans (custom wrap)
Add-ons: QR code activation, integrated storytelling lid print - Tags
- Lunar New Year, Gift Box, Prosperity Water, Red Envelope, Digital Ritual, DAWHO, Snake Year, Cultural Packaging, Fortune, Gold Snake
- Production Technology
- The packaging utilizes rigid cardboard wrapped in soft-touch red matte paper with precision foil stamping and spot UV finishing. The interior is lined with gold foil for enhanced visual impact. The twin beverage cans are made of aluminum and feature full-body printing for maximum brand visibility.
- Design Challenge
- A primary challenge was achieving harmony between physical tactility and digital engagement. The team needed to align symbolic elements, such as snakes, gold, water, and the color red, with DAWHO's minimalist visual identity. The packaging had to serve both as a culturally resonant ceremonial object and as a seamless gateway to the mobile interaction experience.
- Project Duration
- Design Period: July 2024-October 2024
Production and Launch: November 2024
Location: Taipei, Taiwan - Operation Flow
- Upon opening the box, users find two cans of "Prosperity Water," representing good fortune. The experience continues digitally through DAWHO’s mobile app, where users send New Year blessings via a red envelope event. Although the product lacks embedded technology, it is central to the brand’s holiday campaign.
- Research
- This project explores how modern banking can merge with traditional gifting customs. Based on research into Taiwanese Lunar New Year practices and the symbolism of red envelopes, the design creates a hybrid experience that connects analog rituals with digital interaction, maintaining emotional value while embracing technology.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by Chinese folklore about golden snakes bringing wealth and the custom of drinking fortune water for prosperity, this design reinterprets traditional beliefs through a contemporary perspective. The illustration of the Fountain of Fortune and the integration of a digital red envelope experience present ancient cultural elements in an accessible, playful, and meaningful format for modern audiences.
- Image Credits
- All images by Bank SinoPac.
- Patents
- The design, illustrations, and concept are original creations owned by Bank SinoPac. All rights reserved.
Colors of Fountain Of Fortune New Year Packaging
Grand Interview about Fountain Of Fortune New Year Packaging
What we are most proud of is that The Fountain of Fortune transformed a simple seasonal giveaway into a meaningful cultural experience.Many corporate New Year gifts are consumed and forgotten within days. We wanted to create something that could carry emotional and cultural value beyond its physical function. Instead of designing another decorative package, we reinterpreted the Taiwanese tradition of collecting “fortune water” during Lunar New Year and translated it into a contemporary brand experience.The project demonstrates that a financial institution can participate in cultural storytelling in a respectful and meaningful way. Through symbolism, interaction, and ritual, the packaging encourages people to pause, reflect, and engage with the wishes of prosperity and renewal.The aspect that deserves more recognition is not the visual design itself, but the belief that design can transform a promotional gift into a bridge connecting tradition, community, and brand values. For us, that transformation is the true achievement of the project.
Our guiding principle was simple: the physical experience should create emotional meaning, while the digital experience should extend participation.The packaging was designed to establish a tangible ritual. Opening the package, discovering the symbolic elements, and collecting the fortune water created a personal and memorable moment. We wanted users to feel connected to the tradition before interacting with technology.The mobile red-envelope experience was therefore designed not as a replacement for the physical gift, but as an extension of it. Once the emotional foundation had been established through touch, symbolism, and storytelling, the digital layer provided accessibility, sharing, and continued engagement.Rather than asking whether the experience should be physical or digital, we focused on identifying what each medium does best. The physical object creates memory; the digital platform creates reach. Together they create a more complete experience.
Respect began with understanding the cultural meaning behind the symbols before translating them into design.Rather than treating the golden snake and fortune water as decorative motifs, we studied their role within Lunar New Year traditions and local beliefs. We focused on the ideas they represent: prosperity, renewal, protection, and hope for the coming year.Throughout the project, every visual element was required to support the narrative rather than simply enhance aesthetics. Symbolism was only included when it contributed to the story and user experience.We believe cultural design becomes meaningful when tradition is interpreted rather than copied. Our goal was not to recreate folklore, but to create a contemporary dialogue between heritage and modern life. This approach allowed the project to remain respectful while remaining relevant to today’s audience.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the festive richness of Lunar New Year traditions with DAWHO’s clean and contemporary brand identity.Traditional New Year visuals often rely on abundance, strong symbolism, and vibrant decoration, while DAWHO emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and modern aesthetics. Rather than choosing one over the other, we searched for their common ground.We distilled traditional cultural symbols into simplified forms and used structure, materials, and storytelling to communicate meaning instead of relying on visual complexity alone. This allowed the packaging to retain a strong festive spirit while remaining consistent with the DAWHO brand language.The process taught us that brand flexibility does not mean abandoning identity. Instead, it means identifying the core values of a brand and expressing them through different cultural contexts. We discovered that a strong brand is not rigid; it is adaptable while remaining recognizable.
We believe the jury recognized that this project does not treat culture and technology as separate domains, but as complementary parts of a single experience.The Fountain of Fortune began with a traditional Lunar New Year ritual, yet it was designed for contemporary lifestyles. The physical packaging provided emotional engagement and cultural meaning, while the digital red-envelope experience extended participation beyond the gift itself.Rather than using technology as a novelty, we used it to make tradition more accessible and shareable. The project demonstrates how packaging can become a platform for storytelling, interaction, and community engagement.We believe this balance between cultural authenticity, brand innovation, and digital integration reflects an emerging direction for packaging design, where experiences matter as much as objects.
Every material choice was intended to support the story behind the project.The rigid cardboard structure provided a sense of permanence and value, transforming the package into an object worth keeping rather than disposable packaging. The soft-touch red matte paper conveyed warmth and celebration while creating a more refined interpretation of traditional Lunar New Year colors.Foil stamping and spot UV were used selectively to highlight key symbolic elements, creating moments of discovery as light interacts with the surface. The gold foil interior represented prosperity and abundance, reinforcing the project’s central narrative of fortune and blessings.We viewed tactility as an important storytelling medium. Before reading any text, users could already feel the contrast between softness, structure, texture, and reflection. These sensory layers helped communicate the emotional meaning of the project through touch as much as through sight.
Working within a limited schedule required us to focus on what was truly essential.The greatest challenge was balancing cultural research, brand alignment, structural development, and production feasibility within a few months. Every design decision had to be made with clarity and purpose.Interestingly, the time constraint encouraged simplicity. Rather than adding more features or decorative elements, we concentrated on strengthening the core narrative and user experience. This led to a more focused and coherent outcome.The experience reinforced an important lesson: creativity does not always come from unlimited freedom. Sometimes constraints help reveal the most meaningful ideas by forcing teams to prioritize what matters most.
We believe financial brands have an opportunity to become cultural stewards rather than simply service providers.The Fountain of Fortune demonstrates how a bank can participate in preserving traditions while presenting them in forms that resonate with contemporary audiences. Through thoughtful design, cultural rituals can remain relevant and meaningful across generations.For DAWHO, this project opens possibilities for future campaigns that combine physical experiences, digital services, and cultural storytelling into a unified ecosystem. Rather than creating isolated promotions, brands can build lasting relationships through shared values and experiences.More broadly, we hope this project encourages the financial industry to think beyond transactions. Financial products are ultimately connected to people’s aspirations, celebrations, and life milestones. Design can help make those connections more human, memorable, and meaningful.
The absence of embedded technology was a deliberate design decision.We wanted the experience to remain focused on the physical ritual itself. In an era where many brand experiences are increasingly digital, we saw value in creating a moment that encourages people to slow down, engage with the object, and participate in a meaningful cultural tradition through direct interaction.The Fountain of Fortune was designed as an experience that unfolds through touch, discovery, and symbolism. Opening the package, handling the vessel, and collecting fortune water are all part of a ceremonial journey that cannot be replicated through a screen.Rather than relying on technology to create engagement, we relied on storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. We believe meaningful experiences do not always require more technology; sometimes they require more intention. This project demonstrates how physical design alone can still create emotional connection and lasting memories.
The first lesson is that cultural heritage should be interpreted, not imitated. Designers should seek to understand the values behind traditions rather than simply reproducing their visual symbols.The second lesson is that packaging can function as an experience rather than a container. When thoughtfully designed, a package can communicate stories, evoke emotions, and create memorable rituals that extend beyond the product itself.The third lesson is that simplicity is often more powerful than complexity. Cultural relevance does not come from adding more elements, but from making intentional decisions that allow meaning to emerge naturally.Through The Fountain of Fortune, we learned that contemporary design can help traditions remain alive by translating them into forms that resonate with today’s audiences while preserving their original spirit.