Every designer has that one special project that resonates deeply. For me, that project is "Sprinkl," a fictional product I developed for a packaging design class. Sprinkl represents not just a packaging solution, but a story that blends my passions for design, baking, and cultural sensitivity. Here’s the story behind Sprinkl, from the initial inspiration to the creative process and the unique choices that shaped this project.
The Inspiration: Why Sprinkl?
The prompt was simple yet challenging: create a waterless product. This trend is rapidly gaining popularity, as waterless products—like laundry sheets or solid shampoos—are easier to ship, have a longer shelf life, and reduce environmental impact. My idea? A vanilla powder. But not just any vanilla powder—one that is Halal-certified and free from the additives commonly found in vanilla extracts and pastes. The choice was personal. I wanted to offer a pure form of vanilla, free from alcohol, which is not permissible in a Halal diet. It was about designing something that met a specific need while bringing a fresh perspective to an often overlooked market. Design with a Story: The Heart of Sprinkl
When I design, I aim to tell stories that aren't typically told. Human experiences are central to my work, and with Sprinkl, I wanted to bring that narrative into the baking world. As a baking enthusiast, I’ve often found the products in the baking aisle to be dull and uninspired. Vanilla, in particular, usually comes in dark, somber packaging, far from the creativity and joy that baking can bring. With Sprinkl, my goal was to introduce a sense of vibrancy and fun to baking essentials, while also addressing the need for Halal-certified products for the Muslim demographic. Sprinkl is more than just a product; it’s a blend of my love for design, storytelling, and baking—all wrapped up in one exciting package.
The Concept Exploration: Testing the Waters
While I often showcase the final packaging design, it’s important to highlight the journey behind it. Sprinkl went through multiple iterations, testing different concepts and gathering feedback to find the perfect balance. I conducted a survey with 63 participants, ranging in age from 12 to 48, to understand how each design resonated with different audiences.
Interestingly, the design I ultimately chose wasn’t the most popular. However, it was the one that felt familiar and safe to participants. Testing these various concepts and seeing the feedback helped shape the final product in an eye-opening way.
Age Matters: Insights from the Survey
The survey revealed some fascinating trends. For example, one design (C2) was popular among younger participants but nearly disappeared as a choice among those aged 35 and older. In contrast, another design (C1) dominated among older age groups.
Concerns also arose with one design (C3), which used a bag instead of a jar. Many participants found this packaging unconventional for a vanilla product. I opted for the bag despite these concerns, as it offered practical benefits—lower shipping costs, less weight, and a unique look that stands out on the shelf. This feedback highlighted diverse preferences across age groups and guided me to create a packaging design that balanced function with innovation.
Visual Taste Profiles: Simplifying the Choice
Sprinkl offers three different types of vanilla sourced from different regions, and I knew that could potentially overwhelm consumers. To make selection easy, I added a visual taste profile scale on the back of the packaging. This scale helps consumers quickly understand the unique qualities of each vanilla variety, making the selection process both fast and fun. This approach allowed me to offer a variety of options without confusing the customer.
Capturing Essence Without Stereotypes
Bringing vanilla from different parts of the world sounded exciting, but capturing the essence of each origin without resorting to stereotypes was a challenge. I firmly believe that cultural representation should be cautiously approached to avoid unintentional offense.
Instead of using stereotypical imagery, I expressed the unique characteristics of each origin through patterns that reflect the flavor and atmosphere of the vanilla’s source. For example:
Mexican Vanilla: The design is wrapped in warm, inviting colors, evoking the comforting ambiance of a family kitchen. This complements the vanilla's rich flavor profile.
Tahitian Vanilla: I used a calming blue shade to evoke the tranquility of clear waters, paired with a floral pattern that suggests the sweetness of the vanilla.
Madagascar Vanilla: Geometric patterns and lines were inspired by the vibrant textiles of Malagasy culture. This choice was a thoughtful nod to the island's rich heritage without falling into clichés.
These design decisions aimed to honor the diversity of each origin while steering clear of outdated representations. The process was a learning experience that enriched my understanding of design and highlighted the importance of thoughtful cultural representation in product development.
Reflections: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
Creating Sprinkl was more than just packaging —it was a journey that combined my passions for design, storytelling, and baking. It taught me that every detail matters and thoughtful representation can create products that resonate deeply with consumers while honoring cultural diversity.
As I continue to innovate and design, I carry the lessons learned from Sprinkl, aiming to tell stories that celebrate uniqueness and create connections through thoughtful design.
For a deeper dive into this case study, including detailed insights into the design process, check out the full case study on my website: Sprinkl | Asmadsngs (asmadsgns.com)
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