8-Bit Clip

A collector's take on video game packaging.
(Student work, I have no affiliation or contract with any companies shown below)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The goal is to redesign video game packaging to elevate it beyond mere protection. By integrating artistic design, functionality, and collectible value, I aim to create packaging that people who enjoy video games not only retain but also showcase, reducing waste and adding value to the gaming experience.
High Plastic
Causes fossil fuel consumption and microplastics
Lacks Recyclability
Systems in place for recycling are insufficient
Low Space Efficiency
The product is much larger than it needs to be
No Instructions or Affordances
It is not shown how to recycle this product

Project Reframe

To satisfy the existing customer base while also attracting a new market of enthusiastic collectors.
I aim to address sustainability issues as well as growing the market for game packaging.

Idea No.76: EDC

The intent is to have the packaging double as a collectible item you can carry with you everyday, everywhere you go.

This turns it into something you can use to passively exhibit your interest to others.

Qi2 Wireless Charging Standard
Most if not all smart devices will be using the Apple Mag-Safe based Qi2 magnetic wireless charging standard by 2025.

I decided to use this interface as a medium to allow users to carry their collectible with them regardless of smart device model.
Refreshing the System
After some thorough research, I found that the main cause of several issues with the current packaging is due to the current distribution and retail system.

Packaging was obscenely large to accommodate the large artwork the marketing department demands, so I've decided to separate the marketing and the product.
Behind the Counter
Customers will enter a retail store and find large posters with the product or tickets on shelves or walls, which they then exchange at the counter for the product much like at a pharmacy.

This reduces package size as well as preventing theft.

Further Refinement

Evolving the function, developing the form.

Why Silicone?
I chose to use silicone rubber for the material and Neodymium magnets. This is due to the materials being durable, long-lasting and recyclable.
Below I have provided an analysis I did of the materials of the old packaging and the my new design for a protective collectible.
‍
Note: millipoints are a unit used to express the overall environmental impact of a product, calculated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Old Bill of Materials
55g of Polypropylene + 2g of paper
‍
Functional Unit:
1 year of use as packaging
‍
Impact Per Unit:
0.012 millipoints per Year
0.012 millipoints total
‍
Notable Impact:
Produces 22g in CO2 emissions per game
New Bill of Materials
51g of silicone + 8g of magnets

Functional Unit:
50 years of use as a collectible

Impact Per Unit:
0.00051 millipoints per Year
0.025 millipoints total

Notable Impact:
Produces >1g in CO2 emissions per game

Final Design

©2024 Tyler Yuan
ContactLinkedInInstagram