Terra Kaffe
Terra Kaffe's second generation super-automatic espresso machine deserved a package as heroic as the iconic product industrial design. The initial goals of this packaging were to create a new unboxing experience celebrating the second generation product and be logistically efficient during the complex packout process.
Role
Lead structural packaging designer
Year
2021 - 2022
TK-02
Unboxing
A surprise and delight moment of the unboxing experience is the customer receiving a bag of coffee (chosen during the checkout process) inside the same box as their TK-02. Accommodating this post packout addition required a detailed understanding of the supply chain process and coordination with the packout teams.
An external "coffee pocket" and internal coffee bag insert was designed to make this experience happen. A side loading external door allowed the secondary shippers to be customized with a bespoke bag of beans while remaining palletized. Application of an exterior artwork label sealed the door and the TK-02's could be on their way.
Moment Mapping
Every step of the out-of-box-experience was considered. Mapping out each user touchpoint aligned the team on goals and objectively evaluated design concepts. In-house prototypes were made to physically test how a user would manage a box of this size and lift the product out of the packaging easily and safely.
Working side-by-side with the in-house teams at Terra Kaffe, we evaluated vendor produced samples, made adjustments for manufacturing limitations, cost restraints, and supply chain realities.
Diecut PE foam plank was the necessary cushioning material to adequately protect the 30 lbs. package and allow us to respond quickly to product manufacturing adjustments happening in parallel. A separate accessory box minimized individual componentry and facilitated a pre-kicking process prior to final packout. This improved speed of packout and labor costs.
Ideation
Even large heavy products, where priority is protecting the device, begin with sketches defining the out-of-box-experience. For the TK-02, I focused initial ideation on box opening styles and how a user would to lift the 30lbs. machine easily and safely out of the box.
