Course Description

Introduction to packaging design; investigation of basic materials and production methods.  Projects include designs, redesigns and revitalization of existing packaging and the study of structures, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, and the packaging of new products. This course also investigates packaging as identity.

Course Objective

The class will provide an environment where students will learn about design theory and methodology applied to packaging design, providing an understanding of how packaging designs are developed and how they function as marketing vehicle for consumer products.  The information will then be applied to the development of a solution to a practical design problem.  The students will understand and develop the phases of problem seeking and solving used in the design process:

1 – the understanding of concepts, principles, and current design issues as they apply to 3D design.
2 – putting concepts and principles into practice using traditional methods of design and construction.
3 – using concepts, principles, and tools to resolve specific design problems and their applications.

Textbook

Packaging Design: Successful Product Branding from Concept to Shelf (Hardcover)
by Marianne R. Klimchuk (Author), Sandra A. Krasovec (Author)

Course Structure

The class will consist of lecture, presentation, and discussion of design concepts, principles, and issues.  A series of exercises will be done in class to help the student perfect handskills and develop an understanding of construction techniques.  Problems will be given and the student will seek a proper solution.  Group and individual critiques will take place during the time the project is being worked on.  Evaluation will take place at the end of each unit of study.

Overall Criteria

The method used for determining the final course grade:
1 – Research: Students must present progress reports including research notes, thumbnails, and roughs. Each project will require research/inspiration/mood board presentation.
2 – Projects: Each individual project will be evaluated on their concept, design, craft, creativity, and presentation. Students are expected to present innovative concepts.
3 – Prototype: Each project given during the semester must be completed to receive a passing grade in the course. Prototypes must work functionally, protect the products inside, and inform audience about content. They must be well done, demonstrating attention to details and excellent craftsmanship.

Activities

1 – Reading of selected articles, textbook, and online participation.
2 – Informal individual critiques of student work in progress.
3 – Weekly (approximately) group critiques of student work.
4 – Use of a variety of traditional hand skills.
5 – Development of projects aimed at giving students practical experience using various mediums. Research and development of concepts and creative problem solving.
6 – Lectures covering processes, vocabulary, and design history.
7 – Class time will occasionally be dedicated for project development; outside lab time must be used in order to successfully complete projects.
8 – Academic blog: students must enter at least ONE post or comment/week:

• Posts can be self-generated (an idea or concept you want to initiate)
• References to other posts with your initial thoughts
• redirect a link (from another blog, website, etc) with a brief description and how that fits with our current class discussions.

Wednesdays will be used for group critiques and presentation of new assignments.
The remaining class days will be devoted to class assignments for you to work on your project.  Each assignment will take on average 3 additional hours outside of class before the assigned critique.  All assignments allow for individual development and demand quality results.  If a student presents a sloppy or unfinished work will meet with severe consequences come critique day.

Let it be noted here that a strong work ethic is required in this class.

Departmental Policies

In Fall and Spring semesters:
3 unexcused absences from class are allowed in courses that meet twice a week (TR), and 4 are allowed in classes that meet three times a week (MWF).

After these absences have been used, grade penalties will be assigned as followed:

1. After 1 absence, students will have their course grade lowered by one letter grade, 2 absences, two letter grades.
2. Students who have more than 2 absences will be given a failing grade in the class (excused absence are death in the
immediate family, documented illness, official ACU-sponsored trips).
3. Arriving tardy 3 times equals one absence that counts against the permitted ones.
4. Students who participate in official University activities (athletics, debate, band, etc.) must provide the required University form one week in advance.
5. Leaving class early without permission from the instructor will be counted as a class absence.

Dress Code
Please follow the dress code outlined in your Student Handbook. You may be asked to leave class if you are not dressed according to the guidelines. Thanks for your cooperation.

Late work policy
Late work will be accepted, however student will be penalized 15 points on assignment.
(and student won’t be able to participate on project critiques)

Please do not wait until the end of the semester to try to work out specific problems.  Come by and talk to me to make arrangements as problems arise.

Cell Phones and Beepers

Electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.) may be used in class with caution. Disruption of the class by the sound or use of cell phones, texting, speaking and paging devices are forbidden. A student facing the responsibility of receiving an emergency message by one of these means must notify the instructor at the beginning of class, and may leave the device on.

Grading Factors

The final grade will be equally composed of 5 studio projects, class participation (exercises, project development, discussions, critiques), and online activity. In Persuasive classes a scale will be used as follows:

Projects – 5 x 100 = 500 points possible
Class participation = 100 points possible
Academic blog = 100 points possible
•Total possible points 700

GRADING SCALE:

A+  100        A  95          A-  90

B+  89          B  85          B-  80

C+  79          C   75          C-  70

D+  69         D   65          D-  60

F   59