Japanese Traditional Packaging Task: Oranges

After studying traditional Japanese packaging we were set the short timed task of finding a simple and sustainable solution to transport and store oranges. The materials available were a small amount of cardboard and string and we were encouraged to be as minimalist as possible in our designs, without using glue or tape. The final product had to incorporate the simplicity and logic of the Japanese styles, and display the oranges in an attractive way.

This is similar to an original sketch of my idea which the group chose to create. The oranges are stacked with a small square of cardboard between each one and one on top and below to prevent damage to the fruit during transportation. The structure is completed by threading string through the cardboard dividers and pulling them through at the top to create a carrying handle, and the threads are knotted at the other end to maintain the shape. This design was inspired by the traditional Japanese solution to transport five eggs, using string instead of rice straw to wrap.

Several adaptations were made when we realised aspects of the design wouldn't work, which helped to add strength and structure. We found that the cardboard wasn't strong enough to punch holes that close to the corners so they were brought further inside to prevent the board ripping to the edges. The string was plaited to give it more strength and crossed instead of straight to give more support to the oranges and prevent them falling from the sides.

This is the how the product ended up looking, with the improvements to the design. Despite these fixes, the packaging wouldn't function well in transportation as the oranges weren't held in tight enough. However, I feel the style draws well from the traditional Japanese philosophy and looks elegant and natural. If we had more time to develop the product I feel that with a few tweaks we could strengthen the structure, without losing the essence of natural simplicity.