In a time where there are seemingly more questions than answers, we find ourselves on the cusp of greatness. Truly the most useful innovations are born out of necessity and using what currently exists to create something new o rin a better way. Just ask Larry Page and Sergey Brin (co-founders of Google.)
We often talk about developing the pie in the sky version of what we want. But truly creativity cannot exist in a vaccum tube where all limits are removed. In fact constraints usually are a necessary factor in good design.
I love this example for the design of a package for an old product.
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- Innovation
The interesting part about this package redesign is that the other gum brands who use a flat and wide package really need it since they have the chiclet style gum. I can imagine the product manager saying we need to find a way to create a relevant and useful package without making any changes to the actual product. I’m guessing that reason for the change of this package is mostly for marketing purposes, but here are a few functional observations.
Benefits of the old design
- Small, compact, pocketable.
- Keeps each piece of gum securely in place.
Benefits of the new design:
- Up to date experience
- Did not have to change the production line of the current product.
- Easier to get a piece of gum.
Delightful design… anyone disagree?
[...] Good Design born of constraint. http://benjabennett.wordpress.com/2008/09/10/good-design-born-of-constraint/ [...]
Funny. I told Dave last night that the new packaging reminds me of a packet of cigarettes and I wondered if it was subliminal somehow. And there are two less sticks.
Ironically, I have that very pack in my purse. It holds up better in purses, I think. The old “stick” style gets out of whack and falls apart when moved around inside too much. I’m a fan of this new one.