Package Design / Spring 2020 | Spring 2020

Package Design—Syllabus

Course Description

This studio course focuses on three-dimensional structures for a broad range of products that not only protect package contents but also create an experience for the user. Students examine how messages behave when distributed in three-dimensional space. Conceptual development, prototyping, materials, type, image, layout, design and form are fully explored to create commercial packaging. The class will also focus on social, sustainable and environmental issues. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn techniques for paper and material engineering
  • Communicate a strong visual message in three dimensions
  • Gain an appreciation for the role that packaging plays to protect, identify and promote products
  • Understand how package design impacts the environment

Schedule

27 Jan.

Introduction to the class and to Project 1: Story Cubes

3 Feb.

Project 1 due
Project 2: How It Works introduction, begin concepts and research

10 Feb.

Project 2: review mockups
Production tips workshop

17 Feb.

Project 2: review work in progress

24 Feb.

Project 2 due
Sustainability presentations introduction

2 Mar.

Presentations due
Project 3: Less is More introduction

9 Mar.

Project 3: work in progress
Individual meetings - mid-term review

16 Mar.

NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

23 Mar.

Project 3: Less is More due
Project 4: Brandshift introduction
Individual meetings - mid-term review
 

30 Mar.

Project 4: work in progress

6 Apr.

Project 4: review work in progress

13 Apr.

Project 4: due
Project 5: Parts of a Whole introduction

20 Apr.

Project 5: review mockups

27 Apr.

Project 5: review work in progress
Course evaluations

4 May

Project 5: due
Photo work session

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8 May

Photo documentation for all projects due

Resources

COURSE FILES
  • Class homework, slides and resources will be posted to mica.upwithq.com/packagedesign
    Course files and documentation will be archived on Google Drive

GD TECH / KARL ERICKSEN
  • Email Karl at kericksen@mica.edu with questions about the tools, printing or the photo studio
    Brown 309 door code: 4+2, 3 enter

HELPFUL LINKS

The Dieline blog: package design projects and articles
Lovely Package: package design from around the world

Packaging & Dielines
Packaging & Dielines 2

Both are free e-books with downloadable templates.
To download: 1. Click on share. 2. Click on download. 3. Open PDF in Illustrator to desired page.

Class Meetings

Classes will consist of critiques, presentations, work sessions and discussion. We will meet as a large group, in small groups and have individual meetings at different points in the semester. In addition, I am available by appointment and via email for additional help with class projects.

Materials

All readings will be supplied as digital documents.

Materials needed to complete your work this semester will vary widely by project (estimate $150). You may wish to buy specialty papers, boards, fasteners, and containers for your projects. The following basic design materials are required:

  • x-acto knife and blades
  • scissors
  • cutting mat
  • metal ruler
  • bone folder
  • glue, tape, rubber cement and adhesives
  • bristol board (for prototypes)
  • printing funds

Course Work

PROJECTS

2 small and 3 large projects will be assigned this semester that will help you build skills in graphic and three-dimensional design. Projects will begin with in-class exercises and readings:

  • Story cube (introduction to 3d)
  • How it works (design and storytelling)
  • Less is more (redesign for sustainability)
  • Brandshift (design for different contexts)
  • Parts of a whole (systems design)
PRESENTATION

A research presentation related to sustainable package design practices will be assigned. These short presentations will be given on MAR 2.

DOCUMENTATION

You are required to document your work as digital files and photographs of completed package design projects.

  • One week after the deadline of each project, you are required to submit final PDF files of the project to the Google Drive.
  • By the end of the semester, May 8, professional, high-resolution photographs of your 5 projects are expected (use the photo studio in Brown!). You may revise the work before photographing.
  • You may use digital templates to text packaging ideas and for your personal portfolio but these files cannot replace photographs of your work

Work and Critiques

  • If you are having difficulty understanding an assignment or completing your work, it is your responsibility to talk to me right away.
  • Be prepared for class every day that we meet. Please bring the necessary tools that will allow you to work in class including all sketches, prototypes and materials that pertain to the development of your projects.
  • If you have not finished work for a critique, come to class anyway to engage in the discussion.
  • You are only to work on class projects during class sessions; no personal email, social networking, phone calls, texting or chat during critiques, demos or lectures. While I may not mention each time I observe you violating this policy, it will affect your final grade.
  • You will be given at least one break per hour. Please do not leave the classroom while the class is meeting without permission.

Grading

PROJECTS / PRESENTATION = 75 POINTS
  • Story cube = 10 points
  • How it works = 15 points
  • Less is more = 10 points
  • Brandshift = 15 points
  • Parts of a whole = 15 points
  • Presentation = 10 points

You will be evaluated on quality and quantity of research, relevance of concept to project objectives, quality of sketches, design development, craft and use of materials. Late work is not eligible to earn maximum points.

DOCUMENTATION = 15 POINTS
  • You will be evaluated on prompt and complete submission of PDFs to Google Drive 1 week after each project, and quality and prompt submission of photo documentation of projects the last week of the semester.
PARTICIPATION = 10 POINTS
  • You will be evaluated on active engagement with in-class exercises, reading discussion and critiques as well as commitment to improving as a designer.
MID-TERM

At mid-semester you will receive an evaluation of your work to date in Package Design to give you a benchmark of your performance in the class. Letter grades translate as:

  •     A = 90 to 100 exceeds expectations
  •     B = 80 to 90  commendable
  •     C = 70 to 80  meets expectations
  •     D = 60 to 70  did not meet expectations
  •     F = failed to show effort and/or did not submit the assignment, had more than 3 absences

Attendance

Attendance and participation is mandatory and you are expected to be on-time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. There are no excused absences. An absence is an absence. MICA policy states, “Students who miss more than 3 classes in a 15-week course (or 20% of class meetings) will earn a failing grade.”

3 Tardies = 1 Absence
4 Absences = Fail

  • Arrival 10 minutes past the scheduled class start time, or after returning from a break, will be considered a tardy.
  • Arrival 30 minutes past the scheduled class time will be counted as an absence.
  • Leaving class early or failure to return from a break will be considered an absence.

Academic Policy Statements

Academic Disability Accommodations

MICA makes reasonable academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. All academic accommodations must be approved through the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Students requesting accommodation should schedule an appointment at the LRC (410-225-2416 or e-mail LRC@mica.edu), located in Bunting 110. It is the student’s responsibility to make an accommodation request in a timely manner. Academic accommodations are not retroactive.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

Students are responsible to follow health and safety guidelines relevant to their individual activities, processes, and to review MICA's Emergency Operations Plan and attend EHS training. Students are required to purchase personal protection equipment appropriate for their major or class. Those students who do not have the proper personal protection equipment will not be permitted to attend class until safe measures and personal protection are in place.

Plagiarism

Each discipline within the arts has specific and appropriate means for students to cite or acknowledge sources and the ideas and material of others used in their own work. Students have the responsibility to become familiar with such processes and to carefully follow their use in developing original work.

POLICY

MICA will not tolerate plagiarism, which is defined as claiming authorship of, or using someone else's ideas or work without proper acknowledgement. Without proper attribution, a student may NOT replicate another's work, paraphrase another's ideas, or appropriate images in a manner that violates the specific rules against plagiarism in the student's department. In addition, students may not submit the same work for credit in more than one course without the explicit approval of all of the instructors of the courses involved.

CONSEQUENCES

When an instructor has evidence that a student has plagiarized work submitted for course credit, the instructor will confront the student and impose penalties that may include failing the course. In the case of a serious violation or repeated infractions from the same student, the instructor will report the infractions to the department chair or program director. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the department chair or program director may then report the student to the appropriate dean or provost, who may choose to impose further penalties, including expulsion.

APPEAL PROCESS

Students who are penalized by an instructor or department for committing plagiarism have the right to appeal the charge and penalties that ensue. Within three weeks of institutional action, the student must submit a letter of appeal to the department chairperson or program director, or relevant dean or provost related to the course for which actions were taken. The academic officer will assign three members of the relevant department/division to serve on a review panel. The panel will meet with the student and the instructor of record and will review all relevant and available materials. The panel will determine whether or not to confirm the charge and penalties. The findings of the panel are final. The panel will notify the instructor, the chairperson, division, the student, and the Office of Academic Affairs of their findings and any recommendations for change in penalties.

Title IX Notification

Maryland Institute College of Art seeks to provide an educational environment based on mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you have encountered sexual harassment/misconduct/assault, please know that there are multiple ways to report it and you are encouraged to do so (www.mica.edu/equal_opportunity). If you require academic adjustments due to an incident involving sexual harassment or discrimination, please contact Student Affairs at 410.225.2422 or Human Resources at 410.225.2363. Please be aware that in order to meet our commitments to equity and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and guidance from the Office for Civil Rights, faculty and staff members are required to report disclosures of gender based discrimination made to them by students. However, nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or MICA’s educational mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not extend to actions, statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or academic discussion.

Students with Extended Illness or Cause for Legitimate Absence

In the case of extended illness or other absences that may keep the student from attending a class for more than three meetings, undergraduate students must contact the Student Development Specialist in the Division of Student Affairs or have an official disability accommodation letter issued by the Learning Resource Center that specifically addresses class absences. For students who have not been approved for academic disability accommodations, the Student Development Specialist will work with the student to determine the cause and appropriateness of the absences and subsequently notify instructors as necessary. Graduate students must contact the instructor, program director, and the Office of Graduate Studies. Students in professional studies programs must contact the Associate Dean for Open Studies. The appropriate administrator will facilitate a conversation with relevant faculty to determine whether the student can achieve satisfactory academic progress, which is ultimately at the sole discretion of the faculty member.