PACK+
A Comprehensive Sustainable Takeaway Packaging Improvement Service designed to enhance the takeaway dining experience and advance the sustainability of takeaway packaging.The realm of takeaway packaging has witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand with the growing prevalence of food delivery services and the impact of Covid-19. In next few years, the takeout container market is also growing rapidly in developing as well as developed countries such as the U.S., China, India, Germany, and the U.K. because of the increase in the innovation of packaging technology.
However, it faces multifaceted challenges, including a lack of standardization, insufficient functionality, and sustainability concerns. These issues impact not only the dining experience but also the environment.Takeaway boxes and containers make up a considerable part of municipal solid waste, with nearly 30% of the total generation as recently as 2018.
Design Principles Study:
Current design principles for takeaway boxes revolve around meeting diverse dining needs across various settings.
- All-scene dining:
This principle emphasizes that the design must adapt to various dining scenarios. The takeaway box should be versatile and flexible to meet dining needs in different environments and contexts. -
Functionality:
Functionality refers to optimizing the practical aspects of the takeaway box. A functional design considers user convenience and the practical dining experience. -
Visual appeal:
The visual appeal of a takeaway box involves its aesthetic design. An attractive design not only enhances brand image but also enriches the user's dining experience. -
Showcase:
The showcase principle emphasizes that the takeaway box should elegantly display its contents. This relates not only to the presentation of the food but also to the first impression.
Material Research:
There are currently three mainstream sustainable packaging materials in use on the market:
- Reusable material: Styrofoam
Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene (EPS), is lightweight, provides good insulation, and is cost-effective. It is widely used across various food service industries. -
Compostable material: Molded Fiber
Molded fiber, made from recycled paper, or other natural fibers, is biodegradable and compostable. It's environmentally friendly and suitable for a range of food products. -
Recyclable material: Recycled Cardboard
Recycled cardboard is an eco-friendly choice as it can be reused and recycled multiple times, reducing the environmental impact. It's sturdy and suitable for a variety of foods, but like molded fiber, it may lack insulation properties.
Observation:
Design Concept:
By offering users scenario-based packs, Pack+ seeks to redefine takeout packaging to meet the evolving needs of customers and merchants, ultimately enhancing the ecosystem of food delivery services. In order to integrate the product more smoothly into the market, I chose to collaborate with UberEats.
Pack+ is a comprehensive solution that combines thoughtful design with practical functionality, catering to the diverse needs of today's takeaway culture.
UI Prototyping & Testing:
I chose to use UberEats as a base to add an extra step in the middle of their ordering process, where the user can choose whether they want the pack or not, and what their dining scenario is. This allows users to experience my product with the least learning cost, the simplest operations, and the clearest steps.
I focused my design on three parts of the ordering process: promotions on the homepage, options when confirming orders, and customization of packaging. My initial idea was not to disrupt users' existing habits with the app, so I adopted a show, don't tell approach.
“As a new feature, its presence feels too minimal, almost as if it's being intentionally hidden” ---User Feedback
- The lack of detailed feature description makes me distrust it; I can't anticipate the outcomes of using it.
- The lack of clarity on how to pay and the pricing is an issue users care about.
- Given your mention of recycling involvement, I believe you haven't showcased this aspect in the app.
- You could look into how Uber promotes their Uber One within the app for inspiration.
- I understand you don't want it to be too intrusive in the original ordering process, but currently, it's practically invisible to me.
Accessory Pack Design & Testing:
Based on industrial design drawings, I made prototypes with high-strength kraft paper and gave them to potential users for testing in various scenarios. I observed their testing process and subsequently obtained relevant feedback.
Recycling Collection System:
To ensure the sustainable and practical operation of Pack+, we must not only aim to create an ideal circular economy system but also ensure the implementation of a linear economy. This doesn't mean we discourage the ultimate achievement of a circular economy; rather, as I previously mentioned, doing so ensures that Pack+ can operate sustainably, which also benefits our market value.
Therefore, for this reason, we have introduced the concepts of "deposits" and "returns." Simply put, if users choose to follow the circular path of our product, they can continually renew their Pack+ without any additional expense. However, if users do not recycle their Pack+, they will pay for it as they would for a regular purchase.
Final Outcomes: