Let's fix things!
This project was about redesigning a current packaging concept. I chose to redesign the Bison Wood Glue package, an upper-class wood glue brand.
Project for the Packaging Design Elective at TuDelft
A clogged closure
A very important problem that needed to be solved was the fact that the closure of glue bottles always get clogged. I found a solution for this by putting the bottle upside-down.
But how to design an upside-down bottle? I started analysing even more. And I came across a few more issues with this specific packaging and its users. When talking to various shopowners and users, it appeared that this product actually has two main user groups, which differ very much.
Home DIY users
One the one hand, the product is used by home users, often for DIY projects. Fixing things yourself really is an upcoming trend, but these people can not see the difference in the shop between A-brands (like Bison) and cheaper brands. They all look the same. Bison needs a product that stands out.
An other thing that these people want is the ability to glue very precise, since their projects often involve small parts.
An other thing that these people want is the ability to glue very precise, since their projects often involve small parts.
Professional users
One the other hand, there is quite a big group of professional users. This group wants to be taken serious, so the product should give a professional feeling. A real problem this group encounters is glueing large areas: this is completely different from the home users. They currently solve this by buying buckets of wood glue with brushes, but not every professional glues so much that this works out. This group wants to be able to use the glue with gloves, but without leaking.
So I had to design a upside-down bottle that stands out on the shelf, is able to glue both very precise and to spread the glue after glueing. It should feel professional, should be able to use with gloves and it shouldn't leak. Quite a challenge.
The solution
I found a solution for the spreading problem that works with a kind of ‘spreader’ or ‘brush’ that enables the user to spread the glue. They just can take the cap off and use it. The silicon that is integrated in the second cap prevents leaking of the cap, a common problem with upside-down bottles.
The slightly skewed form enables the user to work even more precise. It has two 'settings': precise and rough. As if you use a marker. This form makes it also possible to lay the bottle down when not in use.
I chose this quite different design in order to let the product stand out on the shelf and give a more professional feeling. This form also makes holding it with gloves easier and since the form is more box-formed, packing them can be more effective. The DIY part of the target group is pleased by giving tips on how to upcycle the bottle when it is empty.
