Physical Product Design
01
Net Diagram
Final net diagram used for the physical prototype
02
Design Challenge
Goals
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Visually appealing form
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Stable transportation
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Comfortable to carry
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Clear opening interaction
03
Scenario Storyboard
A storyboard illustrating the customer journey from selecting a plant to displaying it at home.
Customer selects a small plant as a gift at a local plant shop.
The plant is placed inside the carrier at checkout.
The integrated handle allows comfortable one-handed transport.
The structure keeps the plant stable while traveling on a bus.
The carrier unfolds into a memorable gifting presentation.
The carrier remains as a decorative planter cover after gifting.
04
Concept Exploration
Prototype A: Heart Carrier
๐ซ Doesn't have a locking mechanism for the lid
๐ซ Inconvenient without a handle
Prototype B: Lantern Carrier
๐ซ Looks like a bird cage(?)
๐ซ Inconvenient without handle
๐ซ Overall not very appealing as a plant carrier
Prototype C: Geometric Carrier
๐ซ Height differs between front and back triangles
๐ซ Redesign needed to hold without any tape
โ Visually strong
โ The unique handle works well
> worth developing further!
05
Iteration Journey
Through repeated testing and feedback, each prototype revealed new issues and guided the next design decision.
TEST #1
Changes
โ Matched front/back triangle height
โ Introduced tabs and slots
Issues Found
๐ซ Tabs became loose easily
๐ซ Opening felt unclear
๐ซ Bottom felt visually weak
TEST #2
Changes
โ Introduced a two-side front opening
โ Added triangular points at the bottom corners
Issues Found
๐ซ Four inch base too narrow for pot
๐ซ Handle shape unclear at first glance
๐ซ Tabs unstable from size and placement
๐ซ Bottom tabs stick out, awkward and nonfunctional
๐ซ Top triangular points collapse without tape
๐ซ Cover exposed front triangle cut for appearance
TEST #3
Changes
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Refined handle shape to read as handle
โ
Expanded base edge to 4.5 inches
โ
Placed all tabs at one-third point, hidden inside
Issues Found
๐ซ Base still needs additional width
๐ซ Top triangular structure still hard to secure
๐ซ Extra face to hide cut edge proved structurally unfeasible
TEST #4 - FINAL
Final Improvements
โ Discard the idea of hiding the visible cut edge on the front for possible design
โ Added internal tabs to secure triangular points
โ Changed the opening handle to a triangle to indicate direction while matching
the angular concept
โ Expanded one side of the base to 5 inches, now it fits perfectly
โ Changed outer folds from mountain folds to valley folds for a cleaner appearance
06
Final Outcome
The final design achieved a balance between visual identity, stability, and user interaction.
โ Comfortable carrying experience
โ Stable and secure transportation
โ Visually unique design
07
Reflection
This project showed me how repeated prototyping can gradually strengthen a design over time. Through multiple iterations, I was able to refine the visual form, improve stability, and create a clearer interaction for the user. While the final design achieved most of my goals, if I could continue this project, I would continue improving the handle and tab system with a more secure locking mechanism to make the structure more durable during transportation.