“refreshing the unboxing experience”
DESCRIPTION
PROJECT TYPE
Product Design · Packaging Design · Character Design
TOOLS
Rhino 8 · Adobe Illustrator · 3D Printer · Acrylic Paint
ROLE
Concept · 3D Modeling · Packaging engineering · Visual Design
DELIVERABLES
3D Models · Fabricated and painted toys · Interactive packaging
Timeline: 4 weeks
2026
Plant pot pals
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Continuing with the idea of interactive packaging that the previous project provided, this project reimagines the traditional blind box collectible by replacing passive, disposable packaging with a tactile story-driven reveal.
The objective was to design a character-based toy line I called Plant Pals, and create an unboxing experience that heightened anticipation while reinforcing the product's theme, plants and nature. The challenge was to maintain the surprise element collectors enjoy about unboxing, while introducing a more fun and playful interaction.
A blind box set of 6 figures complete with display box, and blind box packaging as well as an interactive unboxing experience.
Results
The results were a fully fleshed out design ecosystem that has touchpoints on the manufacturing side, retail side, and the consumer’s user experience in mind. There are technical drawings to manufacturing, retail sell sheets for stores that would stock the product, and an unboxing experience of a diverse cast of characters that would make the consumer excited to open one of these Plant Pot Pals blind boxes.
3D modeling & coloring
Using the modeling software Nomad 3D, I sculpted a set of six figures, each inspired by a different flower or plant and designed with expressive forms and distinct personalities. The lineup balances cute, humorous creatures with a secret carnivorous plant to add rarity and excitement. Implementing the use of a 3D printer allowed me to add a functional features in the fabrication process such as one character having glow in the dark finishes, and this adds to the interactions of desktop toy appeal.
Development
Development started with the sketching of various characters, and the overall look of the Plant Pot Pals packaging. A color palette for the packaging was selected along with an idea to make the character figures based in a plant pot which was later scrapped.
Technical & Manufacturing elements
The retail sell sheet was designed to present Plant Pot Pals as a market-ready product by highlighting its key features, functionality, and visual appeal. Balancing engaging graphics with clear product information.
The technical drawing translates the Plant Pot Pals concept into a production-focused document by defining dimensions, construction details, and assembly requirements. The drawing demonstrates an understanding of manufacturing standards while ensuring the product can be accurately fabricated and assembled.
The packaging extends the botanical concept through plant pot containers. Instead of opening a foil bag, users pierce the sealed top of the plant pot and dig through the dirt colored confetti with the attached shovel to reveal their figure, transforming their reveal into an excavation. This approach reduces waste while turning the unboxing moment into an engaging, thematic experience that connects product, packaging and play.
Unboxing Experience
