Rubber Band Package Concept

This rubber band package concept, designed by Ric Bixter while a student, has already been featured on many blogs and "Inspirational Design" lists--but it's so awesome it has to be featured here too!

As Bixter explains, the assignment's directions were to "Go into a pound shop and pick a seemingly uninteresting object and rebrand it, increasing the value and interest." Bixter decided to get interactive and "designed an elastic band box that looks as if it is being squeezed in by the bands" themselves. It physically showcases the effectiveness of the product through the concept of "the stronger the band, the more the boxes are squeezed." The consumer can see this not only in the gradually smaller "waists" of the box (depending on the band's strength), but also in the designer's choice of color. "Light" is represented by a light blue, "Regular" by a neutral green, and "Strong" by a bold red.

The typefaces, too, are reminiscent of the small general stores of the 19th and early 20th centuries, subtly reminding the consumer of the humble roots of the mega dollar store, in which a box of rubber bands would most likely be found today. Finally, on the back of the package is a list of the many uses of rubber bands, if the consumer needed another reason to buy them. 

The only possible problem with this design is, ironically, the soul of its genius. While its irregular shape would give it undeniable shelf presence, it might also prove difficult to ship and store in large quantities.

Despite that one potential drawback, this is a brilliant use of design to market a cheap, everyday product.

Source: http://ricbixter.co.uk/elasticbands.html