Kōlidōs is a platform for a collective project provided by small companies and independent artists in the form of a subscription or gift box that elevates the experience of drinking coffee or tea.
Stemming from the idea of a Kaleidoscope or a collection of diverse objects, Kōlidōs is a company that bridges these products into either a coffee or tea themed box. Our mission is focused on bringing connoisseurs of coffee and tea the best products, highlighting the creators who truly care about their consumers and quality over quantity while offering sustainable and fair trade practices. To support these brands and creators, a majority of our proceeds go straight to these providers and as a customer of Kōlidōs, you are a supporter of these independent companies.
Kōlidōs' target audience consists primarily of adults between the ages of 25-45 who have an interest in exploring different types of coffee or tea while placing importance on enjoying the overall experience of drinking their beverage. Crafted for caffeinated (or decaffeinated) connoisseurs with refined tastebuds and art lovers alike, this box gives the opportunity for the consumers to collect books, ceramics, and new flavors. While exploring new products, this box caters to consumers who are also fans of small business and independent creators. Kōlidōs supports these different companies and creators monthly, with the majority of revenue going towards these creators in order to gain exposure and support their businesses.
The design of the box includes a system of multiple sections created to refine the idea of a subscription service. The two inner boxes on the left side meant for a mug and vials of honey or sugar are removable from the main structure. This is in part to add sturdier packaging to the more fragile elements which are made from ceramics and glass, and for easier removal.
These separate boxes also have design elements that reflect the products to aid in the experience of opening the subscription box. The dynamic design creates a more interactive experience while opening the box, and brings attention to the quality of the products inside. The packaging also has precision cuts to perfectly encase each product with the exception of the mug, as the size and shape will vary monthly. The mug container has a larger opening on the top which allows the viewer to directly see a preview of the piece.
As a large supporter of sustainable practices and brands, we try to reduce our carbon footprint by reusing our glass containers, choosing to use artists and companies that value these practices, using recycled packaging, and recycle our used materials. Along with providing reusable mugs and filter bags, Kōlidōs gives the option to return glass products (tea box: honey vials and tea containers, coffee box: sugar vials and coffee containers). The removable packaging on the left side of each box containing the mug and vials reveals instructions underneath to repackage and ship the glass containers. To incentivize our consumers, a return label is provided along with a discount code for their next order once the package has been received.
The objective of this project was to create a fictitious brand for a coffee and tea subscription service. Not only does this project re-evaluate the design of a subscription box, but it also provides a way to support small businesses and independent creators in a way that promotes sustainable practices. Online shopping continues to grow in popularity and it becomes harder for local shops and creators to sell their wares. Social media and websites offer opportunities for some, but not all. It may be harder for a smaller coffee company to gain traction to sell efficiently online. The purpose of this box while primarily to bring a valuable set of products also brings attention to the importance of these artisans in a world dominated by chain stores.
The nature of the box being a collection of unique products brought together in a cohesive presentation is the primary factor in the design of this brand. The core of this brand was to be made from separate elements. This idea was used in the logo, the engineering of the box packaging, and the design on the box and its products. The motifs seen primarily on the design of the box are also seen separated and abstracted in the packaging for all of the individual objects, seen with the use of the steam motif on the coffee and tea containers.
This process offered unexpected challenges unfamiliar to me in both packaging design, and the delivery of the exhibition. A large portion of time was focused on creating the box to be distinguished from other subscription boxes as well as accurately communicating to the target audience. The display for this brand was originally in a physical gallery show but due to recent global events, that option was unavailable. This change brought an even bigger challenge for myself as a designer to represent this presentation successfully online. It challenged me to be more innovative and create solutions digitally, which made me grow immensely as a visual problem solver.
