LECTURE
In this lecture, we learned about
paper folding engineering
and how a simple red packet can be understood as a
three-dimensional packaging structure.
Before this lecture, I usually saw a red packet as a flat
paper object with decorative graphics. However, I realised
that its structure is also an important part of the design
experience.
One key concept was the
White Model Philosophy. By removing colour and graphics, we can focus on the form,
shadow, folds, and structure. This makes any uneven cut,
inaccurate fold, or weak construction easier to see.
We also learned about
die-lines,
which are the 2D layouts used to create 3D paper forms. Solid
lines usually show cutting lines, while dashed lines show
folding or scoring lines. This helped me understand that every
cut and fold must be planned carefully.
The lecture also introduced
mountain folds
and
valley folds.
These folding directions affect how the red packet opens,
closes, and holds its shape.
Another important point was
paper grain direction. Folding with the grain creates cleaner folds, while folding
against the grain may cause cracking, especially on thicker
paper.
After the lecture, we were asked to choose one red packet,
open it carefully, and recreate its die-line using
80gsm, 120gsm, and 200gsm
paper. We need to measure the original red packet, draw the
die-line, cut it out, fold it, and glue it together.
Through this exercise, I can compare how different paper
weights affect the structure. The 80gsm paper is easier to
fold, the 120gsm paper is more stable, and the 200gsm paper
feels stronger but needs more accurate scoring.
Overall, this lecture helped me understand that paper
packaging is not only about visual design. It also involves
structure, material, folding accuracy, and user experience. A
simple red packet can reveal many design decisions when it is
opened and studied as a die-line.
PROCESS
According to the brief, we are required to design two
structurally unique money packets using white, unprinted
cardstock, focusing on folding logic, glueless locking
mechanisms, and paper structure, while producing 1:1 technical
die-lines, high-fidelity mockups, opening-closing
demonstration videos, and process documentation for the
e-portfolio.
Week 3 Research on Different Money Packet
Figure 2.1 Research on Different Money Packet
Week 4 Making Money Packet Prototype
Figure 2.2 Process of Making Prototype
So, after completing my research, I chose the
waterfall-style pop-up and the interlocking money packet
to start creating.
Final result:
Figure 2.3 Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Money Packet
Figure 2.4 Interlocking Money Packet
Week 5 Finalise the Money Packet
After receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul in Week 5, I
realised that my previous waterfall pull-tab pop-up
money packet had too much unnecessary space. The overall
width needed to be reduced to make the structure more
compact and efficient. He also suggested that the
opening mechanism did not need to use a tying band,
because a direct opening on the front cover would be
simpler and more functional. For the interlocking money
packet, I also needed to rethink the design, as another
classmate had already created a similar structure.
Therefore, I started exploring new opening methods and
different glueless money packet structures.
Figure 2.5 Exploring New Structure of Glueless Money
Packet
Money Pocket - Folds (Without Glue)
For this design, I decided to create a multi-fold money
pocket without glue. I first sketched the dieline on paper
to test the size, folding direction, and overall
proportion. The structure was divided into several equal
panels, allowing the packet to fold in stages. This
creates a more interactive opening experience, as the user
needs to unfold the packet step by step before reaching
the banknote.
Figure 2.6 Tested the Structure Using Paper Mockups
After that, I refined the dieline and tested the
structure using paper mockups. The money pocket includes
several diagonal slit cuts on the inner panels. These cuts
act as small holding points to secure the banknote in
place. When the banknote is inserted, the corners can
slide into the slits, allowing the money to be held firmly
without falling out. This makes the structure functional
even without glue or tape.
Figure 2.7 Making the High-Fidelity Mockup
I also added curved openings on the front panel. These
openings make it easier for the user to access and pull
out the banknote, while also giving the packet a softer
visual detail. The final structure uses folding tension
and paper interlocking to stay closed. The top and bottom
flaps fold over the body of the packet, while the repeated
folds help compress the form into a secure rectangular
shape.
Money Pocket - Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up (With Glue)
Based on Mr. Shamsul's feedback, I started reducing the width
and also reducing other unnecessary space in the red envelope.
Figure 2.8 Process of Making Money Packet Structure
Below is the high-fidelity mockup I created:
Figure 2.9 Making the High-Fidelity Mockup
Next, I started making two money pocket dielines:
Figure 2.10 Dieline Making Process
Below is my final Dieline:
Figure 2.11 Dieline of Money Pocket 1
Figure 2.12 Dieline of Money Pocket 2
Final High-Fidelity Mockup
Figure 3.1 High-Fidelity Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Mockup 1
Figure 3.2 High-Fidelity Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Mockup 2
Figure 3.3 High-Fidelity Multi-Folds Mockup 1
Figure 3.4 High-Fidelity Multi-Folds Mockup 2
Figure 3.5 High-Fidelity Multi-Folds Mockup 5
Final Technical Dielines
Figure 3.6 Dieline of Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Money Pocket
Figure 3.7 Dieline of Multi-Folds Money Pocket 2
10-Second Video
Figure 3.8 10-Seconds Video of Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Money Pocket
Figure 3.9 10-Seconds Video of Multi-Folds Money Pocket
FEEDBACK
Week 4
No Class
Week 5
General Feedback: Mr. Shamsul gave us a brief introduction to label design and then presented Project One: Uncle Jeff's Kombucha Label Redesign. He explained the project requirements and what information should be included on the label. He also checked the money bag model we made during class.
Specific Feedback: For the Waterfall Pull Tab Pop-Up Money Packet, Mr. Shamsul mentioned that there was too much unnecessary space in the design, so I need to shorten the width to make the structure more compact and efficient. He also suggested that the opening mechanism does not need to use a tying band, as creating a direct opening on the front cover would be simpler and more straightforward.
For the Interlocking Money Packet, he advised me to reconsider the design because another classmate had already created a similar structure. Therefore, I need to think of a small unique detail or adjustment to make my design more distinctive.
REFLECTION
Experience
In this exercise, I learned how to treat a money packet as a structural packaging design rather than only a decorative paper product. At the beginning, I explored different money packet structures and chose to develop a waterfall pull-tab pop-up design and an interlocking money packet. However, after receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul, I realised that my first waterfall pull-tab design had too much unnecessary space, making the structure less efficient. I also learned that the opening mechanism could be simplified by creating a direct front opening instead of using a tying band. For the interlocking money packet, I needed to rethink the structure because another classmate had already created a similar idea. This pushed me to explore new folding methods and develop a multi-fold money pocket without glue.
Observation
Through the making process, I observed that small structural details can strongly affect the function of the packet. For example, the width, folding direction, opening position, and slit placement all influenced how the packet opened, closed, and held the banknote. When testing the multi-fold money pocket, I found that the diagonal slit cuts were important because they helped secure the corners of the banknote and prevented the money from falling out. I also noticed that curved openings made the packet easier to use, as they allowed the user to access and pull out the money more smoothly. The repeated folds created a more interactive experience, because the user needs to unfold the packet step by step before reaching the banknote.
Findings
From this project, I found that a successful money packet structure needs to balance creativity, usability, and accuracy. A design may look interesting, but if it has too much empty space or a complicated opening method, it may not be practical. I also found that glueless construction requires more careful planning, because the folds, tabs, and paper tension must work together to keep the packet secure. The white model approach helped me focus more clearly on the form, folds, shadow, and construction quality without relying on colour or graphics. Overall, this exercise helped me understand that packaging design is not only about appearance, but also about structure, material behaviour, user interaction, and the logic of how paper moves.
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