Interactive Hat Box
Bachelor of Design thesis project
Interactive packaging for Goorin Bros. Hat Shop
I've always been interested in the intersection between digital and physical experiences so when I came across Augmented Reality (AR) I saw it as the perfect opportunity to play with interactive packaging.
To better understand AR, I decided to create a scannable hatbox for San Fransico based artisanal hat shop, Goorin Bros. The new enhanced packaging demonstrated how AR can provide a more engaging brand experience.
Photos of the prototype on display at my graduation exhibit
The challenge
With the onset of online shopping, brand loyalty continues to suffer. Shoppers have more options than ever. Companies must create amazing brand experiences in order to build long-term customer relationships.
Augmented Reality is an emerging technology that allows for the integration of digital content with the users' real environment. My goal was to demonstrate how AR can add value to the customer experience, specifically for packaging.
Mockup of AR packaging prototype
Bringing the packaging to life
Goorin Bros. Hat Shop is a fourth-generation family business that started in 1895. Communicating a rich history like this adds value to the product. Searching through their store and website, I found lots of interesting articles and footage about the brand and artisanal hat culture. I decided to repurpose the content and integrate it into the hatbox packaging to create an enhanced experience.
Photos of the prototype on display at my graduation exhibit
Scanning guide indicating interactive elements on the packaging
Scanning the box revealed hat care tips, millinery terms, and an animated video...
Allowing customers to easily learn more about the products they love.
Example of millinery terms revealed when scanning the packaging
Animated video I created that revealed when users scanned the top of the hatbox
The final outcome
Today brands are built through experiences. This project demonstrated AR's potential to engage customers in new and meaningful ways. The technology creates value by transforming packaging into an interactive experience.
The prototype allowed people to see something tangible, that demonstrated the concept and encouraged them to re-imagine how we interact with brands.
Video of the prototype in action.