Guwahati, India
IST
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/ Kitorii
Case study · 2023 · Personal project · Packaging repurposing
Packaging that
becomes the toy.
Eco-friendly toy packaging that transforms into playful automata - merging creativity, learning, and sustainability.
Role
Packaging design
Timeline
Jun 2023 – Jul 2023
Type
Personal project
Tools
Figma · Illustrator · Blender · Procreate
Kitorii wordmark
The Kitorii box, opened into its automaton
In 30 seconds
Kitorii, on one screen
01 · Problem
Toy packaging creates waste and kids often lose interest in toys quickly.
02 · Insight
68% said packaging is thrown away within a day; 76% would consider toys with reusable packaging.
03 · Solution
A box that pops out into cranks, cams and a platform - a cardboard automaton that extends play.
01 · About the project
Toys get played with. Their boxes get binned.
Problem statement
Toy packaging creates waste and kid’s often lose interest in toys quickly. A sustainable, engaging solution is needed.
Goal statement
To design an eco-friendly toy and packaging system that extends play, reduces waste, and keeps children engaged through interactive, multifunctional use.
Interview insight
I’d love a toy that keeps them busy for longer
Interview
We always end up throwing the packaging right away.
Interview
If it can be reused, I’ll keep it
Interview
Survey insights
68%
Said packaging is thrown away within a day
76%
Would consider toys with reusable packaging
83%
Kids enjoy assembling & building.
Target audience
Children
Ages 5-15
Parents / Guardians
Toy collector
User requirements
Fun, interactive experience
Easy assembly
Keeps kids engaged without screens
02 · Overview
Design concept: play in motion.
The toy packaging transforms into a simple cardboard automata. It extends playtime, reduces waste, and turns the unboxing into a creative activity - making the packaging part of the toy’s life cycle.
Four parts, one box
Toy
- becomes the center of the narrative for imaginative play
Protective case
- pre-cut parts can be popped out to form cranks, cams, levers, axles, supports and the platform
Packaging box
- acts as the main frame or base of the automaton
Instruction manual
- step-by-step guide for assembly, a story card or character sheet; can include sticker sheets
Toy, platform, mechanical parts and base: how the pieces stack
Competitors
No packaging reuse
Toy lacks depth, wasteful
Not toy, mainly tools
03 · Construction study
Cams, cranks and a lot of cardboard prototypes.
Part
Part
Part
Vertical axle
Cam follower
Crank handle
Horizontal axle
Cam
Automaton box
Platform construction study
Study of structure and assembly for the platform. Once assembled, the platform serves as a stable base for the toy.
04 · The product
Unbox, create, play.
Kitorii · unbox, create, play
Material
Corrugated Kraft Cardboard
- strong, lightweight, eco-friendly, easy to cut and fold. Ideal for protection, repurposing into moving parts, recyclable, and kid-safe.
QR code
The QR code links to a short interactive video explaining the toy and its story, making the unboxing engaging.
Collector edition
Limited-edition design, special and more complex mechanism and bonus features for collectors.
Color to customize
Creative freedom for kids to colour and decorate the parts to create their own unique stories and designs.
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