Now, turn to Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng. The packaging for the single serving uses the label that is mint green with an oriental flavor, suggesting the benefits of Zen and the addition of ginseng and honey. Now contrast that with the Family One Gallon size, in a clear plastic, industrial container that looks more like detergent or motor oil than a delicious health beverage. Are the products identical -- more likely yes. Is the family size more economical -- yes, from a price point-of-view? But when asked which one would be chosen based on "packaging design and looks" it is easy to see that the Fuze or the single serving tea would be more appealing.

Finally, we move into the idea of function and sustainability in design. With the advent of globalism, consumers are more and more aware that their purchasing choice reflects their political and cultural views. They are concerned with where and how the product is produced, packaged and marketed. They wish to know if there are additives and if the packaging has any sustainable, or green, design element. Amanda's Place Scone Mixes are a great example of the need to coalesce product, perception and responsibility. The packaging uses only a few colors, and we find that the inks are soy based and the cardboard is recycled. The final product (the scone) is not shown, but the idea of a warm and comforting cup of tea with the scone is. The fonts used are a fun and uniquely whimsical, and the simple triangle wastes less space. The mixture of the design elements works for this product, and invites the consumer to participate in an experience.

In our examples we find that utility often takes a back seat to perception. It is the perception of the wine glasses that either makes or breaks the experience; the perception of taste in the beverages and scone mix, and the perception of value and freshness that helps make a purchasing decision valid. The different wine glasses are good designs, for instance, because the not only serve their purpose, the enhance the experience for the consumer. The energy drinks show how important consistency in packaging can be, clearly the gallon size of Arizona tea is not as good a design because while it is works to hold the product, it neither enhances nor sells the...

The packaging on the scone mix is appropriate -- it serves its purpose, it sells the product, and moreover, it "sells" the image of the company as sustainable. Each design, in its own way, is successful to a point. However, for any particular design to be valuable, it should be useful to individuals with divergent needs, it must be flexible, and it should be appropriate in size and shape for the intended use. However, in the modern world of choice, how does it look and how does it make me feel are very important determinants? (Center for Universal Design Research North Carolina State University, 2008).
Works Cited

Center for Universal Design Research North Carolina State University. (2008, March). Principles of Universal Design. Retrieved from Design.ncsu.edu: http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cudabout_ud/udprinciples.htm

Cloake, F. (2012, April 25). Can the Shape of Your Glass Enhance the Taste of the Wine. Retrieved from the Guardian - Food and Drink: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/apr/25/shape-of-glass-enhance-wine

Dorsa, E. (2002). An Introduction to Universal Design. The Technology Teacher, 61(2), 27-35.

Elam, K. (2001). The Geometry of Design. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Heskett, J. (2002). Utility and Significance. New York: Oxford University Press.

Norman, D. (2002). The Design of Everyday THings. New York: Basic Books.

Norman, D. (2009). The Design of Future Things. New York: Basic Books.

Petroski, H. (1994). Evolution of Useful Things. New York: Vintage Press.

Ralph, P., & Wand, Y. (2009). A Proposal for a Formal Definition of the Design Concept. In K. Lyytinen (Ed.), Design Requirements Workshop (pp. 103-36). New York: Springer.

Sudjic, D. (2009). The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects. New York: Norton.

http://www.fotoperson.com/allwinery/aboutwine/wine_glasses.htm

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/fuze-slenderize-variety-pack-15-18.5-oz.-5-blueberry-raspberry-5-strawberry-melon-5-tropical-punch

http://www.drinkarizona.com/

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/50-beautiful-and-effective-package-designs/