Glorium Saffron Packaging by Arvin Maleki

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

AM : Glorium draws its inspiration from the exquisite and precious nature of saffron, often referred to as 'red gold'. The design aims to encapsulate the essence and luxury of saffron through a form that symbolizes its growth from the soil and the enchanting aroma it releases, much like a perfume.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

AM : My focus was to create a packaging design that not only secures and showcases saffron but also communicates its high value and luxury. I aimed to achieve a design that evokes the feeling of unveiling a precious gem, enhancing the consumer's unboxing experience.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

AM : We plan to continue evolving the design to further enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal, potentially expanding its application to other high-value products that require similarly sophisticated packaging solutions.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

AM : The development of the Glorium design took approximately ten months, from conceptualization through various design iterations to the final prototype.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

AM : The concept for Glorium was driven by my passion for creating innovative packaging that transcends traditional aesthetics and functionality, inspired by the natural beauty and value of saffron.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

AM : Currently, Glorium is in production, and we are collaborating with select luxury goods manufacturers to bring this unique packaging to the market, enhancing the presentation of premium products.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

AM : I was motivated by the challenge of designing packaging that reflects the exceptional quality and status of saffron as a luxury item, ensuring that the design itself is as valuable as the product it holds.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

AM : While the design is original, I drew inspiration from luxury perfume packaging and traditional motifs in saffron cultivation, interpreting these influences through a modern design lens.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

AM : The target customers are high-end retailers and discerning consumers who appreciate the fine details and quality of luxury packaging for premium products like saffron.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

AM : Glorium is unique due to its rotating glass form that not only protects the saffron but also beautifully displays it, enhancing the product’s visual appeal and mirroring the luxury it represents.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

AM : The name "Glorium" suggests glory and luminance, reflecting the high status of saffron as a revered and luxurious spice. It embodies the design's goal to highlight the product's prestige.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

AM : I employed 3D modeling software and advanced rendering tools to meticulously design and visualize the intricate details of the Glorium packaging before its production.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

AM : The most distinctive feature of Glorium is the saffron flower-shaped upper part of the door, designed with a complex technique to prevent damage during transport while symbolizing the saffron’s delicate nature.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

AM : This project was a collaboration with material engineers and artisans skilled in glassmaking and metalwork, ensuring the design’s feasibility and durability.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

AM : Technology played a critical role in achieving the intricate shapes and precise fittings of the packaging components, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

AM : Research into consumer preferences for luxury packaging and historical data on saffron packaging influenced the design process, ensuring it meets modern standards while respecting traditional values.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

AM : One of the main challenges was designing the complex saffron flower-shaped upper part to ensure it remains intact during transportation without compromising its aesthetic integrity.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

AM : Submitting Glorium to the A’ Design Award was a strategic decision to showcase its innovative approach to luxury packaging on a global platform, seeking recognition and feedback from a worldwide audience.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

AM : This project deepened my understanding of the luxury market's needs and enhanced my skills in designing packaging that is both functional and extraordinarily beautiful.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

AM : It’s important to note that Glorium not only serves as a container but also as a statement piece that enriches the consumer experience, elevating the act of using saffron to a ritual of luxury and delight.