Product Development Course
Perfume Packaging for Couples
As part of the two-semester Product Development course, our team of five students, under the guidance of our professor, is working on a wide-ranging design project focused on the creation of a perfume packaging concept for couples. This initiative combines conceptual thinking, aesthetic development, technical execution and practical design implementation.
The core objective is to design a perfume set that includes two individual bottles and a shared, elaborately embellished outer packaging. Our concept is based on the belief that meaningful design can reflect deeper emotional narratives. To this end, we began by carefully considering the nature of modern relationships – not idealized or perfect, but complex, dynamic and constantly evolving. Our intention is to represent this reality through a visual and tactile experience.
Each perfume bottle is designed to express an individual identity, differing in form and character, yet complementing one another when united — illustrating how two unique individuals can together form a harmonious, balanced union, despite their contrasts. This central theme has guided our creative process throughout.
To improve and enrich our concept, we organized several excursions that provided both practical insights and aesthetic inspiration:
Our first excursion took us to the ‘Musée Lalique‘. Located in Wingen-sur-Moder in the Alsace region of France, it displays the exquisite glass and crystal works of the renowned designer René Lalique and his successors. On this visit, we learned about the art of glass design, the implementation of symbols and the importance of detail. We were inspired by different shapes and colours and gained a better understanding of what is possible.
As a second excursion, we had the privilege of visiting LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co.KG, a leading surface finishing company known for its expertise in embellishment materials and -techniques.
We got insights, inspiration, and advice to help us create a packaging solution that is not only functional but also visually captivating. During our visit, we were given a comprehensive tour of KURZ’s facilities, where we had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge technologies in action — from hot stamping to cold transfer applications and even digital embellishment techniques.
During the development phase, we designed and manufactured the perfume bottles ourselves, using a CAD programme and a range of 3D printing technologies to experiment with different shapes, textures and finishes.
In future phases of the project, we will continue this self-sufficient, end-to-end process, carrying out mock-up creation, pre-press, printing and post-press ourselves.
This project not only challenges our creative and technical skills, but also encourages us to develop a deeper sensitivity toward design that tells a story and connects emotionally with its users. We look forward to sharing our progress and final results as the project unfolds throughout the academic year.