Task

Create new packaging for ready meals that enhances the user experience at all stages—from assembly in the kitchen to the moment the customer opens the box.

Context

The existing packaging caused difficulties for several parties involved in the process:

In the kitchen: Operators spent about 30 seconds assembling a single box. The design was inconvenient and did not ensure a secure closure.

During transportation: Due to inappropriate dimensions for different dishes, couriers were transporting "air," which increased costs.

Regarding material quality: Thin cardboard allowed grease to seep through, leaving stains that worsened the product's visual appeal and soiled the reusable delivery case.

On the customer's side: The box could open during delivery, have grease stains, and overall fail to convey the desired brand association with Samokat.

We analyzed the entire interaction cycle with the packaging:

Conducted observations in production, recording assembly times and frequent mistakes.

Gathered feedback from couriers regarding the behavior of the boxes during transit.

Tested several types of materials and shapes, evaluating strength, sealability, and ease of disposal.

After conducting a series of studies, we identified the key priorities of delivery service users:

Tamper-proofing: Protection against order tampering until received by the customer.

Eco-friendliness: Minimization of excess materials and waste.

Readability of contents: Ensuring information on the thermal label remains clear and accessible.

We added a tamper-evident lock that cannot be opened without damaging the box. This increased customer trust and eliminated cases of order tampering or substitution during delivery.

We moved the label to a separate flat area on the lid—now it doesn't need to be placed on the seam to secure the box.

In designing the construction, we also ensured the possibility of using eco-friendly materials while maintaining strength and resistance to grease.

The result is packaging that looks neat, protects the contents, and saves operators' time without compromising the user experience.