blistabloc
spring 2018 • identity + brand, packaging & ux/ui
In the spring of 2018, I led a team of two designers, Sarah Porter & Stephanie Ji, and one developer, Brittany Chiang, to create a brand + identity, packaging, and a marketing website with an e-commerce platform for Blistabloc, a new blister prevention shoe insert. Throughout the semester we worked on creating a brand that was dynamic, fun, and representative of a blister-free lifestyle. This project allowed me to explore new creative styles, deepen my leadership skills as a creative director, and get more experience with project and client management.
about the brand
With people busier than ever from work to an active social life, the fear of blisters can cause individuals to sacrifice fashion for comfort. Unlike Ban-aids, the usual treatment for blisters, Blistabloc's product b.bloc© aims to prevent blisters from forming in the first place. B.bloc© smart heat absorption technology works instantly once taped inside your shoe. This tape insert's clear, comfortable and weather-resistant properties make it a unique preventative blister care product.
design research & brand exercises
My team and I kicked off the semester with two weeks of design research, brand, and user exercises. We were fortunate to have the Blistabloc team provide us extensive competitors and market research, which allowed us to focus on creating the perfect brand identity to match their core values. We started the process by researching what our competitor's creative styles were. We then created three creative directions that would speak to Blistabloc's mission and help them stand out visually from their competition. During this time we also conducted various brand exercises, and customer journey maps to help us understand the Blistabloc brand ethos, the website, and packaging users we were serving.
packaging designs
For the packaging, we began exploring various different envelope types, color pallets, type, and line to create a bold and empowering brand that encouraged customers to take the leap and eliminate blisters from their life. With the packaging we wanted to create a product delivery vehicle that was easy to produce and ship to customers, while still being stylish, fun, and educational about the product.
At the beginning stages of design for the packaging, I worked closely with Sarah brainstorming and exploring different ways we could achieve our objective for the brand. As the packaging design segment of the project progressed, I took on the role of creative director and provided constructive criticism to improve packaging and ensure that the brand presence aligned on the packaging and the marketing site.
website design
For the marketing site with an e-commerce platform, we wanted to create a user-friendly, and educational site while remaining visually bold. While Sarah designed the packaging, Steph and I worked on designing responsive wireframes of the website. The customers' experience was at the center of all design decisions. After solidifying the wireframes, Steph and I jumped in head first applying the visual identity from the packaging to the website. By using the curves of the lines seen on the packaging, we created a bold and dynamic visual experience for the user. With the addition of illustrations and animations by Sarah and I, we were able to broaden the site's brand elements. Furthermore, I revised some of the site’s informational copy to maintain a friendly and engaging tone to increase new customer purchases.
