How Might We Design for Circular System of Shelf?
Circular System of Paper Shelves
This project was a collaboration with Kimberly-Clark Taiwan to redesign a circular system for sanitary napkin shelves. The design concept aims to improve the recycling of seasonal sale shelves mixed with plastic and paper and balance the needs of multi-stakeholders.
Cooperated with Kimberly-Clark Taiwan
Circular Design
Service Design
TIME
02/ 2022 - 06/2022 (4 months)
LOCATION
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
TEAM
YinYu Lo, ViVian Su
SKILLS
Circular Design, Journey mapping, Industrial cooperation
Design Requirements
To improve the sustainability of paper shelves, the requirements of paper shelves from Kimberly-Clark Taiwan are:
Products on display
Sanitary napkins
Wet wipes
Facial tissue
Materials
1. Environmentally friendly materials, durable and long service life (without external damage at least 3 years)
2. Heavy-duty, each layer can bear at least 15Kg
Delivery
1. Easy to store/unfold for storage
2. The shelves are adjustable according to the store space or product size.
3. Light weight and easy to move
Field Research
A salesperson provided an overview of the store's environment and the various displays. Following the store tour, we interviewed her to gain insights into the production limitations of the shelves and the considerations of sales staff.
Shelf types
We conducted in-store observations and classified three types of displays.
Independent display
"The one-piece shelves are easily assembled. " (Salespersons)
There are different folding-expanding ways of shelves (See structures of two shelves in the photos).
Hanging display
"The plastic shelves are strong and durable." (Salespersons)
The salesperson also appreciated transparent material, which allows the packaging colors to be well-demonstrated.
Fit-in (shelves) display
"We look forward to a new design." (Salespersons)
The damage rate is high because the front board will block consumers from accessing the product.
Usage of Shelf
Insights from interview withe sales staff
Based on observations and interviews with sales staff, we mapped out the process from assembling shelves to discarding them. This flow highlights the strengths, drawbacks, and specific needs throughout the process.
Core Concept
The shelf is made of 100% paper
Using molded pulp - achieving recycling through materials
Molded pulp also known as, paper pulp fiber, or pulp molding, is typically made from recycled cardboard. it has been widely used in protective packaging as well as in food and beverage packaging.
Picture: BenQ projection package design using molded pulp.
Features:
Lightweight, but has high compressive strength and shock absorption.
Easy stacking and storage
100% recyclable, non-toxic, harmless. A durable packaging option
Concept Development
The project was carried out during the COVID-19 period. Due to the inability to meet on campus and build 1:1 models, we created 1:10 scale paper prototypes and developed a 3D model instead.
Design Concept
Concept A. Folding shelves
Made in molded pulp.
Adding grooves feature of molded pulp can improve the strength of the shelf.
No plastic components.
Expanded view
Usage steps
Detailed dimensions
Concept B. Assembled shelf
Extend the service life of one-layer shelves
Meet the needs of different store situations
Using molded pulp structural design as mortise and tenon
Modular structure
Usage steps
Extended use time
After the promotion period, single shelves can be placed on the shelves to extend their lifetime.
Comparison of concepts and existing design
Concept Evaluation
Two concepts were evaluated by a BenQ experienced product designer who has worked for more than 10 years. Different criteria are discussed below.
Based on his design experience and the features of the molded pulp, concept B is more feasible.
Costs
The most expensive part is the mold-making fee. The mold-making fee would be expensive compared with the current corrugated paper. The commercial applications need to be considered.
Product size
The size of molded pulp production is limited, and the length and width are about 60-70cm, according to the experience of the BenQ product designer. This needs to be verified. The equipment of each factory may be different.
Support Strength
On a flat surface, the load-bearing capacity of paper plastic will be weaker than corrugated. Although concept A is currently designed with the structure for support, it remains a doubt whether the molded pulp with a length of about 130cm can support it.
Molding
There will be difficulties in forming and manufacturing the pores that are too small (for example, concept A requires 5 mm pores). There is still a gap between molded pulp molding and general paper molding. It needs to ask the factory for actual manufacturing conditions.
Design Improvement of Concept A
Based on the feedback, concept A was suggested to improve storage space.
Advertising and Printing
The primary location for advertising is the side of the shelf. Future development can focus on printing while ensuring the shelf remains recyclable.
