Neum
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Print/Brand Communications
Designer(s)
Sophia Kim
Duration
32 Weeks
Recognitions
The Problem
With the focus on preventing the spread of the pandemic, there is also a focus on the development of the mental health pandemic. Caused by trauma, isolation, and loneliness, people’s mental health has worsened with the increase of anxiety and stress. Stress can cause negative feelings like fear, anger, sadness, as well as changes in attitude arises such as changes in appetite, energy, concentration, sleeping, and more. Where the mental health of the person is declining, it also causes physical health to worsen. To help alleviate such heavy feelings and tension in their minds, I created NEUM.
The Process
This project started out as a desire to explore human experience of those not only suffering through COVID-19 but also to those who may be stressed from work, school, and etc. Also, having the desire to showcase remedies outside of the Eurocentric view was an important factor in the decision of the final design. In the beginning, there was a challenge in determining which method of mediation I would pursue to design. Beauty such as face masks or more natural methods like essential oils were two different options. To solve this, I reflected on the experiences of people living in dense areas like cities where most times there is a disconnection with nature. Then the pandemic essentially amplified this disconnection through quarantine. Realizing this, I opted to include natural incense and teas, to help meditate the user and leave the body and mind clear of any unwanted thoughts.
Wanting to use my own identity as a Korean into the design of the packaging, I used used patterns, symbols, and colours that reminisces the Korean culture. Taking them directly from the Korean traditional architecture and clothing, displaying the beauty and vibrancy of them. I also made sure that the products within the packaging reflected the country as well. Through research I found that the use of incense dates back centuries ago and was used to deodorize the body and remove and bad energy. Included in this, Buddhism widely uses incense due to belief of cleansing the mind.
Using elements from nature and calming our mind and body through the use of ancient methods from South Korea, rids oneself of negativity. Taking in the lotus, a symbol from Buddhism of the purity of mind and spirit, Neum, helps the user to find their inner peace by using their senses. Neum is a Korean word for good scent, where both the incenses and teas radiate a pleasurable scent for the user and creates a better experience of relaxation. In essence, the entire purpose and branding of Neum reflect humans’ core foundation of connecting with nature. This kit to some extent can deliver such connection and hopes that users will be able to find balance and calmness in their lives.
