The Ultimate Cardboard Box

In this project, we had to create a cardboard box that is made for shipping. First, we watched a video about another box made called the Rapid Packing Container. Then we compared it to the traditional box used commonly in shipping companies such as Amazon. We then had to analyze the pros and cons within both designs to create a prototype. What was ideal for me was that it had to be easy to open, waste efficient such as minimal tape, and strength/durability. For me, I liked the jigs they used in the Rapid Packing container, as well as the flap method in the tradition box. After brainstorming a few ideas and drawing a couple designs, I came up with this.

After creating my first 4×4” prototype, I realize there could be a few adjustments made on my box and design. First, I noticed that my cuts were too deep making the cardboard weaker on the folding points. Second, I had to resize my flaps supporting the walls as it was too small making my box compress. Lastly, I needed to cut the slit for the jigs bigger because it was too small. I slowly made bigger prototypes like 5×5 inches and 8×8 inches. Along the journey, I realized folding outward was stronger than folder inward as the paper side of the cardboard supported the edges more. After perfecting my prototype, I had to make my final product, but I ran into another obstacle. The pieces of cardboard available to me was too small for my 12×12 box. So, I had to improvise by using two pieces of thicker cardboard that was long enough to have two separate pieces of my box. After cutting out two separate segments of my box design, I used smaller piece of cardboard to attach them together, acting like a spine of a book. (also included new flaps)

The pro’s of my box are that is uses less tape compared to the traditional box, the strength and durability, easy to open (doesn’t require a knife or tool), and easy to pack and reuse. A con would be that it does not lay fully flat when unfolded with some flaps flaring up, and also it is heavier and denser as a trade from durability and strength.

I used many different tools and materials to construct this box, such as, ruler, pencil, X-actoknife, cardboard, tape, hot glue, and eraser.

What I learned in this project is that it takes time and effort to create something. There is a process you need to endure when you take on a project. You cannot expect things to go well on your first try, and that you will have obstacles and problems along the way. Most importantly, I learned how to efficiently cut cardboard and how to score the cardboard to appropriately fold to your liking.

What I’ll improve next time is when cutting up the cardboard, I will cut more evenly and straight so that the edges of the box 100% line up with each other.

I would give myself a B+ because throughout the weeks working this project, I had been effectively using my time to improve and perfect my box. Which I thought was good because that is very important when creating a new project from your own design. What I thought could done better is when drawing my design on the cardboard, I could’ve drawn it more precisely and correctly, that way I would have had less tries. On the other hand, if I haven’t had make so many boxes, I wouldn’t of know the flaws and adjustments that led to perfecting my box.