NOTE
1. Project Overview
In this exercise, we are stripping away the surface graphics to focus on
the architecture of paper. Your goal is to reinvent the money packet
through structural innovation. You will explore how a single sheet of
paper can be transformed into a functional, secure, and aesthetically
pleasing container through folding, interlocking, and die-cutting.
2. The Challenge: "The White-Out Project"
Design a series of two (2) structurally unique money packets using only
white, unprinted cardstock.
Because there is no visual design to rely on, the "beauty" of the packet
must come from:
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The logic of the fold.
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The ingenuity of the closing mechanism (no glue or tape allowed for
the final closure).
3. Structural Objectives
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Kinetic Experience: How does the packet move when opened? Does it
expand, slide, or "bloom"?
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Glueless Integrity: At least one of your designs must use an
interlocking tab system that remains secure without the use of
adhesives.
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Materiality: Utilize the weight and grain of the paper to provide
structural strength.
4. Technical Constraints
Color Palette: Strictly white (different shades/textures of white or any
color paper are permitted).
Dimensions: Must comfortably hold a standard banknote. You are
encouraged to experiment with orientation (vertical, horizontal, or
diagonal).
Quantity: Two distinct structural variations (e.g., one
origami-inspired, one industrial/geometric, and one experimental).
5. Suggested Areas of Exploration
The Pop-Up: A structure that lifts the banknote toward the recipient
when opened.
The Multi-Stage Fold: A packet that requires multiple "unfold" steps to
reach the money, building anticipation.
The Tension Lock: Using the natural tension of curved paper to keep the
packet closed.
The Asymmetrical Closure: Moving away from the standard rectangular flap
to something organic or geometric.
6. Deliverables
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A set of two technical die-lines (1:1 scale) indicating cut lines,
mountain folds, and valley folds.
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Two high-fidelity mockups using 160gsm–220gsm any color specialty
paper.
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A 10-second video for each packet demonstrating the opening and
closing movement.
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e-portfolio to show your process.
EXERCISES 2
Overview
In this project, I designed two money packets using only plain white
paper. Since there were no colours, patterns, or printed graphics to
rely on, the main focus became the structure of the paper itself.
The challenge was to create beauty through folding, cutting,
overlapping, and the movement of the packet when it opens. I wanted both
designs to feel different from a normal envelope, so I explored two
separate directions: one based on origami-inspired folding, and one
based on curved flaps and a softer opening form.
Both packets are designed to hold a standard banknote comfortably. The
final closure does not rely on glue or tape, but instead uses folds,
paper tension, and overlapping parts to keep the money secure.
Process - Packet 1
Initial Try
For my first design, I started by experimenting with origami folding techniques. I was interested in how a flat sheet of paper could become a secure container through folding alone.
My early attempts were based on simple folded pockets. I tried using
straight folds and basic overlapping flaps, but the structure was too
plain and looked too much like a normal envelope.
Some folds also did not hold the banknote securely enough. If the side
flaps were too loose, the money could slide out. If the folds were too
tight, the packet became difficult to close neatly.
Because of this, I decided to continue developing the form using more
origami-inspired folds and diagonal movements.
Progression
After testing a few folding methods, I focused on creating a structure
where the flaps could fold toward the centre and hold the money in
place.
The diagonal fold became an important part of the design. It helped the
packet look more dynamic when closed, and it also made the structure
feel less ordinary. Instead of using decoration, the diagonal crease
became the main visual feature.
When the packet is opened, the fold structure becomes visible. I like
this because it shows the process behind the final form. The packet
looks simple from the outside, but once opened, the different layers and
fold directions reveal how it was constructed.
Final Design - Origami-Inspired Packet
The final design is a horizontal packet with folded side panels and a
diagonal closure.
The banknote sits in the centre of the packet, while the surrounding
flaps fold inward to secure it. The diagonal fold creates a clean
geometric line on the outside. This line becomes the main visual element
when the packet is closed.
The structure does not depend on colour or pattern. Its appearance comes
from the fold lines, paper layers, and the shadows created by the
overlapping panels.
Strength & Function
This design holds the banknote securely because the folds wrap around
the money from different directions. The horizontal layout also makes it
easy to insert and remove the banknote.
The packet is slim and simple when closed, but the opening process
reveals a more complex folded structure. This creates a small surprise
for the user.
Final Outcome
Images
Die-Line
Process - Packet 2
Inspiration
For my second design, I wanted to create something very different from the first packet. Since the first design was more geometric and origami-inspired, I decided to explore a softer and more organic form.
This design uses curved side flaps and a vertical orientation. The shape
reminds me of petals opening, so I wanted the packet to feel more gentle
and ceremonial when it reveals the money.
Instead of focusing on sharp diagonal folds, this version focuses on
curves, layering, and the way the paper opens outward.
Initial Try
At the beginning, I tried a more basic vertical envelope structure. It
could hold the banknote, but it looked too simple and did not have
enough character.
I then started exploring curved flaps. The curved shape made the packet
more visually interesting, but it was harder to control. If the curves
were not balanced, the packet looked uneven when closed.
This showed me that curved structures need more precision than straight
folds.
Progression
I adjusted the side flaps several times to make them more balanced. The
curves needed to be large enough to create a soft opening movement, but
not too large, otherwise they would become weak and difficult to close.
The final structure uses four main flaps around the centre pocket. When
opened, the side flaps spread outward and reveal the banknote inside.
This gives the packet a blooming movement, which fits the kinetic
objective of the project.
Compared to the first packet, this design feels slower and more
graceful. The opening action is less mechanical and more expressive.
Final Design - Curved Bloom Packet
The final design is a vertical money packet with rounded side flaps.
The banknote is placed in the centre, while the curved flaps fold around
it. When closed, the packet has a clean and soft appearance. When
opened, the flaps spread out and create a flower-like reveal.
This design is more organic than the first one. Its beauty comes from
the contrast between the straight central pocket and the rounded outer
flaps.
Strength & Function
The packet holds the banknote vertically and keeps it centred. The
curved flaps help cover the money while also creating a distinctive
opening experience.
The main challenge was making the curves even and clean. Any small
difference between the left and right flaps becomes very noticeable,
especially because the paper is plain white.
Through this design, I learned that soft forms can still be structural.
Curves are not only decorative; they can guide movement and create a
more interesting interaction.
Final Outcome
Images
Die-Line
Comparison Between the Two Packets
These two packets explore different structural directions.
The first packet is more geometric and is developed from origami folding
experiments. It uses diagonal folds, overlapping panels, and a
horizontal layout. The design feels sharper and more structured.
The second packet is softer and more organic. It uses curved flaps and a
vertical layout. The opening movement feels more like blooming, which
creates a different kind of experience.
Both packets use plain white paper, so the design depends on structure
instead of decoration. The fold lines, edges, shadows, and layers become
the main visual elements.
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