Challenge
Snapware was looking to introduce a unique gift-wrapping storage product that would differentiate them from competitors. Research had shown that over 80% of all gift-wrapping at home occurs on the floor of the bedroom with bows, ribbons and paper pulled from under the bed. How could the storage of wrapping paper and ribbons be combined with the actual wrapping process to create a full use product? How could all this be delivered to the consumer at the right price?

 

Solution
A2 conducted extensive research into wrapping paper and ribbon standards, and carefully observed user needs during the gift-wrapping process to define key design parameters. Manufacturing considerations were spelled out early to achieve the price points required in a very competitive category. The resulting Gift Wrap Center provides the user with a generous working surface together with complete supply storage. This unique product also stores all of your gift wrap items – tissue paper, flat boxes, ribbons, scissors and up to 36 rolls of gift wrap – but is still low and flat enough to store under the bed!

The design of the Center also includes many small but smart details, such as a detachable tool holder, a grided work surface with a smooth area for writing gift notes, guides for cutting straight paper edges, and a roll dispenser on the end for smooth paper unrolling.

Benefit
By fully understanding the gift-wrapping process, A2 identified unmet user needs and then filled them. For Snapware, this has meant a wildly successful product and a new signature item. For the user, the Gift Wrap Center makes gift-wrapping easier, safer, more accurate and more fun.

“This thing rules!!! It was also obvious that the designers thought everything through in detail. This product really is pretty awesome, it's like I designed it myself.” ~S. Christie, November 2006, Amazon.com