Project Overview

Project Name: Metamorphosis Foldable Event Invitation and Program
Role: Visual & Experiential Designer
Project Type: Print Design with Experiential Elements

Summary:
Inspired by the theme of "Metamorphosis," this project involved designing a foldable event invitation and accompanying event program for a prestigious fashion show. The goal was to translate the concept of transformation into a tangible, engaging user experience by creating a butterfly-shaped invitation placed inside a transparent envelope to symbolize a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. The event program unfolded gradually, revealing layers of information and enhancing the narrative of change and growth, while incorporating a QR code to provide attendees with easy access to the full digital event program.

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‍Problem Statement

The Challenge:
Design an event invitation and program that visually and experientially reflects the theme of "Metamorphosis," evoking transformation and capturing the essence of the fashion show. The deliverables needed to:

• Engage the recipient from the moment they received the invitation.
• Create a sense of discovery as the user interacted with the event program.
• Incorporate a functional yet aesthetically pleasing way to access additional event information.

Key Insight:
To evoke the idea of metamorphosis, the invitation and program needed to not just inform but immerse the audience in a journey of transformation—mirroring the concept of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.

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Hypothesis & Goals

Hypothesis:
We believed that a foldable format combined with transparent packaging and layered visual storytelling would create an immersive and memorable experience, helping attendees connect emotionally with the theme of the event.

Project Goals:

• Design an invitation that physically embodies the concept of transformation through an engaging foldable structure.
• Create a program that unfolds to reveal layers of information, reflecting the gradual evolution of metamorphosis.
• Integrate a QR code seamlessly into the design to enhance accessibility and engagement.

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Research & Inspiration

1. Visual & Conceptual Exploration

To understand how best to capture the concept of metamorphosis visually and physically, I conducted research on:

• Butterfly Life Cycle: To understand the transition from cocoon to butterfly and incorporate it into the invitation’s unfolding mechanism.
• Foldable Paper Techniques: Explored creative foldable structures that would allow for a gradual reveal of information, mirroring the stages of transformation.
• Transparent Packaging in Design: Investigated how transparent materials can create anticipation by allowing glimpses of the content within, similar to a cocoon revealing a butterfly.

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Design Process

2. Ideation & Concept Development

After initial brainstorming and sketching, I decided to develop a butterfly-shaped invitation that unfolds to symbolize the emergence of a butterfly.

Key Design Considerations:

• Envelope as a Cocoon: A transparent envelope was chosen to represent the cocoon, subtly hinting at the transformation within.
• Foldable Structure: The invitation unfolded in stages, echoing the process of metamorphosis and revealing essential event details.
• Visual Layers for the Event Program: The foldable program featured multiple sections, gradually revealing information while incorporating subtle butterfly motifs to maintain thematic consistency.

3. Prototyping & Refinement

I created multiple prototypes to test the folding mechanism, ensuring that:

• The unfolding process was smooth and intuitive.
• Visual hierarchy guided the recipient’s attention from the butterfly shape to the event details.
• The transparent envelope provided a sense of mystery and anticipation without revealing too much upfront.

Iteration Process:

• Refined the folding mechanism to ensure durability and ease of use.
• Experimented with different paper stocks to enhance the tactile feel and maintain structure.
• Optimized the placement and size of the QR code for seamless scanning.

Final Deliverables

Foldable Event Invitation

• Butterfly-shaped invitation placed in a transparent envelope to symbolize a cocoon.
• The foldable design mimicked the stages of transformation, gradually revealing the event’s key details.

Foldable Event Program

• Multi-layered foldable program featuring butterfly motifs and details about the event.
• Included a QR code linking to the full digital event program for enhanced interactivity.

User Interaction & Impact

4. Immersive Experience & Emotional Connection

Hypothetical Outcomes:

The unfolding process of the invitation and program allowed recipients to physically engage with the concept of metamorphosis, creating a memorable first impression.

• Emotional Engagement: Recipients experienced a sense of discovery as they unfolded the invitation and program, reinforcing the theme of transformation.
• Increased Engagement: The inclusion of a QR code allowed attendees to easily access additional event information, blending physical and digital touchpoints.

Potential Impact & Application

Hypothetical Outcomes:

• Enhanced Attendee Experience: The interactive, foldable design could create a sense of discovery, allowing recipients to engage emotionally with the theme of metamorphosis before the event.
• Reinforced Event Theme: By aligning the unfolding process with the concept of transformation, the design would immerse attendees in the event’s narrative from the moment they received the invitation.
• Seamless Hybrid Engagement: The inclusion of a QR code could effectively bridge the gap between physical and digital, offering attendees easy access to additional event information and enhancing overall engagement.

Key Learnings & Reflections

• Physical, foldable formats can serve as powerful metaphors when tied to an event’s theme.
• Layered, unfolding designs create a sense of discovery and enhance user engagement.
• Incorporating digital touchpoints (such as QR codes) enhances accessibility and bridges the gap between print and digital.

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