iPod Packaging Wins Design Distinction Award
TMO Reports - iPod Packaging Wins Design Distinction Award
by , 11:00 AM EDT, July 6th, 2004
For the sixth straight year, Apple Computer has taken home another I.D. Magazine Annual Design Review award, this time for its iPod packaging.
Calling Apple's iPod packaging "flawless," "inventive," and "utterly consistent with what we've come to expect," the judges awarded Apple with a 'design distinction' accolade. The judges praised the packaging of the original, white iPod for its "egg-carton" design that slowly reveals the product.
"There's this ballet of unwrapping that is clearly intentional," said one judge. "It prolongs your excitement about finally owning the product."
"If the product is all about music, noise, and overload, the packaging is about beautiful, whispering restraint," said another judge.
Somewhat surprising, the iPod mini did not win an award this year in the consumer products design category. In 2003, Apple won a Design review award for its iPod retail store display. In 2002, it won three awards for the Titanium PowerBook G4, the original iPod and the Apple iBook.
The awards appear in the July/August edition of I.D. Magazine and have not been posted on the magazine's Web site at the time this story was filed.
Observer Comments
Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:27 am Subject: Totally Deserved
I'll never forget opening my iPod box. I was just blown away by the packaging. It actually made the product better.
I was so excited when I bought it I started unwrapping it in the car at stop lights. When I realized how intricate and well-designed it was, I stopped and saved the "experience" until I was seated at home so I could enjoy it.
iPods do weird things to people.
Tue Jul 06, 2004 12:06 pm Subject: Keeping the Box
Yeah, I've still got my iPod box - and my iTrip box. I love how Griffin did great complementary packaging as well. They, more than any iPod accessory-maker, understand the "elegance" of the iPod.
Sometimes - and yes, I know this is stupid - I "re-unpack" my iPod.
"Cult of Mac," indeed.
After opening my iPod, I was not even able to start setting it up right away. I could only weakly sit on my cold dorm floor after the orgasmic experience of unfolding the intricate packaging. When I regained my strength, I could not even bring myself to unwrap the protective plastic from the device, but promptly reclosed the box and went in search of familiars to share the opening experience with while it was still fresh.
Wed Jul 07, 2004 12:02 am Subject: While not quite as orgasmic as the previous post...
I too was completely blown away by the packaging of both the iPod and iSight. I made a point to show friends and family the box, and still have them saved today. It indeed not only brought forth awe at the time of purchase, but also added to the elegance of the iPod itself. Congratulations to the person/people who came up with such a great packaging style!
Wed Jul 07, 2004 12:07 am Subject: Re: While not quite as orgasmic as the previous post...
QuoteAnonymous wrote:
I too was completely blown away by the packaging of both the iPod and iSight. I made a point to show friends and family the box, and still have them saved today. It indeed not only brought forth awe at the time of purchase, but also added to the elegance of the iPod itself. Congratulations to the person/people who came up with such a great packaging style!
It was almost disappointing when I go my father a G4 iMac that the packaging was almost normal... after my wonderous iPod and iSight experiences!
It's the intangible value-added that Apple offers that makes them worth it - and this packaging is further proof!
Wed Aug 11, 2004 8:58 am Subject: Re: Keeping the Box
QuoteBilly K wrote:
Yeah, I've still got my iPod box - and my iTrip box.
Me too! And opening my 17" pb was really cool because that packaging runs parallel to the iPod packaging also, except that everything is freaking huge! I just love that "apple / made in california" or whatever. It just speaks to the quality right there, and is straight up with you, like, "this is our product, this is our company, welcome"
*does the 'i <3 apple' dance*
Hi, Do you have any Ipod boxes that you are willing to sell?Im trying to do a prank on my sisters birthday.You can email me at diskoinferno101@aol.com Thank you!
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