Responses by Marek Kowalczyk, founder and art director, Sparrow Design.
Background: The goal of the project was to create comprehensive branding and innovative cosmetic packaging for the Polish brand North53°, specializing in natural cosmetics for men. The target audience consists of environmentally conscious men who value quality, aesthetics and product functionality. It’s important to remember that there is also a group of visually impaired men who want to use beard care products. The project specifically addressed the needs of visually impaired individuals by incorporating braille on the packaging. Additionally, the packaging aligns with the zero-waste philosophy, encouraging reuse and sustainability.
Design thinking: The main idea was to combine functionality with ecology, creating packaging that not only catches the eye but also engages users in a conscious approach to waste. The inspiration came from the philosophy of “reduce, reuse and recycle,” which led to the development of a solution that gives the packaging a second life. The graphic design can be cut out and placed in a frame or used as a bookmark. The only limit on how to repurpose this packaging is our own imagination.
Challenges: Designing packaging that simultaneously met high aesthetic, functional and ecological standards. The greatest difficulty lay in combining innovative features, such as braille, with the zero-waste philosophy to ensure the product aligned with the brand’s strategy and stood out from the competition.
Favorite details: We are most proud of incorporating braille into the packaging as it is the first project of its kind in Poland for men’s cosmetics. It enables visually impaired individuals to access products more easily, highlighting North53°’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Additionally, we take pride in the unique design of the topographic map, which perfectly reflects the spirit of the brand—exploration and discovery.
Visual influences: The inspiration came from topographic maps, which reference the name North53° and its mission of exploration. The maps’ use on the packaging added authenticity and a unique character to the project. The combination of graphic elements with a minimalist design captures attention while emphasizing the brand’s values, such as a connection to nature and a spirit of exploration.
Specific project demands: The requirements tied to the zero-waste philosophy were both a challenge and an advantage. On one hand, they demanded creativity to design multifunctional packaging that wouldn’t be disposable. On the other hand, the clearly defined values of the brand allowed us to focus on achieving specific goals and create something that perfectly aligns with its identity.
sparrowdesign.pl