2018 Welcome Package DGUT

Freshman Admission Notice Gift Box

The design concept of the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT revolves around the idea of "I will come to Dongguan for my prospect." To bring this concept to life, the Chinese character "Guan" has been combined with the elements of the city flower of Dongguan, the michelia alba. This combination is reflected in the font design and the overall visual presentation of the gift box. The inclusion of the michelia alba symbolizes hope for a bright future and the anticipation of a new city and study career.

What sets the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT apart is its focus on creating a gift box that not only welcomes freshmen from all over the country but also showcases the unique culture of Dongguan. The selection of michelia alba as the symbol of Dongguan culture adds a distinct touch to the project. The gift box is designed to be vital and considerate, carrying the expectation of introducing the new Dongguan culture to people.

The realization of the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT involves the use of a pull-out box design, allowing for a comprehensive view of the gift box contents. Additionally, a small bottle containing real michelia alba has been included, enabling freshmen to experience the blooming scent of Dongguan. The assembly and production of materials have been carefully considered to ensure a high-quality and meaningful gift box.

The specifications of the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT are 360mmx260mmx55mm, providing ample space for the various items included in the gift box. The design tags associated with this project include "future," "humanistic life," and "flowers," reflecting the themes and inspirations behind the design.

Interacting with the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT is a delightful experience for students. By holding the woven tassel on one side of the box, they can easily pull and open the gift box. Inside, they will find a well-designed canvas bag, notebook, pen bag, atlas, and more. One of the highlights of the gift box is the inclusion of two "drifting bottles." Apart from the bottle with dried michelia alba, 5000 pieces of message notes handwritten by elder brothers and sisters, teachers, and leaders of Dongguan University of Technology have been randomly placed in the bottle, adding a personal touch to the gift box.

The 2018 Welcome Package DGUT project started in July 2018 and was completed in September in Dongguan, China. Extensive research was conducted to ensure that the gift box effectively conveys the humanistic feelings of Dongguan and creates a connection between freshmen and the university.

Despite the creative and technical challenges faced during the design process, the 2018 Welcome Package DGUT successfully incorporates two local atlases into the gift box. The first atlas, titled "Culture of Dongguan," combines graphics, texts, and map positioning of Dongguan Art Museum, Dongguan Museum, and other cultural aggregation sites into one book, providing a comprehensive introduction to Dongguan's cultural heritage.

The 2018 Welcome Package DGUT is a testament to the thoughtful and innovative design approach of Ruikang Xie. By combining the elements of Dongguan's culture with a sense of belonging, this gift box creates a memorable and meaningful experience for freshmen entering Dongguan University of Technology.

Image Credits: Zhang Jingwen

Awards and Accolades: The 2018 Welcome Package DGUT was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and contribute to quality of life improvements.