Revolutionizing Coffee Packaging: Cafes Guilis

Michal Sicinski's Award-Winning Design Balances Economy, Utility, and Idea

The design process for Cafes Guilis' packaging was guided by three fundamental principles of good design: utility, economy, and idea. The design team used the international designation of countries from which the coffee originates as the central theme of the packaging series. This simple yet effective idea not only provides consumers with valuable information, but also creates a unique and recognizable brand identity.

What sets this design apart is its focus on information as a key value of the brand. The packaging communicates clearly and effectively to a broad audience, standing out in a market saturated with complex and often confusing designs. The use of international country designations as a leitmotif ensures that the information is readable and understandable to most people, while still being distinctive.

The realization of this design was achieved through screen printing on finished doypacks with valves. This method proved to be economical and allowed for low-cost production in both small and large quantities. It also overcame technological limitations, increasing the area available for graphic preparation and eliminating the need for stickers, thereby achieving the desired effect.

Despite the challenges of varying coffee import quantities, which made industrial production of packages uneconomic, the design team was able to maintain low-cost production. They avoided the use of stickers and ensured that all packages were made using the same print technique, regardless of the quantity produced. This consistency further strengthens the brand's identity and appeal.

The Cafes Guilis packaging project, which began in late 2014, continues to expand with new items. The clear and simple design, based on international country designations, currently consists of about 20 packages. Depending on seasonal needs, the series is regularly updated, demonstrating the design's adaptability and longevity.

In conclusion, Michal Sicinski - Studio Punkt Widzenia's design for Cafes Guilis' coffee packaging is a testament to the power of simplicity, economy, and effective communication in design. The design's success, as evidenced by its Golden A' Packaging Design Award, serves as an inspiration for designers and brands worldwide to prioritize utility, economy, and idea in their design processes.