KOS: A Playful and Whimsical Packaging Design

A Clean and Straightforward Visual Identity

Most competitors in the market follow a similar pattern, with pictures of ingredients and listed benefits on the front of their packaging. However, KOS wanted to stand out from the crowd and communicate important information in a whimsical and fun way. This approach sets them apart from their competitors, who seem to blend in rather than make a statement.

The strength of KOS lies in its clean, straightforward, and colorful identity. Each product is represented by a set of customized illustrations that depict the specific benefits and characteristics of the ingredients. These doodle-type illustrations bring the packaging to life, using situations from everyday life, pop culture, TV shows, and movies to personify the ingredients. The result is a visually captivating label that is hard to resist.

The realization of the design is achieved through digital printing, with sleeve labels on cylindrical bottles. The matte and glossy finishes add a touch of sophistication to the overall look. The technical specifications of the bottles include a diameter of 113.5 mm and a height of 132 mm.

Interacting with the KOS packaging is an experience in itself. The label is filled with doodle-type illustrations that catch the eye and invite closer inspection. Each character within the illustrations represents an ingredient, and customers can explore the label to discover the unique qualities and benefits of each product.

The KOS project began in September 2017 and is still ongoing. While there was not much design research involved, the team focused on understanding the benefits and characteristics of each ingredient to generate situations that could be represented through the illustrations.

Creating the illustrations for KOS presented its own set of challenges. The team had to create nearly 30 simple but discernible characters based on the appearance of the ingredients they represent. Some ingredients, such as Spirulina and Chlorella, posed a challenge due to their microscopic nature, while others, like Fo-ti and rhodiola roots, were difficult to depict due to their amorphous shapes.

The objective of the KOS project was to create a playful, fun, educating, clean, and straightforward visual identity that would primarily be displayed through their packaging. The labels successfully achieve this goal, with a clean composition that clearly communicates what each product is and how it can benefit consumers.

Recognized for its creativity and ingenuity, the KOS packaging design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements. KOS stands as a testament to the power of design in making the world a better place.