Abstract:

How the inclusion of and art/technique that has a vast and prolific history has found practical applications in the last 50 years, will be presented in this study. It is about Origami (paper folding), which is used in this study as an argument and appropriate method in the accomplishment of this experience with third-year design students whose goal was the development of packaging design for small local agricultural producers granting them through an attractive package, a better presentation of their products and helping them achieve a better performance in the competitive market. The versatility and capacities of Origami have been used as an appropriate methodology for creating different applications since students can deploy their full creativity and intuition freely and without restrictions that limit their possibilities.

The stages are:
1. Choice of a product to package.
2. Characterization of the product regarding its conformation, consistency, measurements, lifespan, etc.
3. Develop the process of designing the packaging that is inspired in something natural related with the product.
4. Application of techniques based on norms, practices and original attributes of origami like the use of a single sheet, based on folds and without the use of glue.

An inherent capacity of packages is storage and portability. Another important aspect that enhances versatility and complexity of origami is the incorporation of math, geometry, fractals, tessellations, material resistance, generation of patterns, deliberate use of colors, among others, that increase the value of the proposed design. As a result of this, not only paper but various materials have been incorporated to this experience, with which an optimal performance of the technique can be achieved, helping the designers fully adapt origami in useful products that achieve the desired attributes. Origami is a technique that continues to find many new applications not only on the design field but also on the fields of engineering, biomedical, robotics, architecture, among others. The field of packaging benefits from the application of the qualities and potentials of origami, with recent innovations broadening the capacities and efficiencies that can extend packaging’s lifespan which is currently seen as a disposable product.

Keywords:

Design, Origami, Packaging.