Apple Watch Packaging Redesign
Sustainability-driven UX research — 54% weight reduction, multi-use dock.
UX Researcher + Designer — 10-week capstone, team of 4 at University of Washington
Original packaging analysis
the problem
At 376g, Apple Watch packaging weighs more than 12x the watch itself. Most users discard it immediately — massive material and environmental cost for a box that serves no lasting purpose.
process
For a 10-week sustainable design capstone at UW, we asked: what if the packaging became part of the product experience? We ran 27 surveys and 8 moderated interviews, then designed, prototyped, and tested a redesigned concept.
solution
A single compact box that doubles as a charging dock and display stand. 54% lighter, QR-code instructions, designed for the 51% of users who already keep their Apple packaging.
key features
- ✦27 surveys + 8 moderated interviews
- ✦54% weight reduction — 376g to 173g
- ✦Multi-use box doubles as charging dock and display stand
- ✦QR code replaces paper manuals
- ✦3 usability tests — assembled in under 3 minutes
- ✦~58.48M kg CO2e saved annually at Apple scale
timeline
