Context
This project was about designing packaging for a pepper seed collection sold at Marché Public de Montréal, a network of local markets across the city. The goal was to create packaging that communicated the range of spice levels in a fresh, modern way.
Challenge
The challenge was to design something simple, clear, and intuitive enough that customers could instantly understand the spice level, even if they weren’t paying full attention. I also wanted the packaging to feel more like a product display, something you could imagine popping up at a market stand, rather than just another tiny seed packet.
Process
Instead of using stereotypical spicy visuals, I developed a numeric heat scale ranging from 01/10 (sweet) to 10/10 ( hot). I mapped this scale to a color gradient that runs from yellow (mild), through orange (medium), to red (hot), with 10/10 being a deep purple to show extreme heat. The color shift isn’t just pretty, it’s functional, helping customers visually gauge the spice level at a glance.
The box itself was carefully crafted by hand. I started by creating a die line on white paper, then transferred and cut it directly onto black paper to avoid the white cracks that happen when folding printed paper.
Final Design
The final packaging system is clean, bold, and highly functional. The black box creates a strong visual anchor, while the colorful heat scale brings energy and clarity. The square cutout in the sleeve adds just the right amount of curiosity, encouraging people to engage with the product without overwhelming them with information.
