This project was created as coursework for Intro to Package Design in SAIC's Visual Communication Design department, instructed by designer Jacob Ristau.
For some time, I had been considering what “music collection” might look like in the era of streaming: I listen to music almost exclusively on Spotify, yet I found myself with the desire to physically display my favorite albums (consumerist impulse, I guess). To me, records are too expensive to buy without any intention of playing them — and CDs are physically cheap. And I already have way too many graphic tees.
A “Discplate” is a square, hand-held plastic plate with album artwork on either side. Within the plastic is an NFC chip that, when scanned with a mobile device, will access and begin playing the corresponding album on a streaming service such as Spotify. Technical album information is finely printed along the plate’s circumference.
The Discplate packaging consists of foam and shutter-style acrylic panels that open from the top down on either side. Unfolding both panels completely and reattaching them creates a stand for the plate and complete with an informational plaque... or it would have if my measurements were correct. For the time being I only have digital renders that illustrate how the package would unfold.
This packaging / case is extravagant and not especially sustainable, so it might be used exclusively for “limited edition” Discplates that already have unique plastics and utilize a premium printing process. Standard Discplates could be housed in a simpler paperboard box with transparent openings in the same locations as the premium case. ■