Idea
For too long the science industry has been dominated by a buyer- instead of a user-oriented approach. Purchases for the lab are not made by those who end up using the products. By flipping this on its head Starlab boasts a packaging design that not only stands out from the rest from afar, but increases preference for the brand above others for practical reasons. Together with how it is labelled the package provides a premium experience to anyone who is using Starlab products in an everyday context, supporting those who use it, rather than describing the item for the individual purchasing it.
Form
Expressing the diversity of life sciences through its design, Starlab has made it its mission to bring emotion and fun back into the laboratory. In order to do this, large illustrations and bold colour combinations are used to differentiate products not only from each other but also the competition. The abstract yet fitting illustrations provide the user with a friendly feel, that shows Starlabs customers how passionate they are for their work and their discoveries.
Function
Packaging in a lab context needs to assist in fast paced workflows, uncomplicated restocking, and sustainable disposal. Starlab has set the bar high for each one of these lab requirements. For faster working, the packaging is recognisable and practical – distinctions in product category can be made due to illustrations and colours, products can be identified easily thanks to realistic 3D models, and sizes are placed along the „shelf-side“ for easy readability. All of this is achieved solely through the packaging design while Starlab developed refill systems as well as recyclable materials grant users simple use and eco-friendly disposal.
Differentiation
For decades, lab products, their packaging, as well as their marketing have been white and sterile in appearance. Starlab has set itself up as a brand for the future and wants to inspire young and passionate scientists around the world with their new design. The bright, bold, and colourful packaging can not be overlooked in any lab, while providing real world benefits to its users and the environment.
Impact
Starlab believes it is possible to do both good for humanity and be sustainable at the same time. In order to achieve this systems of products aimed at minimising plastic waste have been developed, as well as packaging designed to be reduced, reused, and eventually recycled. Starlab products have been put into the focus recently due to COVID-19, making it even more important that an industry so technologically advanced starts leading by example. With the new packaging being rolled out to labs world-wide Starlab has received only positive feedback upon the radical, yet practical new packaging design.
