unknown unknowns

Idly observed packaging design conventions

In New York, back in April, at the local Food Emporium I snapped these detergent packs (I know, I know, what can I say? The ash cloud had me discombobulated).

The thing that caught my eye was this: every single bottle, all of them - including the one intended to keep your dark clothes dark - featured a cleanliness signifying sun burst or light flare.

But there was one exception; one brand that zigged when everyone else zagged; walked its own path. Which one? It was...

 

...Method, of course.

Packaging innovation c. 1976

This is the soundtrack LP to the 1976 Hindi movie, Laila Majnu.

As you can see, it's octagonal; a modification that is, as far as I can see, absolutely pointless.

Not only is the shape pointless, the eightsidedness means that the bit that hinges is considerably smaller than a normal gatefold and will, with use, start disintegrating.

The rational bit of me thinks that an innovation that does not improve upon its predecessor isn't an innovation at all. It's a stupid idea.

Despite this, I couldn't care less. Because the somewhat larger, pushier, irrational part of me absolutely loves it.

(Incidentally, if there's a narrative or cultural reason for the eight sides, please leave a comment. I'd love to know).