How do we reimagine aromatherapy products? Beyond the scented candles, essential oils, burners, the use case for our client is to ritualize the act of using scent to celebrate one’s private moments. A me time, for self care, reflection, relaxation. A time bracketed by the use of these products. With this in mind, we designed from the ground up the branding, product design, packaging design, and the user experience. And how these attributes will be communicated on e-commerce channels.
“玑，Ji” This chinese character literally meant an imperfect bead. This can be understood in along the same vein as the Wabi Sabi concept of beauty in imperfection. Perfection is boring if even possible. For us as individuals, we are all beautifully flawed in diverse and unique ways. Only when we start to accept our flaws and embrace our entirety, can we start to love ourselves. 亲 Qin is to draw close, be intimate with. QinJi invites the users to accept ourselves, look inwards beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday lives, and to celebrate the moment at hand, hence Be Close At Hand.
Initial design research phase shows that aromatherapy products carry more emotional significance compared to other categories. Consumers not only consider the basic aspects of aroma but also factors such as weather, climate, seasonal variation and the connection to their emotional state. Aromatherapy possesses a strong sense of “self-indulgence” and intimacy.
The “Times Series” is conceptualized around the theme of time, featuring 24 hour markers intricately carved around the bottle, symbolizing the passage of time throughout the day.
Through the adorned surface,
A deeper self is revealed,
Each carving marks the passage of time.
Sunrise or sunset,
Every ray a breath of shimmer.
The flagship products use Kagami Cut technique, allowing a brilliant shine to the glass bottles. This process is entirely by hand, each bottle is thus just that slightly different from others, and one of a kind, like you and I.
The act of unwrapping the product is a ritual in itself, with much thought given to the design of each layer in the unveiling process.
In addition to the Kagami Cut series, we have also designed different series that feature rich color textures that is organically applied on geometrically diverse bottles.
These bottles are conceived to be objet d’arts, decorative objects of art and beauty, set pieces in the mise en scene that is your life.
Used bottles can be reused as vases, or simply as beautiful objects that bring joy.
Different series were conceived to elaborate on the seasonality aforementioned. Scents bespoke to your feelings and emotions at different points in time. With the changing scenery outside, so too shall the internal scentscape be similarly complemented.
Landscapes are carved out
With wind, with water, with time
We look upon these
and praise Nature for its beauty
Inside us we carry the knocks and scars
Of learning, of growth, of life
We see not imperfections
but beauty that is earned
If every moment is a still life
It is only the now that we can we paint on
The past and future are both canvases beyond reach
Take a deep breath and Be
Close to what you really are
And the one at hand
United Design Practice 