Interview about Morton Metering Salt Shaker Package, winner of the A' Packaging Design Award 2024
This project is a salt shaker packaging design specific for Morton. What makes it differentiated from similar salt shaker packages available in the market is uncluttered and unaffected form. The mating of the graduated groove and the snap-fit mechanism allows user to accurately dispense 1-5 g salt. It is easy to operate with just one hand. This metering salt shaker supports refilling and reuse. The transparent label on the bottom helps user see how much salt is left.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe development of the 1-5g measurement system in the Morton Metering Salt Shaker Package was rooted in addressing a critical health issue while considering practical user needs. The system aligns with the WHO recommendations, which suggest consuming 1-2g of salt per 100g of food and limiting daily salt intake to no more than 5g. This design caters to beginners in cooking and those concerned with precise dietary management, as most traditional salt shakers fail to provide accurate control, often resulting in over- or under-seasoned food.The innovative metering mechanism features a graduated groove and snap-fit design, allowing users to precisely select between 1-5g of salt. It operates intuitively, with a sliding cap system that ensures accurate dispensing. This not only simplifies meal preparation but also fosters healthier eating habits by enabling individuals to manage their sodium intake effectively
The combination of the transparent label and graduated groove was inspired by the need for intuitive, precise salt dispensing. The transparent label lets users monitor salt levels while integrating the Morton Salt Girl for visual appeal. The graduated groove ensures accurate 1-5g measurements, making the process simple and one-handed. Together, these elements balance functionality, health awareness, and user-friendly design.
I overcame the challenge by conducting extensive experiments using 3D-printed prototypes made from similar materials. This iterative process allowed me to test and refine the wall thickness repeatedly until the clip mount achieved the necessary balance between durability and functionality, ensuring it could withstand regular use without compromising the design.
The ergonomic design for one-handed operation and precise measurement was achieved through an iterative prototyping process. I experimented extensively with 3D-printed models, refining the sliding cap mechanism and graduated groove to ensure smooth operation and intuitive use. Each iteration focused on enhancing the user’s grip, the ease of sliding to set the measurement, and the stability of the shaker during dispensing. Feedback from these tests guided adjustments to the shape, size, and snap-fit mechanism, ultimately achieving a seamless blend of precision and ease of use.
The Morton Metering Salt Shaker Package uses durable and recyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate), chosen for its strength, lightweight properties, and excellent clarity. PET ensures the shaker’s durability while allowing users to easily monitor salt levels through the transparent design. Its recyclability aligns with sustainable design principles, supporting a refillable structure that minimizes single-use waste.
Balancing Morton's iconic brand identity with modern functionality required integrating familiar visual elements with innovative features. The Morton Salt Girl and the brand’s recognizable motifs were retained to preserve tradition, while the transparent label and measurable dispensing system addressed contemporary user needs. Key considerations included ensuring the design remained visually cohesive with Morton's legacy, while introducing practical features like refillability, one-handed operation, and precise measurements to appeal to health-conscious and modern consumers.
1. Concept & Research: Inspired by WHO guidelines and user needs for precise salt dispensing.2. Prototyping: Created and tested 3D-printed models, refining the sliding cap, durability, and one-handed operation.3. Feedback & Refinement: Improved usability, refillability, and structural integrity based on testing results.4. Brand Integration: Combined Morton’s iconic Salt Girl imagery with modern features like a transparent label and refillable design.5. Final Design: Finalized with PET material for durability, clarity, and sustainability, achieving precise 1-5g dispensing and intuitive use.
To optimize the snap-fit mechanism, I conducted extensive research on mechanical tolerances and user ergonomics, followed by iterative 3D prototyping. Testing focused on ensuring smooth sliding, secure locking, and accurate dispensing of 1-5g of salt. Each prototype was evaluated for ease of operation, durability, and consistent performance. Feedback from these tests led to refinements in the groove dimensions and material flexibility, ensuring precise control and user-friendly functionality.
The Morton Metering Salt Shaker Package caters to cooking novices by simplifying the process of measuring salt accurately with its 1-5g graduated groove and intuitive sliding cap mechanism, reducing the risk of over- or under-seasoning. For experienced users, the precise measurement system supports dietary management and complex recipes requiring exact quantities. The one-handed operation and refillable design make it practical and appealing for all skill levels, blending convenience with health-conscious functionality.
The Morton Metering Salt Shaker Package sets a precedent for integrating precision, usability, and sustainability in functional packaging design. Its success demonstrates the potential of portion control systems to promote healthier consumption habits, inspiring future innovations in food packaging. By combining intuitive mechanisms with refillable and recyclable materials, it highlights the importance of user-centric and eco-conscious solutions, paving the way for broader adoption of health-focused, sustainable packaging in various industries.
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