Packaging Concept: STEMpack

Women are drastically under-represented in technical fields, and studies suggest that these gender roles are defined from a young age.

By introducing packaging which has a second function as a gender-neutral STEM toy, girls will receive an opportunity to explore their own interest in science - without the barriers of gender-specific marketing and projected societal stereotypes.

STEM pack is a means to get a toy which introduces science into people’s homes without limitations or cost.

The design introduces children to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) concepts through a construction toy which is created from parts within the cardboard box itself, along with instructions and an explanation of the science behind it.

The packaging works at multiple ages and levels:

• Teaching STEM concepts to children.
• Helping develop construction and assembly skills.
• Encouraging customisation through neutral design (they can draw all over it, make it their own).
• Encourages bonding between child and parent, to build the toy together and discuss how it works.

This concept also offers a toy to those that might not otherwise have one: in developing nations, aid packages could have educational toys built into the packaging too.

The pull-back race-car is just one example of an educational toy that could be integrated into packaging - other STEM principles could be demonstrated through other versions of the pack.

Innovation in minimalism:

The toy requires ZERO glue, scissors or sellotape to assemble. We intelligently make use of household objects to maximise scalability of the design and minimise production cost - with nothing more than pencils to act as axles, and an elastic band to provide propulsion, the toy comes to life! A true and educational re-use of the power of packaging.

Just assemble, with the simplicity and elegance of LEGO.

Waste reduction:

This concept offers a second life to packaging which would otherwise be thrown away. The proposed model is to integrate STEMpack into generic shipping cartons - for example, through a partnership with Amazon, allowing all deliveries to have an educational toy integrated into the pack.