Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones and accessories packaging design
Aim: After a successful project designing the accessory packaging for high-end speaker specialists Bowers & Wilkins, Burgopak were tasked with producing another packaging solution to hold their new noise-isolating C5 In-Ear Headphones. Bowers & Wilkins latest headphone product celebrates the art of producing natural acoustics with a tungsten-balanced design that fits comfortably and securely in the ear using the innovative “Secure Loop.”
Strategy & Tactic: It was important for Bowers & Wilkins to retain their heritage as a premium brand as well as their reputation for producing high quality products when moving into the in-ear category. This of course also had to be reflected in the packaging design – balancing chic aesthetics with intelligent structural design to securely hold the product in an eye-catching and retail friendly box.
Target Audience: With their popular P5 headphones already on the market, Bowers & Wilkins wanted to release the new C5 In-Ear Headphones to appeal to the more mobile and avid music-loving customer.
Design: Burgopak’s global studios worked alongside Bowers & Wilkins’ graphic design agency, Thomas Manss & Co, to develop a packaging design that emulates the value positioning of the product and that ties in with the brand’s tradition of providing striking-but-functional design. Featuring silver foiled text and sophisticated macro product photography, the matt-black box presents the product neatly and elegantly, ready for shelf. For added security and presentation value, the front of the pack opens via a hidden magnetic lock to stylishly reveal the product through a clear window. The flap on the front of the pack hides the window detail while also providing extra space for brand communication and to view product information in-store. The window itself is level with the cardboard structure, giving a sleek finish and no exposed, raw edge. The headphones are held securely in place by an injection-moulded tray that further provides secure protection during transit. The tray is easily removed to reveal the pack’s additional contents inside. Burgopak’s packaging design underwent thorough drop testing prior to production.
End Result: Ideal for use on the move and during activities, the C5 headphones have been released by Bowers & Wilkins onto the global market. The pack contains a set of C5 headphones, spare ear tips, adapters, MFI remote and microphone, quilted carrying pouch, warranty and user manuals.
After reading up on reviews of the new headphones, we found some that also leave some great comments on Burgopak’s packaging design:
“The packaging of the C5, like the earphones themselves, exudes an air of quality and solidity. The hard cardboard box extols the numerous virtues of the headset and the disposable plastic inserts utilize better materials than some headphones. The packaging is finger-friendly and extracting the manuals and accessories is an easy task.” – Top Review Shop [http://www.topreviewshop.com/bowers_amp_wilkins_c5_earphones]
“Everything from the packaging of these C5 in-ears to the literature gently whispers ‘premium’.” – What HiFi [http://www.whathifi.com/review/bw-c5]
“Simply looking at the packaging that the Bowers & Wilkins C5 in-ear headphones came in, I knew that the overall design of the product inside the box would be of ideal quality.” – Associated Content [http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8298583/why_youll_love_the_bowers_wilkins_c5.html]
“B&W is nothing if not classy and the packaging for the C5 is further evidence of that fact.” – Digital Trends [http://www.digitaltrends.com/headphone-reviews/bowers-wilkins-c5-review/]
All design is Copyright © of B&W Group Ltd 2011.
