Project Brief

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Overview

ScholarSox is a startup dedicated to creating stylish, knee-high socks with a twist—each pair features an elegant bow designed to express individuality within the constraints of school uniforms. I was brought in to develop the visual identity and packaging system for this playful, purpose-driven brand- 'socks with bows'

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The goal was to create a packaging solution that not only protected and promoted the product but also told the ScholarSox story in a way that resonated with its primary audience: young girls in school environments with strict uniform codes.

 

Goal

How might we design packaging that reflects creativity and confidence, while staying aligned with school standards and scalable across multiple product sizes?

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Research & Discovery

To ground the design in real-world insight, I conducted both qualitative and competitive research:

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• User Surveys: We surveyed over 40 students from private and charter school systems, asking about their pain points with daily uniform wear. A common theme emerged: students felt stripped of self-expression due to the rigid dress codes.

• Competitive Audit: We analyzed packaging from competitors in the fashion accessories and children’s apparel markets. Many brands either over-complicated their designs or lacked distinction. This gap was an opportunity for ScholarSox to stand out with simplicity, fun, and purpose.

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Key insights

• Students favored bold but not overly childish visuals.

• Parents valued clarity in sizing and brand values.

• Schools were more likely to approve subtle but elegant enhancements (like bows) over loud patterns.

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Strategy & Design Approach

A human-centered design approach was essential for balancing the brand's playful tone with the more formal school environment. I applied principles from both product design and brand storytelling to ensure coherence from shelf to sock.

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Design Objectives

• Visual Appeal: Bold color palettes aligned with school tones (navy, maroon, forest green) combined with fresh accent hues.

• Clear Hierarchy: Legible typography for size, brand, and mission messaging.

• Scalable Packaging System: Designed adaptable dielines for small (K–2), medium (3–5), and large (6–8) sizes.

• Mission Integration: The back of the packaging tells the ScholarSox story, emphasizing its commitment to education through profit-sharing.

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Design Execution

The final packaging design includes:

• A die-cut window to display the signature bow on each sock.

• Thoughtful use of negative space and clean lines to reflect the brand's modern aesthetic.

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All visual assets—including brand logo, bow icons, and typography—were built into a flexible brand kit for future product extensions (such as tights or sock bundles).

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Impact & Results

• Market Readiness: With school board approvals, ScholarSox successfully launched in select academic institutions as an approved uniform accessory.

• Mission-Driven Sales: A portion of proceeds from each purchase goes directly toward educational scholarships, creating a socially responsible feedback loop.

• Brand Affinity: Feedback from students praised the socks as "fun and confidence-boosting," while parents appreciated the alignment with school guidelines.

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Reflection

This project reinforced the importance of designing with empathy and intent. By listening to our users, staying true to the brand values, and applying design systems thinking, I was able to turn a simple product into a platform for self-expression and purpose.

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Future plans include exploring sustainable materials and expanding into customizable accessories, further deepening the brand’s connection with its original mission.