Research

Following my Task Analysis and Product Analysis I completed some online secondary research.

At first I looked into the most common type of IPod casing - a non-scipt chrome cover. This is obviously very popular due to its unisex appeal, modern and sleek design, as well as its tight protective shape. Its only weakness is that its chrome shine may scratch or fade and the material may not be as durable as it seems. 

Whilst on the website I discovered that Apple also produces special IPod handbags. These are obviously aimed at women, due to their colour and style. They are very practical and fashionable, as well as being made to a good quality. Its weakness is the fact that it advertises that you are in possession of a expensive music device, making it prone to theft. 

I then went on to research accessary brands such as "SkullCandy". "SkullCandy" manufactures individual, radical music accessories such as headphones. The one weakness is that it has a very small target market, which is always young people. 

I also looked at covers for the IPods, which are highly varied in design and target market. They range from celebrity covers to historical cases. They also add protection from any damages. The only problem is that certain cases will only fit to certain makes.

Which led me to engraving on to IPods. Any encravement can be made onto the IPod, so it could appeal to any target market. Laser engraving is very expensive though and not very many   professionals are available to do it.

The engraving of other Apple devices such as laptops is also available, as well as laptop covers. They can be very simple or very comical. A key disadvantage is that covers don't fit to every type of laptop and engraving can be expensive.

After finding that a big problem I had was using shape and form in the packaging, I did some more research into it, based on the music theme. The vinyl collection below, takes its theme from the music's roots. This will be hard to replicate on my own version as there is no specific genres of music.  

This made me look into the use of text and shape in vinyl record cover designs. They subtly reflect the music and genre and are very simple. However they do lack colour.

Another issue that I discovered in research was my lack of knowledge about type. I investergated complicated types of lettering, as well as clever ways in which lettering has been used.