Packaging and Merchandising Design — Structural Anatomy of the Money Packet

05.05.2026 - 23.05.2026 / Week 3 — Week 5

Chan Zhi-Ren Zenndan / 0369069

Packaging and Merchandising Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Structural Anatomy of the Money Packet

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Table of Contents

    1. Instructions

    2. Process

    3. Conclusion

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1. Instructions

Fig 1.0 Module Information Booklet

Structural Anatomy of the Money Packet

The brief:

1. Project Overview

In this exercise, we are stripping away the surface graphics to focus on the architecture of paper. Your goal is to reinvent the money packet through structural innovation. You will explore how a single sheet of paper can be transformed into a functional, secure, and aesthetically pleasing container through folding, interlocking, and die-cutting.

2. The Challenge: "The White-Out Project"

Design a series of two (2) structurally unique money packets using only white, unprinted cardstock.

Because there is no visual design to rely on, the "beauty" of the packet must come from:

The logic of the fold.

The ingenuity of the closing mechanism (no glue or tape allowed for the final closure).

3. Structural Objectives

Kinetic Experience: How does the packet move when opened? Does it expand, slide, or "bloom"?

Glueless Integrity: At least one of your designs must use an interlocking tab system that remains secure without the use of adhesives.

Materiality: Utilize the weight and grain of the paper to provide structural strength.

4. Technical Constraints

Color Palette: Strictly white (different shades/textures of white or any color paper are permitted).

Dimensions: Must comfortably hold a standard banknote. You are encouraged to experiment with orientation (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal).

Quantity: Two distinct structural variations (e.g., one origami-inspired, one industrial/geometric, and one experimental).

5. Suggested Areas of Exploration

The Pop-Up: A structure that lifts the banknote toward the recipient when opened.

The Multi-Stage Fold: A packet that requires multiple "unfold" steps to reach the money, building anticipation.

The Tension Lock: Using the natural tension of curved paper to keep the packet closed.

The Asymmetrical Closure: Moving away from the standard rectangular flap to something organic or geometric.

6. Deliverables

A set of two technical die-lines (1:1 scale) indicating cut lines, mountain folds, and valley folds.

Two high-fidelity mockups using 160gsm–220gsm any color specialty paper.

A 10-second video for each packet demonstrating the opening and closing movement.

e-portfolio to show your process.

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2. Process

From my understanding, this task requires us to solely focus on money packets' foldings like origami. Mr. Shamsul wants us to come up with 2 deliverables, which are 1 packet with adhesives and 1 packet without any. With that, I looked at references to help me get a better understanding of the task.

It took me awhile to find pictures that were related but I managed to get a few.

Fig 2.0 Non adhesive references

I planned to do a tab and slit interlocking system in my own way since it wasn't highly encouraged to just copy from the internet.

I tried to create a die-line and see if it worked, but I later tried it on a 120 gsm paper and found out that the dimensions were too short in the interlocking area.

Fig 2.1 First die-line draft for glueless

Fig 2.2 Tab is too small

So I went back and created another die-line, ensuring the tab can go in the slit this time. While making this die-line, I also found out that I did not label the valley folds properly in the first draft.

Fig 2.3 shows my second try at the die-line, with proper labelling and legends to show what is what.

Fig 2.3 Second try at die-line

The outcome of this attempt was much better in my opinion. Although I did not have the time to utilize the school's laser cutter, I carefully cut out the die-line with my own cutter, which is not perfect, but I am okay with it. For this attempt, I will be using a 160 gsm paper.

Fig 2.4 Cutting

Fig 2.5 Outcome of second try

Everything went as planned, using the bottom tab as the base for the note to stand on and the side tabs to cover the sides of the note, which is blocked by the top flap along with the slit and tab interlocking system. What solidified this idea is the logic of creating a bend or a crease at the center of the flap, which allowed for a stronger and sturdier press down on the slit, helping push the side tabs down as well.

This ties directly back to what the brief required about focusing on the architecture of paper and using geometric interlocking mechanisms for structural integrity. The main point is that using paper logic like this can really help bring my design ideas to life without needing any glue.

Fig 2.6 Before and after adjusting top flap and tab

Fig 2.7 Demonstration of packet

For the money packet where adhesives are allowed, I recreated the basic glued structure from class to maintain the standard angpao anatomy, but completely redesigned the top flap. I wanted to test my own idea and see if a half-covered concept would actually be functional, so I experimented with an asymmetrical, right-angle triangle flap instead.

Fig 2.8 Die-line for glue packet

This leaves the left side visually open for a unique, modern look, while the diagonal edge securely blocks the RM100 note so it cannot fall out. To close the packet, the long tip of the triangle tucks straight down inside the pocket against the back cover. This directly explores the brief's focus on paper kinetics, using internal paper tension as a glueless lift-locking system to keep the opening secure.

Fig 2.9 Cutting

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