TalkTins is a conceptual language-learning candy designed for those who want to connect across language barriers. It turns everyday moments into opportunities to engage with others who might otherwise be out of reach due to linguistic differences. Built from scratch, TalkTins showcases end-to-end product development—from initial concept and user research to physical prototyping and interaction design.
Created for
ACAD 176
Deliverables
Concept Development/ Physical Prototype
Year
2025
Role
Product Designer
TalkTins were created in response to the prompt:
Design a potion whose function is reflected in its form and packaging.
The project called for imagination, but I didn’t want to design for something completely unattainable. Language fluency felt like the right focus, rooted in something real and human, yet it could still be imaginative how the user unlocks languages
From there, the idea unfolded: a mint that grants temporary, effortless language skills. The form of the mint tin feels familiar, something you would see at a store and consume, just like words themselves. And like a mint, the effect is fleeting, leaving you reaching for another.
To figure out where TalkTins could fit in the market, I started by exploring the world of mints already out there. I studied their packaging, form, and tone to see what felt ordinary and what stood out. The Altoids tin in particular stood out to me and it's retro branding gave it a sense of permanence and personality. That balance between everyday familiarity and nostalgic charm became a touchstone as I shaped the function and look of TalkTins.
From there, I began refining TalkTins’ own branding. I experimented with type, color, and logo variations to capture something that felt both trustworthy and imaginative.
Next, I developed the physical package design. I sketched ideas for the label and proportions, then brought the design into InDesign and Photoshop to create digital mockups of the packaging.
Finally, I printed the flat layout and assembled a physical mockup to test how the design worked in real life. Using a sliding tin for the interior and a thick cardstock wrap, I brought the packaging concept into a tangible form.
