On packaging.

On the iPod - "Summer Skin" - Death Cab For Cutie

It's snowing in the city. And as beautiful as I think a snow covered Detroit can be, I hate driving downtown in the stuff. The drive to work was particularly hectic today, and my only saving grace was some fun things to design at the office and some interesting posts on the news wires and on my favorite daily stops.

One of those stops led me to an interesting article on the often linked by yours truly PingMag.

The article covered packaging practices in Japan and other Asian countries. Anyone who knows me even reasonably well knows that I'm fascinated by Eastern art, philosophy, marketing and advertising practices and culture.

What I find most interesting about the marketing and advertising campaigns (and the design of packaging for that matter) in this region is the dedication to some wild color palettes. Asians seem to have affections for the brighter colors, are more accepting of cartoon mascots for everyday products and seem more adept at handling numerous stimuli attacking the rods and cones in the eyes.

I'm actually longing for a trip to Japan, if nothing else than to people watch. Sure, I'd love some real sushi, would jump at the chance to take in a Dharma talk at a real Zen temple and would be giddy at the different technology, but just taking it all in and immersing myself in a visual playground is very appealing.

I know a lot of this packaging would never make it stateside, but it's still fascinating, as someone who appreciates interesting design.