K.O.II. Kit | RUNNINGOUTOFSPACE

K.O.II. Kit TM

A concept packaging and reusable case for the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II sampler.

Packaging Design

Digital Design

Lite Fabrication

Concept

Conceived as a kit and solution to the issues surrounding the Teenage Engineering’s successor to their Pocket Operator ‘K.O.’ sampler. The new version has been titled as the EP-133 K.O. II sampler.

‘EP’ was a nod to vinyl culture as they packaged the unit in a box that looked like a 12” record and this often resulted in damage due to stacking which stemmed from confusion over what was actually in the box.

Challenge

Create a packaging solution for an object or toy that functions to protect and display the object, but also must have a functional use or interaction with the object being packaged. The goal is to eliminate packaging waste by making the housing a reusable and functional element of a basic system.

Research

Examples and ideas

History of the product

"Fadergate" refers to an issue with the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O.II sampler, where many users received devices with a non-functional or stuck fader upon arrival, likely due to inadequate packaging design that led to damage during shipping. After initial reports, Teenage Engineeringacknowledged the problem and committed to improving packaging, with later units reportedly receiving better protection and addressing the issue. Some users successfully repaired their devices by opening them and adjusting the fader pins, while others returned the units for replacement or refund.

Explorations

Concept Illustrations, and Die/Laser Cut Roughs