Cereal Box Design

SA = 6a^2 I chose the cube as a packaging option because it offers both comfort and practicality. The cube
shape allows for easy stacking, similar to the game of Tetris, which enhances convenience during
V = a^3 storage and transportation. Additionally, its unique shape sets it apart from the conventional
rectangular prism packaging, making it more appealing and eye-catching to customers who are
1 inaccustomed
= 2.54 cm to standard packaging designs.

Heig Width Length Volume Surface area Cost of producing

ht
Standard box
4 cm 14 cm 17 cm 14*17*4 = 952 cm^3 2(14*17+17*4+14*4) = 724 cm^2 285.039 in^2 * 0.05$ = 14.25$
My box
9 cm 9 cm 9 cm 9^3 = 729 cm^3 6*9^2 = 486 cm^2 191.339 in^2 * 0.05$ = 9.56$

In a typical standard box, only about half or three-quarters of the space is utilized. However, in the box I selected, it
was three-quarters full, resulting in a volume of 714 cm^3 instead of the expected 952 cm^3. Therefore, to ensure
comfortable usage of the box, the volume of my new design should be slightly larger than 714 cm^3, allowing for
optimal utilization of the available space.

By maximizing the fill capacity of the box to nearly 100%, the overall production cost can be reduced. Even if it
requires incorporating additional empty space, the total cost of the cube packaging will still be lower. For instance,
depending on the amount of empty space required, we can adjust the boxes accordingly, optimizing the dimensions
to strike a balance between efficient use of space and cost-effectiveness:

Height Width Length Volume Surface area Cost of producing

9.5 cm 9.5 cm 9.5 cm 9.5^3 = 857.4 cm^3 6*9.5^2 = 541.5 cm^2 213 in^2 * 0.05$ = 10.65$
10 cm 10 cm 10 cm 10^3 = 1000 cm^3 6*10^2 = 600 cm^2 236.22 in^2 * 0.05$ = 11.81$

Upon reviewing the data presented in the table, it becomes evident that even with a slight increase in the volume of
the packaging, the overall manufacturing costs are lower. This observation solidifies the cube as the most
advantageous shape for packages.

Why cereal is packaged in rectangular boxes:

Cereal is commonly packaged in rectangular boxes due to several practical reasons. Firstly, the
9 cm rectangular shape provides stability and structural integrity, allowing for easy stacking and
efficient use of shelf space. The consistent rectangular shape ensures that the boxes can be
9 cm neatly arranged in rows and columns, maximizing storage capacity in warehouses and retail shelves.
Additionally, the flat surfaces of rectangular boxes offer ample space for branding, product
information, and attractive visuals, enhancing the product's marketability. The rectangular shape also
facilitates pouring the cereal easily, thanks to the box's wide opening and straight edges, making it
convenient for consumers to access and pour the desired amount of cereal.

Advantages and disadvantages of my new design:

The advantages of the new design are apparent. Firstly, the cube shape offers an innovative and visually
appealing packaging option that stands out on store shelves, attracting customer attention. Its unique design
can create a sense of novelty and differentiation in the market, potentially increasing product visibility and
sales. Secondly, by maximizing the fill capacity of the cube, the packaging allows for efficient use of space
during transportation and storage, reducing wastage and optimizing logistical operations. Moreover, the
cube shape lends itself well to easy stacking, similar to Tetris, ensuring neat and organized storage both at
the retailer's shelves and in consumers' homes.

However, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider. The cube shape might not fit as seamlessly on
standard store shelves designed for rectangular boxes, potentially leading to inefficient use of retail space. It
may also be slightly more challenging to pour the product, as the cube shape lacks the slanted edges of
rectangular boxes that facilitate controlled pouring. Additionally, the manufacturing process for cube-shaped
packaging may require adjustments and potentially incur additional costs compared to standardized
rectangular boxes, which could impact the overall production expenses.