AMBALAJ TASARIMINDA İLERİ DÖNÜŞÜM: OKUL ÖNCESİ ÇOCUKLARA YÖNELİK BİR UYGULAMA

Abstract

This study examines upcycling in packaging design within the context of sustainability and explores how post-use functions can be planned from the outset of the design process. A qualitative approach was adopted. Written and visual documents were reviewed, and purposively selected packaging examples were descriptively evaluated for structural configuration, functional transformation, graphic guidance, modularity, and user participation. Chapter One addresses packaging definitions, history, functions, and types. Chapter Two examines sustainable packaging, the circular economy, and post-use approaches. Chapter Three discusses upcycling principles and graphic design’s role through packaging examples. Chapter Four considers preschool children’s developmental characteristics, interactions with packaging, and relevant design criteria. Chapter Five presents a packaging design project for children aged 36–72 months (3–6 years), informed by the theoretical review. A total of 120 packages were designed for the YUPY brand across four product lines: strawberry milk, cocoa-flavored milk, orange juice, and sour cherry juice. The cube-based modular structure was linked to proposed post-use activities, including character completion, animal matching, coloring, and creating different arrangements. The project illustrates how graphic design can communicate packaging’s second life and contribute to new functions through visual relationships between packages. The findings are limited to theoretical review and design analysis; evaluating the project’s pedagogical and environmental effects is reserved for future research.