Behind the Design: Elevating the Unboxing Experience

Oct 22, 2025UPRS Team

THE INTENTION

For UPRS told by UPRISERS®, packaging is far more than protection — it’s an integral part of storytelling. Every fold of tissue paper, every tote, every visual cue contributes to the experience of discovering a product. The goal is to make unboxing feel intentional, premium, and reflective of the UPRISERS ethos: sustainability, design, and cultural storytelling.

Christopher, sales coordinator for UPRISERS notes, “We need to balance aesthetics with functionality. Tissue paper, Tyvek tote bags, garment bags, and protective elements have to feel premium but also work seamlessly for the shopper.”

Packaging is also a tool for education: we document the design intent, assembly process, and material selection for team members who aren’t part of the ideation process. Videos, manuals, and detailed notes ensure every team member executing packaging understands the story behind each layer.

DESIGNING THE EXPERIENCE

Working closely within UPRISERS LAB, the team developed the first UPRS told by UPRISERS® packaging solutions. The goal was to ensure the experience of opening a package mirrored the same excitement as wearing a piece designed to last.

Iterative Refinements:

Tissue & Washi Tape: Carefully branded with subtle messaging and motifs to build anticipation. Inspired by Japanese bento boxes, furoshiki culture, and the book How to Wrap Five More Eggs (recommended by business consultant Mariko Lochridge).
Garment Bags: Materials were chosen for tactile elegance while protecting products. Sourcing sustainable/upcycled options required multiple prototypes and creative problem-solving.
Protective Elements: Packages are designed to withstand shipping while maintaining premium aesthetics. Clever design hacks include reusable layers and foldable protective inserts.
Tyvek Tote Bags: Washable, sustainable, and reusable, reinforcing long-term utility and eco-conscious design.

“The tactile experience of opening a package, the visual cue of branded tissue paper, and the protective elegance of a dust bag all contribute to storytelling — making packaging a subtle but powerful brand ambassador.”

— Michelle K. Hanabusa, creative director and founder of UPRISERS

ADAPTING PACKAGING TO CONTEXT

Packaging is contextual, designed for audience, environment, and purpose:

ComplexCon + Large-Scale Events: Packaging becomes a brand-activating experience.

Limited-edition UPRISERS x JINS glasses pouch: Exclusive gift with JINS eyewear purchases at ComplexCon Las Vegas. Made from discarded denim with a magnetic snap to protect glasses, it’s a functional keepsake that embodies sustainability.
Oversized red UPRISERS x .birb tote: Eye-catching giveaway, doubling as a street-team tool that drives traffic back to the booth.

E-Commerce + Shipping: Eco-conscious tissue, washi tape, stickers and protective layers survive transit while creating a ritualized unboxing experience.
Creator + Influencer Gifting: Handwritten notes, curated items, and reusable wraps transform deliveries into intimate, thoughtful gestures.
Pop-Ups + Community Activations: Decorative ribbons and small flourishes invite engagement while staying sustainable and reusable.

“Every touchpoint is an opportunity — whether someone’s opening a package at home or receiving a gift at ComplexCon. We design for both impact and responsibility.”

— UPRISERS LAB team

THE CHALLENGES

Creating packaging that looks beautiful, tells a story, and works in real-world conditions involved several challenges:

Consistency Across Product Lines: Adaptable designs were needed for items of different sizes while keeping a cohesive brand identity.
Balancing Premium With Practicality: Packages had to feel high-end yet be functionally reliable.
Production Collaboration: Maintaining quality required precise tech packs, visual references, and iterative approvals within UPRISERS LAB.
Sustainability: Every material choice was scrutinized for environmental impact — no excess waste allowed.

INSPIRATION & COLLABORATION

At the UPRISERS warehouse, we maintain a packaging inspiration area, collecting examples of innovative or beautiful packaging. Many insights come from Japanese design practices, including furoshiki wrapping, bento boxes, and other tactile experiences that elevate utility into art.

THE IMPACT

Thoughtful packaging transforms a simple product delivery into a memorable brand moment:

Brand Storytelling: Each layer reinforces UPRISERS’ narrative and aesthetic philosophy.
Customer Experience: Unboxing becomes a ritual, encouraging connection beyond the product itself.
Sustainability & Craftsmanship: Materials and design reflect UPRISERS’ commitment to circular design and longevity.

FINAL THOUGHTS

UPRISERS has always understood that packaging is more than an afterthought — it’s a critical piece of storytelling. Each fold, color choice, and material communicates care, intentionality, and creative vision. From large events to personal gifting, packaging serves as a bridge between UPRISERS’ design philosophy and the audience’s experience, balancing aesthetics, function, and sustainability.

And here’s the exciting part — we’re giving away our secrets! 🎉

Head over to our YouTube channel and explore sew it goes ~ our program where you can learn how to make some of our packaging add-ons for yourself. From upcycled materials to design techniques, we’re sharing the process so you can experience the craft, sustainability, and creativity that define UPRISERS.