Patch Pals
Patch Pals is a UV-sticker brand that turns sunscreen application from a chore into a reward. Designed to capture children’s attention with playful packaging, the brand offers a lasting solution for kids who struggle with applying sunscreen. Founded on the belief that sun protection doesn’t have to be difficult, Patch Pals transforms daily care into a moment of fun and connection.
Timeline
8 Months
Tools
Adobe Creative Suite, Pacdora
Challenge
Applying sunscreen to children can often be a challenge, especially for those with sensory sensitivities or skin conditions like eczema or ASD.
Process
Research: The first half of my 8-month journey was dedicated to fully researching the lack of child-focused and engaging sun care products in the market, as well as the long-term health risks of inconsistent sunscreen use. I've also researched photochromic materials, product characterization, and reward systems to fully dive into building lasting sun care habits with positive reinforcement.
Analysis: Based on the research on child-focused advertising, I chose to base my design on older kid-centred branding aimed at a younger demographic, such as Garbage Pail Kids or Pokémon. By keeping the packaging simple, the focus is placed on the mascots, which are essential for capturing a child’s attention. This also helps build excitement towards the mascots, letting children perceive them as something to collect or as a reward.
Visual Design & Style Guide: I created a style guide to unify the colours, typography, and retro elements of the design. The palette features bright, contrasting colours, while the typography remains fully legible across all branding. This consistency supports the implementation of a two-fold marketing strategy towards children and parents.
Mockups & Prototypes: I created visual assets using Adobe Creative Suite and Pacdora, bringing the product and brand imagery to life and ensuring a cohesive, unified look across all elements.
Results
Packaging:
The packaging is designed to appeal to children through the use of mascots and sticker sheets that include all characters within each box. These stickers not only make the product visually engaging but also act as a playful reminder for kids to reapply sunscreen, reinforcing the habit through interaction.
Print Campaign:
The magazine and advertisement materials are created to capture attention and showcase the product in use. Bright, dynamic visuals highlight the mascots and stickers, making the product memorable while explaining its function. Coupons and in-store displays support the campaign, acting as a visual guide and giving people a reason to try the product, placed strategically near the product to catch attention at the point of purchase.
