Hidden message

In taking apart a small box, I saw printed text in an unexpected space.

“Ooh, hello there.

You’ve stumbled into our secret spot. It’s a great place to store coins, receipts, and other tid-bits that don’t belong in your pockets, or down the side of your sofa.

If you’re not into that, that’s okay. Because 100% of this packaging is made from FSC accredited paper — with no harsh chemicals, plastics or laminates so you can recycle it along with the pulp tray that’s in your other hand.

Thanks for stopping by.”

I’m generally not drawn to contrived folksiness in products and ads, but this one got me. It’s enjoyable to find a thoughtful message in a surprising place.

Moments like these let the user know that the designer was anticipating a specific act. It’s fun to be on the receiving end of that. Probably fun for the designer, too.