The new package has also become smaller than before. What is your intent here?
Shirasaka: The size of package is deeply related to energy consumption during transportation. From production sites to overseas markets, products are transported by land and sea. Carrying more printers in one shipment works out to less CO2 emissions during transportation, contributing to environmental conservation.
To be specific, how much CO2 reduction have you achieved?
Shirasaka: For example, in case of the MP620/MP630, 216 more units can be loaded in a single container than the previous model when we ship the products to USA. This is translated into about 25% CO2 reduction per printer.
What efforts did you make and what struggles did you overcome to make the package this small?
Shirasaka: Since we set a goal of smaller package at the stage of product planning, we decided to use thinner cushioning material than before. The thinner the material is, the bigger impact on the product is. So, we had to ask mechanical designers for their cooperation. Thanks to them, the body of the printer has been strengthened enough to allow for thinner styrene foam. To reduce impact value, we tried and figured out the optimal position and proportion of the cushioning, so that we could make packaging proof against heavy shock. Since we reduce the volume of cushioning, we can reduce waste, too. In this respect, our package is eco-friendly.
And, you also focused on where to put accessories.
Shirasaka: In the previous models, we had open space inside the body to put some accessories. In the latest models, however, there is no such space due to the downsized body, forcing us to put them somewhere else. We secured room with the rounded off corners, so that we could make full use of it for ink tanks and some cables.
The package in this size seems portable.
Shirasaka: That’s right. In Japan, some stores are kind enough to apply a handle to the box, so that shoppers can readily carry it home. In fact, I understand that majority of shoppers do so overseas. Where boxes themselves are often placed in a store, such as in the U.S., this compact box should be striking when compared with competitors’.
Will you share with us your comments looking back the process you have gone through to achieve this compact design?
Ikeda: Although compact design was a goal I set myself, it forced me to struggle more than I expected. And yet, I think I could make straight for that goal without running off nor making compromise with it.
Shimamura: By sharing the goal, compact design, with engineering teams, we could concentrate on upgrading the completion level of design. From a viewpoint of designers, I am satisfied with the product we have built up.
Shirasaka: I am sure that customers would see that our printers have got smaller significantly when comparing them with competitors’. This is really what I would like them to take notice of. Then, they should be surprised at manuals and accessories packed in the box in good order.
