WagLab DNA Test Kit
Eco Conscious Cannabis Packaging
This is WagLab, a student project entered into the 2025 Paperboard Packaging Alliance Student Design Challenge, where our team earned an Honorable Mention. WagLab reimagined a dog DNA test kit and connected it with personality-based toy packaging, all designed with 100% recycled paperboard to replace plastic. I contributed as a packaging designer, collaborating with my team to create a cohesive, playful, and sustainable brand experience, and our entry is now featured in the PPA Inspiration Gallery.
Design Brief
Goal
Create a sustainable and fully recyclable fiber based packaging solution for a Pet DNA kit and an alternative pet product sponsored by an original pet care company, PPA Pets
Scope
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The DNA kit must convert into a forwarding mailer.
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The packaging must be 100% paper based with a minimum of 70% paperboard
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Each design should be brand cohesive and have a creative functional element that enhances sustainability and user experience.
Client Detail
Brand Mission
To create a deeper bond between pets and their owners through science driven insights and personalized play, all while promoting Sustainability through eco friendly packaging and products
Marketing Strategies and Customer Experience
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WagLab’s marketing is bright, playful, and interactive
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WabLab reaches customers through online and retail channels like the mobile app and stores like Petco and Petsmart
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​Alongside ancestry results, owners receive a tailored toy recommendation matching their pet’s breed, instincts, and energy level, with ongoing recommendations to encourage repeat purchases
Budget
WagLab offers a premium, yet affordable, sustainable experience that goes beyond breed identification, providing personalized personality insights through genetic traits. With 
eco-friendly packaging and added value, it delivers a smarter, greener, and more insightful pet care solution.
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DNA Kit - $90
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Plush Pal - $23
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Mind Munch - $21
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Zoom Zip - $18
DNA Kit Development
Initial Sketches & Iterations
Final Structural Design
For the DNA kit packaging, we developed a trifold design that neatly organizes branding, instructions, and regulatory details into clear sections while keeping the format compact and user-friendly. To simplify production, we chose one-sided printing, which avoids the alignment challenges of double-sided layouts and speeds up the manufacturing process. This approach also reduces waste and costs, making the design both efficient to produce and polished in presentation.
Graphic Development
Logo
When sketching and ideating for WagLab, we knew the essence of the brand was going to be scientific play. We wanted something that could communicate the playful aspect while still having enough seriousness and sophistication to work with scientific concepts like DNA.
Illustrations
As a company selling DNA Testing Kits as well as Dog Toys, the illustration style needed to be playful yet sleek. With the personality test being the main goal of the testing kit, we needed to show a variety of dog types and show them interacting with toys and each other
App Development
To complement the DNA kit, we designed a mobile app that enhances the overall customer experience. Within the app, users can shop for toys tailored to their dog’s personality traits, locate and manage their DNA kit, and explore detailed insights about their dog’s breed and characteristics. This digital extension creates a seamless bridge between product and technology, offering a personalized and engaging way for customers to interact with the brand.
Retail Product Line Development
Initial Sketches & Iterations
Final Structural Design
For the DNA kit packaging, we developed a trifold design that neatly organizes branding, instructions, and regulatory details into clear sections while keeping the format compact and user-friendly. To simplify production, we chose one-sided printing, which avoids the alignment challenges of double-sided layouts and speeds up the manufacturing process. This approach also reduces waste and costs, making the design both efficient to produce and polished in presentation.
Final Design
Dielines
Artwork
