I really didn't expect that this job would involve so much work, all related to anime and handicrafts.
Temporarily Added Requirements#
Due to the newly added requirement—display props need to be made early the next morning, and the display props must meet certain features:
- Convenient for each attendee to observe new products
- Ensure that samples will not be lost
- Can accommodate a thickness of about 7mm for the badge (tinplate badge)
- And ensure that it won't deform no matter how it is flipped
So, the products need to be placed in a sealed display box. I have bought many acrylic display boxes, but none fit in the office.
It is said to be a "frame with deeper compartments"#
After work, I drove back to the office (it was rush hour, and the direction out of Shanghai was quite congested) to grab a backpack full of samples, and then went to visit IKEA in Xuhui to look for what is said to be a "frame with deeper compartments." The solution was immediately thought of by the boss—afterwards, it indeed turned out to be a good idea.
IKEA is really fun to browse; I almost got lost buying baby supplies.
IKEA has a dedicated area for picture frames, but the number of SKUs is quite limited. The model I bought is the slightly larger RÖDALM, which comes in many sizes: 3R/4R, 5R, A4, 10R, A3, A2, A1. Since I mainly need it for blue prison Spanish clothing color paper and badges, A4 and A3 are sufficient.
The A4 size IKEA frame at ¥29.9 is quite affordable compared to the acrylic badge display box on Taobao at ¥29. Moreover, the perceived value increases significantly.
The IKEA frame can achieve different functions just by changing the different "layers." A transparent plastic sheet placed at the front increases depth, and the plastic frame placed in the second layer can meet requirements 1, 2, and 3.
How to ensure it won't deform no matter how it is flipped#
An additional piece of cardstock can be added, and the badges can be pinned onto the cardstock with the built-in pins.
The idea is good, but if done carelessly, it will inevitably lead to GIGO, being askew, and other imperfections.
So, it is essential to layout first. However, if I divide the A4 into 2*3 six equal parts, it will result in narrow sides and too large gaps in the middle three columns.
So, software must be used to handle alignment and spacing. The cardstock measures 297mm*210mm, and the badge is 56mm wide. Placing 6 is too few, and 8 is too rigid, so 3+4 looks more dynamic. The top of the badge to the pin position is about 11mm, and I plan to insert the pin into the cardstock 15mm.
The three vertices of the black triangle correspond to the entry, exit, and center of the badge pin entering the cardstock. Alignment is done using the alignment spacing in Affinity Designer. To ensure the left and right margins and the badge spacing are the same, elements must also be placed at the edges for alignment.
The specific implementation method involves marking the corresponding coordinate positions on the cardstock using the coordinates of the triangle's top left and top right vertices and pre-punching holes with a needle. Then, the badge pin is inserted through the holes. Since the cardstock is relatively soft, I added a Band-Aid transparent barcode paper over the holes to prevent the cardstock from being torn.
Working hard on the handicrafts, I ended up with a layout and handiwork that I felt quite satisfied with late at night, feeling quite proud.
Today, I searched on Xiaohongshu and found out that arranging the badge in the IKEA frame is a common practice.