The Walking Bed: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit
PACKAGE DESIGN | PRODUCT DESIGN | BRANDING & IDENTITY
This project was designed with both the packaging and the products themselves in mind. The Walking Bed (named aptly after the hit AMC T.V. Show, The Walking Dead,) is a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit complete with Twinkies, a Multi-tool, a Survival Aid, a Guidebook to the undead, waterproof matches, a solar-powered flashlight, and a bed-roll fashioned for carrying all of these items which can also be conveniently used as a pillow or small blanket. The bed roll (the package) was designed not only to contain the products inside, but to be a part of the product itself.
“And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.”
Zechariah 14:12
“Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.”
Isaiah 26:19-20
Target Market/Demographics
The target market for this package is students and young working professionals between the ages of 20 and 35, who live in both urban and rural areas, who are interested in zombie and/or pop culture and have disposable income.
They may also have an interest in camping, the outdoors, and survivalism.
According to the Daily Mail UK, there are up to 3 million “preppers” (or survivalists, preparing for catastrophe) in the US alone. This kit could be marketed not only to “20-somethings” who are interested in zombie culture, but also those who are concerned with preparing for widespread disaster.
The Significance of the Guide Book
I included the Zombie Apocalypse survival book, called The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete protection from the living dead by Max Brooks, because it is considered “Your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now. Fully illustrated and exhaustively comprehensive, this book covers everything you need to know, including how to understand zombie physiology and behavior, the most effective defense tactics and weaponry, ways to outfit your home for a long siege, and how to survive and adapt in any territory or terrain.”
Not only is the guide book a great tool for the zombie apocalypse survivalist, it is also a means to pass time. [Source]
The Significance of the Twinkies
I included the Twinkies because in the popular 2009 movie, Zombieland, in which a “geeky college kid, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) makes his way through a variety of different scenarios through this new zombie apocalypse. Columbus meets survivors Tallahassee, Wichita and Little Rock. Together, they take an extended road trip across the Southwestern United States in an attempt to find a sanctuary free from zombies.” The Twinkies are a recurring theme in the film, and is a popular joke among zombie-culture fanatics – they are considered one of the only items that is able to subsist nuclear fallout and zombie apocalypse.
[Source]
The Significance of the Waterproof Matches
I included the waterproof matches because fire is an essential survival tool. Not only does fire provide warmth and light, it can be used for cooking, purifying water, and creating smoke signals. Waterproof matches will aid in creating fire and are light and are easy to store.
The Significance of the Solar-Powered Flashlight
I included the solar-powered flashlight because light is an important survival tool. Not only can it be used without batteries, but it’s small and light as well. I decided to include a solar-powered flashlight rather than a battery-powered one because solar energy is a renewable resource. In the event of a zombie apocalypse or other survivalist event, you will likely be spending a lot of time outside, thus, the flashlight will carry a charge all the time.
The Significance of the Multi-tool
I included the metal multi-tool because it includes 6 essential tools. The multi-tool features a bottle-opener, screwdriver, file & nail cleaner, a knife, and scissors. These utensils are all essential tools for any camper or survivalist.
The Significance of the Orange Survival Aid
I included the orange survival aid because it includes 5 essential tools. The survival aid includes a waterproof matchbox (which is a great place to store the waterproof matches I have included in the kit), a liquid filled compass with luminous dial, a shrill signal whistle, a fire starter flint, a signal mirror, and a nylon lanyard. These tools are important for survival, especially in secluded or wooded areas.
The Significance of the Package Itself (Bedroll)
I decided to package all of these items neatly within pockets on a bedroll. The bedroll itself is comprised of batting for cushion, zombie-print fabric, and black straps for ease of use and carrying. The bedroll is very easy to carry and roll/unroll, and is functional as well. Not only is it a container for the kit items, it is also a kit item in itself, it can be used as a pillow or sleeping roll. It has a detachable shoulder strap with a shoulder cushion for ultimate comfort on the go. I used zombie-print fabric in order to appeal to the target demographic, and also because it almost resembles camouflage fabric, in a way. Zombie camouflage!