Essential was founded to reimagine what modern consumer electronics could be: minimal, modular, and built to last. With a focus on design purity and ethical production, the Essential Phone launched as a counterpoint to the status quo—no logos, no bloatware, no compromises.
Our role at Uneka was to ensure that the packaging reflected this same ethos. The goal wasn’t just to protect a premium product—it was to create a physical experience that embodied Essential’s core values: restraint, precision, and considered beauty. Packaging became an extension of the product philosophy itself.
-
Visual Identity System
The packaging system embraced Essential’s minimalist identity. Monochrome tones—primarily matte black and soft grays—paired with uncoated paper and precise die lines to create a quiet, confident presence. Typography was small, sparse, and always aligned with product geometry. Logos were intentionally absent or debossed, letting form and material do the storytelling.
Internal inserts, component trays, and fold mechanisms followed strict spatial alignment. Every angle and texture was deliberate—designed to feel engineered, not decorative. The result was a system where even the silence between panels felt intentional.
Design System Principles
At Uneka, I led the visual development of Essential’s entire packaging ecosystem—from the flagship phone to modular accessories and companion tools. Working closely with Essential’s internal teams, we developed a consistent architecture that included outer structures, inner fitments, and printed collateral.
The system was modular by nature, allowing SKUs to scale without reinventing the framework. Materials were chosen for their tactile performance—smooth magnetics, tight seams, and subtle reveal moments reinforced the brand’s premium stance. The opening experience was choreographed to feel like unsealing a device, not just opening a box.
Key Tools
We also created a series of internal packaging guidelines and dieline libraries that streamlined production across Essential’s partners and vendors. These assets ensured consistency across multiple touchpoints, reducing variation while protecting the visual and structural integrity of the system.
-
The packaging wasn’t just a container—it was the brand’s handshake. It introduced the product, reinforced its values, and invited users into a quieter, more intentional relationship with technology.
