Branded Utility-Merchandise Project
This merchandise design & production project was a collaboration with INTHEMASS, aiming to encapsulate the brand’s philosophy and everyday rituals into tangible objects. INTHEMASS is a high-end showroom brand developed from MASS COFFEE, launched in 2013. It brings together years of experimentation, store operations, and customer relationships to deliver exceptional coffee and service. Our goal was to reflect their commitment to longevity and innovation through carefully designed merchandise. By closely observing the brand and engaging in deep conversations about its philosophy, we arrived at a collection of minimal yet meaningful objects that seamlessly integrate into their daily workflow.
Merchandise Project: First Collection Planned as a three-phase project, the first collection features a pencil, pen, clip, and masking tape. Pencil & Pen At INTHEMASS, staff meticulously document and adjust coffee roasting profiles and delivery records. Inspired by this practice, we designed a wooden pencil and a vibrant orange pen—both practical tools that reflect the brand’s daily operations. Clip Used to seal coffee bags and organize paperwork, the clip is a simple yet functional addition that serves both staff and customers who purchase whole beans. Masking Tape This product has an unexpected origin. Just before the store opening, a last-minute oversight left the paper coffee cups unbranded. In response, we quickly printed the INTHEMASS logo on masking tape and applied it to the cups. The positive customer reaction led us to produce it as an official merchandise item.
This project was more than just designing objects it was about transforming everyday tools into meaningful extensions of the brand. If an object can connect to someone’s daily life, emotions, and thoughts in a genuine way, then we believe we have stayed true to our intent.