Cement STEM Kit — Michael Chen Design

Fortera Junior is a sub-brand that connects Fortera’s sustainability mission with education, bringing the science behind cement into the hands of the next generation. Its first product, Scribble Solutions, is a hands-on STEM kit that lets kids uncover how cement is made and why it matters.

Team

Michael Chen - Graphic Designer
Renee Edelman - Junior Designer

Illustrator

Photoshop

Brief

Design a packaging product, such as a hands-on science kit, that introduces students to how cement is made and why it matters for the climate. Through simple, safe activities, the package should show elementary and middle school students how Fortera’s approach turns cement-making waste back into limestone and spark their interest in science and sustainability careers.

The Challenges

Break the cement-making process into simple, visual steps kids can follow.
Use safe, non-toxic materials appropriate for elementary and middle school students.
Make learning playful through hands-on activities and discovery.
Align content with classroom use, with clear instructions teachers can follow without technical expertise.

The Solutions

Kid-friendly mascots give the brand a fun, appealing theme without sacrificing scientific integrity.
Third-party testing lets experts handle regulatory compliance so the team can focus on creativity.
Fortera Junior is a separate sub-brand and product line that serves as an educational extension of Fortera’s core mission.

Pinpointing Issues

Cement science can seem dull to younger audiences, so the packaging had to be engaging.
The product had to meet all applicable safety regulations.
Because the product is branded separately from Fortera, we created a distinct sub-brand design style.

Initial Drafts

We initially pursued a STEM-focused design, instantly recognizable as an educational product for ages 10 and up, but overlooked how it would look beside competitors’ products. Our first name for the product was ‘Coral Creations,’ inspired by the process behind Fortera’s technology.

Secondary Drafts

Feedback from an initial focus group led us to broaden our audience to include elementary school children. Fortera Junior was born from that shift, along with its first mockup.