The problem with the term "package designer" is that it's so nebulous that an industrial designer, a graphic designer, and an engineer with absolutely no aesthetic training whatsoever could all rightfully have it on their business card. I bring this up because a company called PTI Packaging Systems has just come up with a new dual-chamber stick package, which sounded cool until I saw the photo; improved utility aside, holy cow is it ugly!

Called Twin Stick, the new packaging tech is capable of holding either liquid and/or powder in each of its dual chambers. When you think about all of the consumables that work in pairs--salt and pepper, cream and sugar, shampoo and conditioner, etc.--the benefits and cost-savings of a package design like this become obvious. I just wish the public presentation of this new tech didn't look like someone's cousin shot it on a cell phone from three years ago.