Context

Microbiologist Bruce Ivin’s paranoia increases over the six episodes of The Hot Zone: Anthrax. He begins to fear his office at The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases has been searched and his emails are being discussed behind his back. Bruce purchases spyware software to protect his privacy and catch the thief in the act. My task was to create packaging for “Devour Spyware,” an off-market software circa 2001. The packaging needed to effectively communicate the software’s purpose to audience with only a glance. The software visuals would also appear as an animated installation screen and computer alert.

Method

I gathered visual references for period computer software packaging design and collected suitable stock images and textures, along with Y2K inspired fonts.

Design Process

Logo concepts were sketched and refined. After director and show runner approval, the CD-ROM packaging was designed. This project involved a lot of experimentation with 3D rendering techniques to create that early 2000s Y2K graphic style. Once the CD-ROM was designed, approved and legally cleared, it was sent out to print.

From grungy gradients to 3D elements with drop shadows, Devour Spyware screams Y2K. An unblinking eye peers out from the centre of the CD case. The wide brimmed fedora, trench coat and magnifying glass evoke a film noir private detective. The tagline “CATCH THEM BEFORE THEY CATCH YOU” shouts out from the top of the case, reflecting Bruce’s motivation for purchasing the software. Smaller elements, such as the CD-ROM icon and copyright information, help to ground the fictional software in the real world.

As a hero (scripted) prop, the Devour Spyware CD case was featured heavily in the scene. Later, when Bruces receives a notification from the software informing him people have been talking about him behind his back, it causes him to lash out, showing the audience how unhinged he has become.