Proper packaging plays a key role in organizing the world. Whether you are packing to relocate or you want a hamper, everything that goes inside is important.
So, how would you define product packaging? Designing product packaging involves the process of creating the exterior of something. However, it includes many things such as colours, fonts, and graphics, used on a box, a can, a bottle, a wrapper, or some container.
It is the most practical tool that gives an engaging experience to users through visuals, touch, as well as sound. Some factors help people understand what the product is, what is it meant for, how to use it, who should be using it, and whether to buy the product.
Before beginning the process, it is very important to know a few things:
- The product to be packed
- The buyer segment
- How people would buy the product
The product that you are about to pack means what you are selling. It determines the size of the product, the material, fragility, and other characteristic features. These things shall determine the logistical requirements of wrapping. For instance, any large product with peculiar dimensions may need custom packaging solutions.
If the product is supposed to be used by either of the sexes or both, packaging materials should be used accordingly. If the products are meant for children, the packet should be done with that in mind. The idea of product wrapping is to appeal to customers. It is critical to understand consumers before designing.
Finally, how customers are procuring the product shall determine the choice of packaging materials. For instance, are customers buying it from a supermarket, a boutique, or online. You have to think of different packaging supplies depending on the nature of buying. For example, if the product is sold online, it has to be shipped, which requires sturdy packaging.
6 Steps of Packaging Design
Once you have all the information, you can start designing the packaging product.
#1: Understand Layers of Packaging
Product packaging has three layers – outer, inner, and the product packaging. The product may need just one or all of these layers of packaging.
Outer packaging remains crucial as the primary layer customers see. It also protects products from other elements, including the box used for shipping.
Inner packaging determines the safety of the product nestled inside. It prevents the packaging from getting scuffed or jostled.
Finally, product packaging involves the wrapping on the product that gives out the story.
#2: Choosing an Appropriate Packaging
Packaging distributors have unlimited resources and varied ideas. However, it is up to you to choose the right type of packaging supplies. Though it is a no-brainer, you must know about the product to be packaged, the current market trend, and the budget.
For instance, if you are packaging a bottle, it should be top-notch, whereas a pack of yogurt with a spoon should be packed accordingly.
The latest trend of packaging in the market can be volatile. If you want to pour your soup into a can instead of a box, you might have to think hard.
The budget should be practical, and not just something, you cannot do.
#3: Connect with The Printer
You may not be ready to print before completing the design. However, you ought to have a plan before getting there. Connecting with the printer ensures you are fully aware of the printing costs and make you aware of the specifics that assist the designer to prepare files.
A few things that you would need are – die lines, file format, colour options, and printing options. Getting the right die line templates, matching the file-format requirements, choosing the best colours, and the type of printer to be used, are important for decision-making.
#4: Build an Information Architecture
Iterate. Who are your buyers? Where would they find your products? Using this information, create an information architecture.
You may want to add some photos of the product, a customer testimonial, and a sharp tagline explaining what makes your product so great. Now, customers may not be interested in so much. They might just want to know more about the product. So, pick the best thing about the product and highlight that to your customers. That is the centrepiece of the design.
#5: Evaluate Packaging Design
Once you are ready with some great designs, it is time for feedback. Think about the following:
- Does the packaging make your product clear to the audience?
- Does the packaging truly represent your product?
- How would the packing appear in 3D?
- And How would the package look in stores?
- How versatile is the design?
- Is the packaging reusable?
The success of your packaging supplies depends on the answer to these questions. If all or most of them are affirmative, you are good to go.
#6: Feedback
Before finalizing the packaging-design, run it through the people who never used the product and your key stakeholders. Even your next-door neighbours can be a great help. Their communication and queries can give you a lot of insight to implement changes.
Get ready with your packaging-materials and supplies.