When people go shopping, they always stop and check out products packed in different materials. They come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Any product can be easily seen through its packaging alone.
Product packaging design is now considered to be a form of art and science. The process involves concept development just like any form of art. It allows manufacturers to tell their customers what the product is all about. Product packaging design is very crucial in the success of selling a product. Therefore, business owners should not compromise packaging design quality.
1. Think outside the box.
There are many packaging designs that seem to be very simple, but they can attract customers right away. This is because they are much different than the others on the shelf. It is best that the product packaging comes with a style that will not only catch customer attention. It should also encourage them to buy.
Some product packaging has very creative and unique designs like crossword puzzles and mazes. These packages are usually found with products for kids. They are proven to be very effective. In addition, the different shapes also add to the attraction. Some products have collectibles like paper dolls and cards.
2. Choose the most suitable colors and font styles.
The choice of color is also very important in packaging design. Research has actually proven that the color greatly affects consumer decision making when buying a certain product. A big part of their judgment is based on what they see.
Designers make sure that every color they choose complements the product. They also pick colors that won’t overpower the text. The font should match the product theme. Using fancy fonts is highly discouraged. This is because they are not easily legible.
3. Choose readable labels.
Consumers always look at the product label before they buy it. They want to make sure that they are getting the right thing. They also want to know what is inside the packaging. This is especially true if it is the first time they encounter the product.
Designers know how to balance the labels with the packaging size. They use font sizes and styles that are easy to read and understand. Many consumers put products back on the shelf when they are not legible. If items are more readable, consumers can easily compare them with the others. This will help them come up with an intelligent decision when buying. Readable and legible labels often end up at cashier counters.
4. Choose interesting images and patterns.
Product packaging designers should know their target audience. Doing so will help them come up with the best and the most appropriate images for the product. A good example is products for kids that have images of cartoon characters on the box. Kids will tell their parents that they want these products.
Images and patterns are vital for selling products. They should be relevant to the goods and appropriate for the size of the packaging. Designers use consistent themes to avoid confusion. This means that dog images should never appear on hotdog packages.
5. Choose the right language.
Product packaging design includes the text used. Consumers should be able to read and understand the packaging. With this, the labels should only contain words that are applicable to the product. Spelling and grammar are also important. Educated consumers will not be convinced to buy products with erroneous descriptions.
Designers should be responsible enough to double check this aspect of product packaging design. Consumers think that inappropriate use of words on labels means that the product is low in quality.
Additional Tip
Perhaps the most important tip in coming up with the most enticing product packaging is to hire professionals. However, there are many of them on the market today. It can be a daunting task to choose which among them deserves to be hired.
Points to Ponder when Choosing a Product Packaging Designer
• Place
Many product packaging companies offer online services. This allows customers to do transactions conveniently over the Internet through e-mail, chat or phone conversations. A face to face meeting is the best method to ensure that everything is understood. This will provide an opportunity for both parties to talk about the specific details of the project.
Manufacturers can ensure that they have a meeting of minds with the designer. Therefore, the location of the company should be accessible to the customer.
• Experience
Manufacturers should make sure that they are contacting an experienced product packaging design company. They should ensure that the designer has already handled similar products. This is because designers have different specialties. Designers who specialize in the medical sales industry may not be capable of handling kiddie products.
Choosing designers whose expertise is related to the project gives manufacturers confidence. They will not have to explain too much as the designer should already understand their needs. Otherwise, product owners may hire companies that have a comprehensive portfolio.
• Cost
Cost is always among the most crucial aspects to consider before coming up with a business decision. Opting for the cheapest service is not a good idea as the product packaging design is more likely to come out worse than if they paid a few dollars more.
The best action to take is not to rush in choosing a product packaging design company. It is always best to take time and weigh things out. Manufacturers should look closely into the designer’s portfolio and see if their services are reasonable for the price offered.
The Bottom Line
Product packaging design outcomes lie with both the designer and the manufacturer. They should work together to come up with the most stunning package on the shelf. Whether it is a box, plastic product, bottle, polybag or prototype packaging, product design requires careful planning and decision making.
There are many professional designers that are willing to create designs for products if the maker has not yet come up with their own. Both designers and manufacturers should carefully formulate concepts before putting them on the box. Most importantly, they should always take inspiration from their customers in every shape, color, image and pattern they create.