Packaging Design – 22 Inspiring Ideas And Best Practices
Did you know that each year, 100 billion boxes are manufactured in the United States alone? If you stacked all these boxes up, you could wrap them around our planet 570 times.
What does this tell us? With so many boxes out there, creative packaging design ideas are required. And not only should they stand out and add value, they should also be sustainable.
Designing packaging has become an art that is easy to learn but difficult to master. It requires a talented packaging designer or two within an efficient content workflow.
To help you out, we’ve put together a roundup of the most inspiring packaging designs and best practices. And if you also need help reviewing your packaging artwork, check out the best packaging design software.
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Start free trial 13 inspiring packaging design examples1. Sonos – the packaging design that meets style with sustainability
Introducing Sonos, the audio wizards with a sustainable twist! They’re hitting the high notes not just with their incredible sound systems but also their eco-friendly packaging.
Pioneered by their chief packaging designer, Michelle Enright, this is a cardboard box that’s more than meets the eye. Made from sustainable materials, they’re like tiny homes for your speakers, keeping them cozy during their journey to your doorstep. And guess what? No plastic filler! Sonos is all about keeping things green and clean.
So next time you unbox your new Sonos masterpiece, feel that warm fuzzy feeling knowing you’ve made a sound choice for the planet. It’s music to our ears and the Earth’s too!
Source: Dieline
2. Toblerone – the packaging design that breaks the mold for food products
Oh, Toblerone, you sweet Swiss delight! Not only do you bring us the tastiest triangles of chocolate heaven, but you also rock some seriously cool food packaging.
That iconic triangular prism is like a chocolate mountain waiting to be conquered. And let’s not forget the hidden surprises inside. Each bite-sized piece, carefully nestled in its own little nook, is a mini adventure for our taste buds. It’s like unwrapping happiness, one delicious peak at a time.
So, next time you crave a chocolatey escapade, grab a Toblerone, and let the triangular journey begin. Just remember to share … or maybe not. It’s too tempting!
For more like this, check out our roundup of the best cookie packaging designs.
Source: Grapheine
3. Apple iPhone – the packaging design that put unboxing on the map
Get ready for a tech-tastic adventure with the iPhone unboxing experience.
Taking custom packaging design to new heights, the sleek box is like a mini treasure chest that’s brimming with possibilities. As you lift the lid, it’s like opening a portal to a world of endless wonders. The pristine iPhone, snugly nestled within, practically winks at you with its shiny goodness.
Peel off those protective layers with a satisfying peel and reveal the stunning screen, ready to dazzle your eyes. And oh, the accessories! From chargers to earphones, it’s like unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving.
Source: The Economist
4. Tiffany & Co – the packaging design that puts a smile on your face
Step into the enchanting world of Tiffany & Co, where dreams come wrapped in a beautiful blue embrace.
Their iconic custom boxes are like a little slice of joy, tied up with a satin ribbon. They whisper secrets of elegance and sophistication, making every unboxing a moment to cherish. Open it up, and you’ll find treasures that sparkle with pure delight.
From dazzling jewelry to timeless keepsakes, Tiffany’s blue product packaging box is a symbol of love, celebration, and friendship.
Source: IPL Packaging
5. Houseplant – the packaging design that you can collect
Prepare for some seriously stacked fun with Seth Rogen’s cannabis brand, Houseplant!
They’ve taken packaging to a whole new level of convenience and playfulness. Imagine this: boxes that are stackable like building blocks. It’s like a grown-up version of Legos! You can create your very own tower of happiness, neatly organizing your favorite Houseplant strains.
It’s a stoner’s dream come true! Plus, these stackable boxes aren’t just for looks. They’re designed to keep your buds fresh and protected, making sure that each toke is as potent as the first.
Want to see more like this? Take a look at our top picks for cannabis product packaging.
Source: It’s Nice That
6. Beavertown – the packaging design that leaps off the shelf
Get your taste buds tickled and your eyes dazzled by Beavertown’s incredible eye-popping packaging labels.
These artistic masterpieces are like a gallery on every can, begging to be admired. Bursting with color, imagination, and a healthy dose of quirkiness, each label tells a story of its own.
From whimsical creatures to mind-bending landscapes, Beavertown’s labels are a visual feast for beer enthusiasts. They’re like little pieces of art that make you smile before you even take that first sip.
Source: Nick Dwyer Illustrations
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Start free trial7. Tony’s Chocolonely – the packaging design with a point to prove
Brace yourself for a chocolate experience that’s not only delicious but also filled with heart and purpose, courtesy of Tony’s Chocolonely.
Their packaging and label design are a treat for your taste buds and your conscience. The colorful wrappers are like a joyful burst of happiness, making you feel like a kid in a candy store.
But Tony’s Chocolonely goes beyond just pretty packaging. Their unique, unevenly divided chocolate bars represent their mission to fight against inequality in the cocoa industry. Each bite is a reminder of their commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing.
So, when you savor that irresistible chocolate, you’re also savoring the knowledge that you’re supporting a better world. It’s chocolate with a purpose and a whole lot of love.
Source: Mailchimp
8. Hasbean – the packaging design that’s practically perfect
Indulge in the world of coffee perfection with Hasbean’s award-winning packaging.
These coffee connoisseurs have not only mastered the art of roasting but also the art of presentation. Their packaging is like a love letter to coffee lovers everywhere. The sleek bags adorned with vibrant designs are a feast for the eyes, promising a sensory journey with each sip.
But it’s not just about looks; Hasbean’s packaging is thoughtfully designed to keep your coffee beans at their peak freshness. So, whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or a pour-over purist, Hasbean’s packaging is your ticket to a delightful coffee experience.
Source: Hasbean
9. Help Remedies – the packaging design that makes pharma fun
Help Remedies is here to prove that labels for pharmaceutical brands don’t have to be boring. With products ranging from blister plasters to painkillers, their fun packaging finds the perfect balance between relief and whimsy.
These health heroes have reimagined the world of remedies with their friendly and playful approach. Each product comes in a vibrant and eye-catching package that stands out in the medicine aisle.
From quirky names to clever illustrations, Help Remedies’ packaging brings a smile to your face even when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s like a dose of cheer and care all wrapped up in one.
Need help making sure your packaging is compliant? Check out label compliance guide.
Source: Dieline
10. Nike – the packaging design that halves waste
Nike’s One Box packaging is a game-changer that’s as friendly to the planet as it is to your feet.
Say goodbye to excessive waste because Nike has taken a giant leap towards sustainability. With their innovative One Box system, they’ve found a way to halve the packaging when shipping their sneakers. It’s like a double win!
Not only do you get your stylish kicks delivered safely, but you also contribute to reducing environmental impact. Plus, opening these custom boxes is like unwrapping a gift from a friendly sneaker genie.
Want to see more from Nike? Check out our shortlist of the best Nike ads.
Source: Nike
11. Half Magic – the packaging design that makes makeup recyclable
Prepare to pamper yourself guilt-free with Half Magic’s recyclable PlasticFoam packaging. They’ve cracked the code to keeping your skincare products safe and the planet happy. Their friendly and innovative PlasticFoam is like a superhero of packaging materials.
It’s lightweight, durable, and best of all, recyclable! So while you indulge in luxurious creams and serums, you can rest easy knowing that your beauty routine isn’t harming the environment.
When you’re done, simply toss the PlasticFoam in the recycling bin, and it’ll be given a new life. It’s a win-win for radiant skin and a sustainable future.
Source: Dieline
12. Who Gives A Crap – the packaging design that makes you look
Who Gives A Crap has taken plain old toilet roll and turned it into a work of art – and that’s no mean feat!
Their playful and vibrant designs on every roll bring a splash of fun to your bathroom. But it’s not just about looks – Who Gives A Crap’s packaging is also planet-friendly. Made from recycled materials and free from plastic, it’s a sustainable choice that makes a big difference.
So, every time you reach for that beautifully-wrapped toilet roll, you’re not just caring for yourself, but also supporting a company that gives a crap about the environment.
Source: Who Gives A Crap?
13. smol – the packaging design that replaces plastic
Say goodbye to plastic waste and hello to a laundry revolution with smol’s plastic-free detergent packaging!
These laundry superheroes have given us a reason to smile while washing our clothes. Their eco-friendly custom packaging is like a breath of fresh air, free from plastic and filled with good vibes
It’s a small change that makes a big impact. With smol, you can clean your clothes with a clean conscience, knowing that you’re reducing plastic waste and helping the planet.
Source: smol
Nine packaging design best practices with examplesHow do you design good custom packaging? Now that you have a better understanding of how packaging design works, we can take a closer look at what distinguishes bad or average packaging solutions from excellent ones.
Your optimal packaging design should meet the following best practices. The more you can combine these rules into your custom boxes or packaging artwork, the better the outcome will be.
1. Take something ordinary and make it extraordinary
Custom packaging not only protects the product and looks good, but it adds value for your customers. If done right, companies can increase sales while reducing waste and costs.
One good example of how to add practical value to a product is Bloom’s ingenious chips package design.
We all like to snack now and then, but the cylindrical shape of most product packaging can make snacking complicated. Bloom offered a solution by turning the cylindrical packaging shape into a bowl, thereby increasing customer comfort without compromising on valuable shelf space.
Source: iF Word Design Guide
2. Stay true to your brand
In the best case scenario, product packaging not only helps sell the product but also increases brand loyalty. Once a customer becomes a fan of your product, the selling process is much easier and you don’t have to spend as much of your marketing budget to reach the same revenue.
Achieving brand loyalty is a long-term goal of your packaging management project, but custom packaging with memorable packaging artwork can be a valuable contributor to this goal. When you create a package with your logo that customers use almost on a daily basis, they can both see your brand every day and advertise it to others at the same time.
One way to gain a stronger brand reputation, attract more loyal customers and do something good for the environment can be seen in Calvin Klein’s recycling program. Calvin Klein uses a special recycling label design to show its environmental benefits and give customers a positive feeling when buying the product.
Source: Poshmark
3. Make your packaging easy to “get”
As studies have pointed out, consumers only spend seven seconds to make their buying decision. So you want to avoid overwhelming customers with too much information, written text, or unclear visuals.
The Northern Soda Company combines appealing and artistic visuals on all their beverage cans without compromising on clarity.
The brand and product names are all centered so that the main purpose can be seen very clearly. The artistic package designs provide clarity and stand out.
Source: Pepper Pack Design
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Start free trial4. Be honest and transparent
We all know that companies like to twist the truth in their marketing campaigns. But wouldn’t it be great if your packaging design could add validity to the claims you are making?
A common way to increase credibility is to use the certificate and logo from a renowned third party. For instance, as a food manufacturer, an NSF certification logo can help prove health and safety standard claims.
Going a step further, your packaging itself can serve as proof. This is what the watch manufacturer, Festina, did with their Profundo 6692 model. The company made the claim that their watches are waterproof and can be used up to 200 meters under water.
To prove their point, the wrist watch model was presented in water-filled bags so that customers could be sure that the watches are safe in all conditions.
5. Give your packaging life beyond your product
If a package design can be used beyond its purpose and add additional value to the product, the package serves a valuable purpose. The trend of reusing a product box for a different purpose is also called upcycling and requires a high level of creativity.
One good example is the Aleph Apparel upcycle pack. The box can hold small apparel products and can either be recycled or upcycled to become a coat hanger. Customers do not need glue to assemble the coat hanger.
The coat hanger is a perfect example of how to add customer value while offering sustainable packaging solutions.
Source: World Design Guide
6. Make your packaging an integral part of the product
As we all know, the actual product itself is only one reason why customers are buying specific goods. People also want utility, i.e. the satisfaction generated from that specific product. That satisfaction also comes from the feeling the purchase transmits to buyers.
A good packaging solution should therefore be part of the overall product story and, in the best case, can even become a selling proposition. This is exactly what we can see at Good Hair Day Pasta from Greenomic. The unique selling proposition (USP) is not the product itself, but its unique presentation.
Notice how the product name in combination with the box and the product itself form a USP and brand identity that could win numerous product packaging design awards.
Source: Behance
7. Check that your packaging feels intuitive
The package design should be self-explanatory and inviting without causing the customer confusion over what the product actually is.
An example of great self-explanatory package design is the picture below of fruity juice containers. In a split second, you can determine all 5 different flavors without even having read a single word on the actual box.
Another advantage of the containers is that the box design transmits the feeling that the drinks contain a high fruit content.
Source: Inspirationfeed
8. Showcase the value of your product through your packaging
When it comes to accessories, people may not realize how this accessory can add value to the main product. One way to solve this problem is to create packaging that shows the purpose of your accessory.
This is what Görtz shoes has done to promote the company’s shoelaces. Typically, shoelaces are presented inside a regular plastic bag, which does not say much about how they will actually look on your shoes.
Görtz’s creative packaging resembles a shoe model, so people get an instant impression and can see and compare the different colors to each other.
Source: Designer-Daily
9. Make your packaging useful
As we have seen earlier, upcycling is one way to add value to your packaging. However, you do not need to completely repurpose your box. Instead, you can make it a useful extension to the actual product you are selling. This is what we can see at Butter! Better!.
Not only does the name speak for itself, but also the box has a great USP: You can repurpose the lid as a knife to spread the butter.
This makes Butter! Better! a perfect companion for customers’ next picnic in the park.
Source: BoredPanda
Four questions every graphic designer should ask when designing product packagingAdditional resources:Generic vs Custom Business Cards: How Important is Business Card Design?
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If you want to design the perfect packaging for your products and brand, you ask yourself these four questions before you even get started.
1. Who is the target audience?
Is your target customer the sort of person who appreciates minimalist design? Or do they prefer something more vibrant and colorful?
The more you know about the people who will be buying your products, the better. So talk to them, run workshops with different types of product packaging, and find out what gets their attention.
2. Where will customers find your product?
Does your product’s packaging need to stand out in a retail store environment, online, or both?
By working this out up front, you can help to focus ancillary design elements like sleek logos, fonts, the color palette, and illustration styles.
The fast way to get feedback on packaging
Get clear and collaborative comments right on top of your packaging artwork.
Start free trial3. What are the practical requirements of your packaging?
When thinking about your product packaging needs, remember that it’s about more than just looks!
How will your product boxes be transported? What will the customer be doing when they try to open your product packaging?
By covering all these things upfront, you can put the user at the heart of your packaging design process.
4. How can you maximize the use of sustainable materials?
The beauty of custom packaging is that every part of the design can be made eco-friendly and sustainable.
Here are a few popular sustainable materials you can use in your product packaging:
- Compostable packaging
- Recycled materials
- Corrugated cardboard
- Biodegradable glassine
- Cornstarch packaging
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this beautiful roundup of packaging design inspiration from brands large and small.
By following our nine best practices, you’re ready to create product packaging that stands out and keeps customers coming back for more.
And if you need a smart way to review your packaging designs, Filestage can help. Start a free trial today to share files, collaborate on feedback, and track approvals – all in one place!
Have you ever noticed that wine seems to taste better when it comes from a nice-looking bottle?
But labels and packaging don’t really change the taste, right?
Well, here is the thing—
According to scientists, they do!
Expectations shape our experiences.
When people like packaging designs, they enjoy products more. And it can give businesses a huge competitive edge. They make customers curious or happy long before they even touch, taste, or use the product.
Good package designs should be an essential element of every brand strategy.
In this article:
- What product package design is
- Examples of good packaging
- Best practices and tips for package designers
- Free box design templates
Package design is important but you should also get more customer interactions
Try Website Chatbots 🎯 Learn more about Tidio ChatbotIf you are just pre-planning the launch of your online store or product, you might also be interested in:
Now—
Let’s find out what makes custom box designs work or not.
What is packaging design?
Packaging design is the art of creating memorable and practical product packages. It involves the choice of materials, typography, colors, and imagery. The design should be consistent with the branding strategy. Package designs must also address functional aspects, e.g. storing items in a specific way.
Visual appeal can be assessed by customers in as little as 50 milliseconds. That’s why it is extremely important to make a good first impression.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments show us how visual cues influence our perception. On a physiological level, the taste of tea activates only one brain region. But once you know what the brand is, your whole brain awakes. That’s why Coke tastes better when consumed from a cup with the Coca-Cola logo.
A packaging design process is different from a typical 2D graphic design. Package designers use Adobe Creative Suite, just like the rest, but dieline projects need to fold, labels need to adjust to the roundness of the bottle, and so on.
The most common types of packaging are:
- Boxes
- Bags
- Packets
- Pouches
- Tubes
- Bottles
- Jars
- Cans
- Wrappers
Custom boxes with a logo are the most common product packaging. They are used for the majority of dry goods.
Usually, the type of packaging is determined by the type of the product. Still, you can choose between different packaging options. This may depend on tradition or even regional preferences.
Source: Ole Smoky DistilleryFor instance, do you buy your mayonnaise in a jar or in a tube? Do you find your favorite juice more convenient in a pouch or a bottle? Does the fact that moonshine is being sold in mason jars affect its taste in any way?
Unique packaging choices
Packaging solutions don’t need to be boring or obvious. You should consider many factors and several packaging type ideas. Maybe an elegant jar with a custom label would be a better choice for your artisan sweets than a regular chocolate box.
If you are manufacturing your own products and running your own online store, you should actually consider two “layers” of packaging. One is your shipping box design and the second is the actual packaging of the product itself.
Caption: A retro shipping box design by João NevesCustom design shipping boxes give you yet another opportunity to communicate with customers. Since they are quite big, you can use more space and unleash your creative energy.
Creative package design examples
Never before in history has the power of unique design been so strong. You don’t know the day or the hour when an unboxing video featuring your product goes viral on social media. Well, unless you do, of course. For instance, check out this video showing the unboxing of a new Motorola phone.
As you can see from the example above, sometimes unique premium boxes are designed specifically for influencers and reviewers. Art directors and brand designers are now outdoing themselves in creating eye-catching packaging. According to a research study by Ipsos, 72% of American consumers confess that packaging influences their shopping choices.
Let’s take a look at a couple of some good package design examples.
1. Custom boxes with logos
If you have a chance to showcase your brand identity then you should take it. Mailer boxes with logos are the most universal type of packaging that fulfills both functional and marketing purposes.
You can order a custom shipping box with your logo from companies such as Packhelp. You can choose the type of mailer box and design them using an online editor. You can do this without using Photoshop. While working on your design you can even visualize your box project in 3D.
Many Tidio users happen to own companies that sell thematic gift boxes. Kelly from Care Package Depot described the box design process as a bumpy road. However, it was worth it.
Does ordering custom packaging seem beyond your budget? Consider using stickers instead. You don’t have to prepare branded boxes. Just print stickers with your logo and put them on regular shipping boxes. And if you are still working on your logo design, read our guide: Good and Bad Logo Examples From Companies
2. Personalized shipping boxes
A box doesn’t have to be created by a professional designer at all. It’s more about the personal touch and building customer relationships.
When it comes to packaging, small business owners can get a lot of creative DIY ideas from video tutorials. Here are some examples of sustainable (and cheap) packaging hacks that you can try out:
Customers will appreciate your commitment. If it is clear that a unique packaging was made just for them, they will consider it a nice gesture.
One of the most effective ways to build customer loyalty is to include a personalized thank you for your purchase note.
Customers spend 40% more money on brands they interact with on social media.
But how do we get people to visit our Facebook?
Well, if you want, you can attach a card with a QR code with a link to your Messenger chatbot. You can set up automatic chatbot conversation scripts to collect feedback. Use chatbots to ask questions about product quality, customer experience, or to measure customer satisfaction. They are like interactive customer satisfaction surveys.
3. Cute box design
Many customers can be reached by product and package designs that are heartwarming to them. Cute animals, pastel colors, and minimalist cartoon characters can’t go wrong among certain demographics.
Charming design projects make an excellent first impression. You can use a cute character in a label design but the shape of your packaging itself can creatively evoke an animal or a flower.
Designed by: Adrienn NagyIf you intend to add some adorable design elements, make sure they match your customers’ persona. What works great as food packaging for kids does not necessarily work for health supplements or cannabis.
4. Modern packaging design
If you care about being seen as modern, minimalism is the ultimate way. Go with simple shapes, use clean fonts, and have a consistent color palette. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to black and white too.
Want to know if your design is modern? Here is the ultimate test. Watch this unboxing video of several iPhones.
Then try to imagine your box being opened in similar circumstances and with the same level of intensity.
Now—
Does your project look epic or elegant? Or is it ridiculous?
Modern designs are neutral and ascetic. It makes them perfect for every situation and they don’t draw too much attention to themselves. Just like a professional business card.
5. Simple packaging design
Elegance and simplicity go hand in hand. Sometimes, however, simple and minimalist designs can evoke other feelings as well. There are no limits to creating designs that are straightforward and communicate all sorts of values.
Utilizing a QR Code Creator, you can enhance the simplicity of your packaging by incorporating a scannable QR code that leads customers to a multimedia experience, providing additional information about the product, its origins, or usage ideas.
Take a look at these shipping packs from Koyah.
A simple box design created for Koyah by PacklaneThe company sells fruit and vegetable powders—nutritional supplements. Instead of printing elaborate designs, they decided on colored cardstock that speaks for their products. Yellow is the color of a banana, while the others are spinach, orange, beetroot, broccoli, and water. It’s a smart way to have cohesive visual communication with customers.
6. Cool package design
Sometimes designers use the “cool” factor in their creations. This typically entails a much bolder use of unusual combinations, intense colors, and cartoonish illustrations. These types of illustrative print designs are usually geared towards kids and men. Toys or craft beer labels are classic examples of packaging that incorporates this style.
HERO’S packaging design by Backbone BrandingThe example above shows nuts and dried fruits stylized as warriors from different historical periods. Juxtaposing the basic oval shapes with human headgear is both playful and creative. The military aspect adds more vibrancy and a more intense feel to the overall look.
Provocative or unusual illustrations can help you get the attention of your customers. American consumers are bombed with as many as 10,000 advertisements each day but only about 100 of them get past the “attention wall” of an average person. Making your graphics look cool and original is critical.
7. Premium package design
Have you ever wondered what makes something look like a premium product?
There is no single formula, but if we wanted to produce an instant “premium” effect, there are several proven methods. This coffee packaging happens to use every trick in the book.
What exactly makes it look so classy and premium? It all boils down to several design elements:
- Black is the color associated with style and elegance
- Golden typography evokes an air of luxury
- Unusual shape makes it unique and rare
- Exotic ornaments create a feeling of mystery and wonder
If you want your products to appear sophisticated, use the design tips above. You should also read more about creating an air-tight sales process for your business sustainability: What Are the 7 Steps in the Sales Process
8. Clever package designs
Some projects can be very innovative or surprising. Try to find analogies to the natural world. Some forms can bear a striking resemblance to common symbols. For example, flowers can be associated with feminine beauty, innocence, and fragility. The example below illustrates how all of these connotations can be used in a clever way.
The flower form was used as a lingerie package. Also, the way it opens is reminiscent of a blooming flower. This type of project may seem a bit impractical, but it creates an amazing customer experience.
9. Funny packaging design
Humor can be a powerful weapon. Same as with clever designs, it involves looking for unusual combinations or similarities between the shape or color of different objects. You should remember that context is the ultimate key.
By showing or hiding a product (or parts of it), we can get very funny results. But this type of visual “pun” can sometimes backfire. In the example below, an infamous set of Butterfly training balls for table tennis looks like a pair of breasts.
Source: TwitterYou can appeal to someone’s sense of humor in a variety of ways. In marketing, making someone smile matters a lot. Funny email subject lines can help you build customer engagement and increase sales.
10. Minimalist package design
We are mentioning this for the umpteenth time in a row—less is more. And the projects that are most memorable tend to be extremely straightforward. Take a look at this line of bathroom products for kids:
Akio’s creative package design by Robert Dadashev and Katya MushkinaThree colors and some basic shapes are more than enough to create vibrant characters. The Japanese figurines are relatable and they evoke a positive response. The appeal to aesthetic sense and emotions are among the most common tricks used by designers.
Read more: Types of Appeals in Advertising [+Best Examples]
How to design packaging for a product
Package design process is quite straightforward if you break it down into a few steps.
How to design a package for a product:
- Create your customer persona
- Choose the right type of package
- Double-check your competitors’ projects
- Prepare a dieline
- Order your project
For example, let’s assume that we want to design a product packaging for a bar of handmade soap. We would need to:
1. Think about your customers
Try to find out who your potential customers and users are. What age are they? What do they like and what annoys them? What are their aspirations and their values? Good businesses know how to get the right fit for their customers’ needs.
Our artisan soap’s target customers are females in their 20s and 30s. They like organic, local, homemade products and nature. They value things that are simple, raw, and authentic.
Read more: How to Improve Your Company’s Customer Focus
2. Choose the right type of packaging
Think about what size and shape will work best for you. Food products or liquids require a different approach than books or electronics. Think about issues such as size, shape, material, or texture. Does the packaging need to be durable? Do I need to make it from scratch or is it enough to use ready-made packaging and stick a label on it? Consider possible costs, advantages and disadvantages of your choice.
Our soap will use regular gloss paper wrapping. It is practical, easy to make, and a traditional choice for soap products.
3. Investigate your competitors
Mostly, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If you are looking for inspiration then see the solutions used by your competitors. Note down the best ideas and try to combine them to make your packaging even better.
4. Prepare your layout and dieline
Dielines are applied when you need to prepare a graphic layout of your label or product packaging. You can use basic paper cutouts to create mockup versions of your projects. Even the miniature versions will allow you to play with shape and form. You can create scaled prints and experiment with different solutions.
You can download packaging design templates and access additional resources here:
5. Order your project and collect feedback
Order your first batch from the print shop. There are a whole range of professional companies offering online printing services. Some of them may even send you samples of their products that you can touch or test. It’s a good idea to get in touch with the print designers directly to discuss the details and clear up any technical doubts.
The final product might look like this.
Do you think it will work? The best way is to check what your customers think about it. Ask them about it at the next opportunity.
Dos & Don’ts of designing your own shipping and product packages
Are there any things you should avoid at all costs?
By all means.
There are many pitfalls waiting for careless designers. And sometimes it is difficult to spot something until the product lands on the store shelf. Then it is already too late.
If you need fool-proof tips for packaging design, stick to the rules below.
Dos:
- Good typography. Readable and consistent with the brand.
- Adequate form. Convenient and stylish.
- Matching colors. A limited palette.
Don’ts:
- Mismatch of size. Packaging that is too big or too small.
- Misinformation. Misleading labels or designs.
- Inappropriate context. Design elements don’t work together.
- Malfunction. Projects are impractical or difficult to use.
Key takeaway
Good design is essential for the success of your product on the market. Some designers’ fees may seem astronomical, but their creations might be decisive for the fate of your project.
You should make sure that your design ideas are:
- Aligned with your brand
- Practical
- Cost-effective
- Eye-catching
- Sustainable
Proper packaging is not only handy and informative. It can also be memorable and make a positive first impression. It is important not to blow this chance.
Package design is important but you should also get more customer interactions
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