What is product packaging
So, what exactly does product packaging entail? The development of a product’s exterior is referred to as product package design. This covers material and shape choices, as well as designs, colors, and typefaces used on packaging, a box, a can, a bottle, or any other type of container.
The role of packaging
So, what exactly does product packaging entail? The development of a product’s exterior is referred to as product package design. This covers material and shape choices, as well as designs, colors, and typefaces used on packaging, a box, a can, a bottle, or any other type of container.
Product packaging design guide
Know the attributes of the product before designing the packaging
3 important questions
Before you start creating a product’s packaging, you need to know the answers to three questions:
- What is the product?
- Who is the target market for the product?
- What methods are customers using to purchase the product?
Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
1.What is the product?
This isn’t a trick question; it should be simple. What exactly are you trying to sell? What is the size of it? What are the materials used to construct it? Is it a sensitive situation?
This inquiry will assist you in determining if any logistical requirements for your product packaging are necessary. A fragile product, for example, will require more secure packing. Something huge or oddly shaped, on the other hand, may necessitate a custom packaging solution rather than an off-the-shelf box.
2.Who is the target market for the product?
Is the product supposed to be used by men, women or both? Is it for children or adults? Is it geared towards people who are environmentally conscious? To those on a budget or with lots of disposable income?
A product’s packaging should appeal to its ideal consumer; it’s important to know who that consumer is before you start the design process. Products for older adults may need larger text. Alternatively, items geared towards an affluent customer will need to consider materials that create a feeling of luxury.
3.What methods are customers using to purchase the product?
Is it something they buy in a supermarket? Is it a tiny shop? Online?
If the product is going to be sold online and mailed, you’ll want to think about packing differently than if it’s going to have to stand out on a big-box shop shelf. Items that will be sold online should not have a lot of spare space since it may cause the product to rattle or the box to bend. Those that will be displayed on a boutique shelf will need to stand out amongst the adorable goods in cutesy packaging.
Have you received your answers? Good. All of the other (many) decisions you’ll have to make in the package design process will be guided by these.
Are you still debating these issues? You’re probably not ready to start designing packaging just yet. That’s fine! Things’s preferable to take your time and do it properly than to rush in.
Information you need to collect
Brand requirements
In some situations, a product is stand-alone, while in others, it represents a well-known brand. Before you begin, acquire the following information if your package has to match a certain brand aesthetic:
Color
Include the CMYK values or Pantone Matching Values (PMS) colors if you already have them because they’re designed for printing. (If not, a hex code will suffice.)
Fonts
Make sure you’ve got the right fonts and that you’ve followed any particular use instructions (like kerning or weight).
Logo
Make sure you have a vector file if you need to place a logo on the package.
Content that must be printed on the package
This will be very particular to your product, but you’ll want to make sure you have it all figured out before you start designing. It’s worth noting that, depending on your business, you may be compelled to include some items on your package for legal reasons.
You may need:
Written copy
This might range from the name of your goods to a description to terms that entice people to buy.
Imagery
Do you want to use photographs on your packaging? Before you begin the design process, you’ll need to have things ready.
Required marks
Depending on your product / industry, you may be required to include a barcode, nutrition information, association marks, etc.
Know what kind of temporary content you’ll require.
Some items, such as groceries and cosmetics, require supplementary information to be printed on distinct batches (expiration dates or batch numbers). You generally won’t want to print this directly on your package because it will change frequently, but you should leave room for a sticker or stamp with that information to be inserted at a later point.
Choose the right type of packaging
Packing box type