Product package design is an essential part of any product launch. It’s not only about making a package that looks attractive and stands out from the competition, but also making sure it has all the necessary elements to make it functional and durable. While there are many factors to consider when designing package designs, here are 10 key points that can help you create effective packaging for your products. From choosing materials and colors to understanding user experience needs – these tips will guide you through the entire package design process.
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10 things to consider while designing product packaging
Brand identity
Brand identity is a key factor when it comes to package design. Every product package should be uniquely designed to align with the brand image, values and messaging. A package design should reflect the essence of the product, its purpose, and provide information about the company behind it. When designing package designs for a specific brand, consider what the package is communicating to the consumer and how it will represent the overall brand.
Functionality
Functionality is an essential element of package design. The package should be designed to protect and preserve the product, while also being easy to open, close, and store. Packages should have a strong construction so they can withstand different shipping and storage conditions without compromising the product inside. Additionally, packages should have features that allow the package to be noticeably different from competitors, such as unique shapes, sizes, materials and colors.
Consumer insights
Consumer insights are an important part of package design. Understanding the target audience and their needs, preferences, and habits can inform the design and messaging on the package. Before designing package designs for a specific brand, it’s important to conduct research into potential audiences and gain insights into their behavior.
By conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups and other market research activities, package designers can gain valuable insights into their target audience. This data will help inform the package design process and ensure it meets the needs of the intended users.
Checkout this detailed guide on market research for small businesses
Material selection
Material selection is a crucial step in package design. Choosing materials that are safe for the product, durable enough to withstand shipping and storage, and aesthetically pleasing will help package designs stand out from the competition. Different types of materials can be used in package design such as plastics, paperboard, metal, glass and cardboard. Depending on the product requirements, package designers should select materials that provide protection for the contents inside while also being cost-effective.
Regulations
Regulations are an important part of package design. It is essential to ensure that package designs comply with legal and industry regulations regarding labeling, materials, and recycling.
Labeling laws require packaging to include necessary information to identify the product, such as name, net content, manufacturer or distributor name and address. Packaging must also include warnings, if applicable. Understanding the labeling requirements for package designs will help package designers create an effective package design that is compliant with regulations.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important factor to consider when designing package designs. Packaging should be designed to be environmentally friendly, responsibly sourced and recyclable. Sustainable package designs can help brands demonstrate their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint and may even make a product more attractive to consumers who prefer eco-friendly options.
When selecting materials for package designs, package designers should consider the environmental impact of the materials used. Materials such as paperboard, kraft paper and cardboard are more sustainable than plastic packaging and can be recycled much easier.
Checkout the packaging of a sustainable skincare brand photographed by Brandshark
Costs
Cost is an important factor to consider when designing package designs. It’s essential to understand the cost of package design so that package designers can develop package designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective.
Package design costs will vary depending on the materials used, printing techniques, size of package, and other factors. The package designer should work with their client to understand their budget requirements in order to create a package design within the set budget parameters.
Supply chain and distribution
Package design should also include considerations for the supply chain and distribution process. The package must be designed to accommodate the logistics of moving products from the factory to store shelves or from online vendors to customers. It must protect the product from damage during transport, be easy to stack and store, and provide efficient distribution.
Competition
Competition is an important factor to consider when designing package designs. Packaging should be designed to differentiate a product from its competitors and stand out on the shelf. Package designers must develop package designs that are memorable and draw attention to a product.
To do this, package designers should take into account the competition’s package designs as well as their own. By understanding the package designs of competitors, package designers can develop package designs that distinguish a product from its competition and make it stand out on store shelves.
Testing
Testing package designs is an important step in package design. It’s essential to test package designs to ensure they are effective in protecting the product and meeting the needs of consumers. Package designs should be tested for durability, recyclability, and user-friendliness.
Many package design companies offer package design testing services to ensure that package designs meet all requirements. Testing package designs before they are put into production can help save time and money by identifying any issues that need to be addressed before mass production.
Creating package designs that are compliant with regulations, sustainable, cost-effective and memorable is no easy feat. But by taking into account factors such as labeling laws, sustainability, costs and competition when designing package designs, package designers can create package designs that meet the needs of consumers while protecting their products during transport. Testing package design before they go to production is also essential in order to ensure a successful product launch. With these considerations taken into mind, package designers can develop effective package designs for any product or brand.