Your Complete Guide to Product Packaging Design

The packaging is the first thing we see in a product when it arrives. So, it is essential the packaging goes in line with the product and maintains its essence. Product Packaging Design is the exterior design of a commodity. While choosing a product packaging design, we have plenty of options such as graphics, fonts, colors, material, and the type of container. Here, we have tried to break down all the essential things into steps to make it your complete guide.

Things to do before you get started with your packaging design

The first step is to find answers to these three elementary yet important questions. Know what the product is, who will purchase it, and where will they purchase it from?

1. What is the product?

The simplest question to ask yourself, what is it that you are going to sell? Is it liquid? How big is it? These questions will help you determine what type of packaging will be suitable for your product. For example, if it is liquid, then you will need a bottle to contain it. If it is huge or has odd dimensions, it will require a custom packaging. If it is delicate, it will need strong packaging, and so on. 

2. Who will purchase it?

Secondly, know your target audience. Who are you selling your product to? Is it just men or women or both? Is it meant for children or senior citizens? Is it for people with a tight budget, or is it for people who have lots of spare money? You must know who will purchase your product and make sure that your packaging is appealing to them. For example, if it is for kids, you may want to keep something cheerful and cartoonish. If it is for affluent customers, you can keep the packaging luxurious, etc.

3. Where will they purchase it?

Last but very important, where will the people buy your product from? Maybe in a supermarket or a boutique or online? If it is available online, you may want to focus on keeping the package solid so that it doesn’t get tampered during shipping. If it is going to be displayed in a boutique, you better make the packaging alluring as the customers will be surrounded by plenty of beautiful items. You don’t want it to end up getting neglected there.

Information you need to collect

1. Brand Requirements

If your product is representing a brand, you must ensure that the packaging goes in line with the particular brand. Collect information such as logos, fonts, and colors that should go on the packaging.

2. Content that must be on the packaging

The content on your packaging will help your product to stand out. However, depending on the product, you might need to add some information like barcode, nutrition mark, or in case of a product that expires, you will have to leave some space so that a stamp can be placed later.

3. Do some style research

Start collecting the images of packages you like and some great styles too. You do not have to make this decision in a hurry, but remember what you like is not necessarily “the one” for your product. Keep your target audience in mind too.

4. Know your budget

Another critical step is to know your budget. Calculate the one-time and per-item costs too. The one-time price is the charges for original design, stamps, printing, etc. Per-item price is the charges you pay for labor and materials like boxes, tissue, or foam for stuffing, bags, etc.

The Packaging Design Process

1. Know the packaging layers required

There are three packaging layers – outer, inner, and product packaging. The outer layer is what the customer sees first, the inner layer includes the tissue or stuffing to protect the product, and the product packaging is the wrapping of your product. Know if your product needs one or all of these layers.

2. Choosing the right packaging

This requires most of your work but is definitely worth all of it. Keep your product type in mind while deciding the packaging. Do your research well about the competition in the market. Finally, make sure if the packaging suits your budget.

3. Consider your printing requirements

This is not needed until you have finalized your design. However, being a step ahead never hurts. So line up your printer, know the costs, color options, and other printing requirements.

4. Choose your centerpiece

A catchy tagline, attractive photos, and an excellent testimonial sounds perfect, isn’t it? But what exactly do you want your customers to remember after they see your product? Be careful when choosing the centerpiece of your product, as it is more likely to represent it.

5. Evaluate the complete packaging

Once you are done with the design, try to picture and think if the design genuinely represents your product. Will it look attractive in stores or supermarkets? Will it look excellent in 3D? In case you bring new variations in the product, is the packaging versatile enough to go with it? Lastly, know if the buyers can reuse your packaging as it can contribute well to your sales.

6. Take feedback

Approach people who have never seen your packaging before or are unaware of the product, and ask them what idea they get from it. Ask them what they think this product is and what it does. Their replies will tell you how much you have succeeded in it. If it’s positive, go for it, if not go back to the designer to make possible changes.

7. Get it printed

Once you are ready to get the design printed, collect the right files from your designer. You will need packaging dielines in vector format and the color codes.

So, with this, you will probably be able to find the perfect packaging for your product. Now you are all set to go. Let us know your views by leaving them in the comment box below!