Packaging Design Tips: Your Product’s First Impressions

Maybe you are preparing to manufacture the packaging of a product you are selling, or maybe you are considering changing an existing packaging design.

Either way, you could be asking yourself, “Is the package design really that important?” The answer to your question is a resounding “Yes!”

Many manufacturers think that the product and its performance are the only influential factors in determining the success of a product.

While this is somewhat true, the design of its packaging can ultimately determine whether or not a product flies off the shelves. So, what goes into the perfect packaging?

What makes a good packaging design?

Having a good packaging design can be the ruling factor between picking your brand or competitors’. Here are some tips to consider when designing a package

1. Functional Packaging Design

The primary purpose of the package is to protect it from damage. The material surrounding the product protects it during transport and prevents damage while it is on display at its final destination.

Think about when you’re shopping at your local grocery store. You’re much more likely to pick up the box of cereal that’s perfectly square instead of the one that’s crushed on the edges, right? This same idea can be applied to any product.

The customer wants to see that the product they are about to purchase has not been compromised in any way. It is important that you choose a high-quality packaging design that won’t buckle under stress.

2. Aesthetics

The visual design surrounding the product itself can be what attracts the consumer to take a closer look. Carefully-chosen colors, attractive design, interesting graphics, and even appealing package shapes all pull the eye towards a product.

For this reason, companies carry out extensive research on color schemes, designs, and types of product packaging to determine which final packaging design will most successfully attract customers.

3. Design that Communicates

The package also plays an important role in communicating important information about the product. For example, it can contain instructions on how to use the product, where it originates, and the best uses for the product.

In some cases, the packaging also provides the customers with a list of ingredients, as well as nutritional information. These details help educate the customer about the product, so they can make an informed purchasing decision.

The information on the packaging can persuade the consumer to buy the product without having to go out of their way to seek an employee’s input.

Related Article: Typography and it’s importance for packaging design

4. On-Brand Design

Packaging design is a critical tool to differentiate one brand from another. The logo and the company’s color scheme help consumers recognize the product even when it is surrounded by other choices.

With a distinctive design, buyers can easily identify their favorite brands, driving them to continue reaching for the product time after time.

Changes to a package can significantly alter the perception of the brand. This isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, but it is important to keep in mind that new packaging can take some adjustment.

One benefit to updating a product’s packaging design is that a company can adjust its branding based on changes in the market.

It is crucial to keep product demographics in mind. Choose designs that appeal to the customers who would most likely be interested in your product. Consider the age, gender, and culture of your target audience, and personalize your packaging for them. If your target buyers shift, your product design can evolve right alongside them with ease.

Packaging Design Tutorials

The video below will give you a better idea of the impact that great design can have on the success of your product.

Benefits of good packaging in products

  1. Generates demand: Good packaging design will catch the attention of passers-by, increasing the likelihood of selling your products. Creative is key in designing a memorable package.
  2. Improves brand association: If your package is different and if it stands out from the competitors, it will be easier for consumers to identify your brand and associate your brand with your package.
  3. Cost reduction: Having a sustainable packaging and using materials that are good for the environment and for your pocket not only gives your brand a good image but in the long run it reduces costs.
  4. Improves seasonal promotions: If your products are seasonal, you might want to teak your product packaging design to better connect with customers during the key weeks or months. Good packaging design plus a promotional design increases product selling.
  5. Increase in product value: The packing of a product can give it a premium look. It’s all about appearances and how your products enter the eyes of your customers. If your design is professional and looks fantastic, your customers will be more accepting to pay a higher monetary value.
benefits of good packaging

Now, do you know more about the importance of packaging design?

Professionally-designed packaging provides innumerable benefits. One of these benefits is that better design can increase the efficiency of your investment. The more appealing your product is to customers, the more quickly you will see a profit. Packaging that’s attractively designed will boost a product’s market presence and will help the brand stand out from its competitors.

Packaging design is the first step to building a great first impression. Consistently improving products along with an attractive and identifiable package design help to establish brand loyalty. Appealing packaging design is an immeasurably valuable aspect of any product’s development. It should be carefully considered in order to allow a product to succeed at its fullest potential.