10 Tips For Packaging Designers

Whenever we go to supermarkets, clothes shops, markets and any place where there are sold items, we would always see items and products sealed inside a box, a pack or whatever. These would come in various sizes, shapes and colours. You can even easily distinguish your favourite food with just one glance because of its packaging.

Here are some top tips for creating that attention grabbing packaging that will make the products fly off the shelves:

1. Be creative and unique

If you want your product to be patronised by many, you can start with creative packaging. Some products have mazes, crossword puzzles etc to encourage consumers to buy the item. Some even have collectibles with it so that they have to complete a certain collection like cards, paper dolls, and others. You can use a variety of shapes in your packaging, too.

2. Choose the colours and fonts

Choose a colour that suits the product or is an existing company colour. Make sure also that you will be using the right combination and contrast for the text. The text should be clear and readable; for example don't use orange text on a red background for it won’t be readable.

Choose a font that will best represent the product. Don't use fancy fonts that could be too hard to read, this needs to be read quickly and easily so be sure it is readable and legible.

3. Make sure labels are easy to read

Labels should be legible and readable. Most consumers read about the product if they want to know what they are buying and if they bought the right thing. Make sure you are using a size and font style that is easy to read.

Some consumers compare items so, if your packaging is more readable and they are satisfied with its features, then they won’t go far for another product. People don't have much time to be reading all the labels especially those which are too small.

4. Use images wisely

You can include images in your packaging designs to give it a bit more edge on the shelf. It could be a cartoon, a picture of the product, a picture of the model or whatever. Just make sure it is high resolution and would look good no matter how big or how small it is. Most importantly make sure it is relevant...you don't want to cause confusion with a random image!

5. Have relevance

Choose the right image, font style, colours and design that would suit the product. It should have relevance to the type of product you are selling. This could come down to the shape of the packaging as well; you need to make sure it is going to do its job in protecting the product as well as grabbing attention.

6. Use the right language

Choose a language that is fitting to the product.  Consumers are literate and informed. Don't say delicious when you are referring to a hard drive or a flash drive!

Also use the right spelling and grammar. Most products with erroneous packaging came from sources that have low quality. You’ll gain the trust and confidence of the consumer if you use proper grammar and language.

7. Make it convenient

Be sure that your packaging is easy to use and convenient. Remember that most people who will use these products are busy, so make their lives easier. Don't make a design that is so large it is hard to carry. The handier it is, the more clients will prefer to buy it compared to other bulky items. Remember the old adage...less is more!

8. Make sure it doesn’t look tampered

Product security is very important. It should always be sealed as it will put people off if is looks  opened or tampered with. You have to make sure that the design you make will keep the product secure.

9. Make sure it is easy to open

Even if you are ensuring that your product is protected and will not be tampered, you still have to make sure that it is easy to open when consumers use it (A lot to think about huh?!). People are easily frustrated when they can't work out how to get into something...so don't over complicate it. If it needs to be a little less obvious leave some instructions as to where to tear and how to open it. Even if it is already self-explanatory, this can be a great help.

10. Keep it simple

Make the design simple yet striking. Always remember the target audience and ensure that it will appeal to them and make it easy to handle.  A simpler design with the right labels and contents will have a better impact than a fussy one.


Disclaimer: Some images hosted on this blog have been collected from external research associates to be presented as stimulus to those seeking news from the cutting edge of packaging. The imagery is not being presented as our own and copyright still belongs to the owner/creator of said work.