Introduction:
The outer containers for your product are created by the packaging designer. It determines their appearance, feel, and protection of the products inside. Also, it defines how enjoyable they are to open. Knowing the key elements of creative packaging design will help you make an attractive and captivating box whether you’re introducing a new product or updating an old one. You will follow these six steps to design successful product packaging.
Define your brand and audience
Consider the size and weight of your products. If you are selling curtain rods, you will want to choose packaging that’s suitable for long, thin items. You’ll want to look at packaging that is more durable and stronger if you are selling paperweights.
Are your products fragile or not? Are they shelf-stable? Packaging considerations for thin-glass products must include measures to avoid breakage during transport. If you are selling consumables or products with a long shelf life, you should include preservation methods like ice packs and sealed bags in your packaging.
Know your customers. If you are selling power tools to professionals, perhaps a glittery pink cardboard box would not be the best option.
Research your competition
Look at the display of products that are similar to yours. Note the colors, shapes, and materials that are used to package similar products.
Look for packaging similar to the one you are using. You can read customer reviews and see what they have to say about the packaging. It is a good idea to pay attention to negative reviews so you know where to make improvements.
If they are available for your type of product. You’ll get a good idea about what people enjoy most about the opening procedure, and you might even be inspired to come up with some new ideas.
You will get a good idea of how different packaging ideas are used. On sites such as Pinterest and Etsy, you can find many examples of packaging.
Choose the right materials
It’s now time to determine what kind of packaging your product needs, both legally and physically. You need to do your research on this before you start designing.
You’ll define the type of packaging you need for your products. Take into consideration their dimensions, weight, and how far they will travel.
Certain products must be packaged and shipped in accordance with legal regulations. For example, has strict laws on packaging, labeling and storing food and beauty products. Research the regulations that apply to products sold in your area.
Design the visual elements
After you have a good understanding of the technical requirements for your packaging, it is time to begin the packaging design. Here, your brand’s identity and creativity are combined with the logistical and technological needs of your product.
It is possible to sketch your mockups on paper and pencil. You need to have exact box dimensions and diagrams before you send them to a packaging manufacturer to be manufactured.
You should invest in software to help you turn your design concepts into reality. This will result in high-quality artwork, typography and ready-to-print designs.
You can use Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop if you are computer-savvy to create packaging dielines, and select the fonts and design elements you want to include.
You can use preloaded dieline templates in custom packaging software, if you’re not confident.
Pre-press and print your packaging
In pre-press, you will finalize your packaging artwork as well as the colors that you would like your printers for your packaging to use. Pre-press is also the place where you make sure your specifications meet your printer’s needs. For example, if you want to send all your files as.psd files or. jpegs, you will have to do so.
Request a sample print to see the actual color of your packaging. A color that looks great on your computer screen may look completely different when it is printed on different materials.
Test and refine
Test your packaging materials as soon as you receive them from the printer. Test all aspects: durability, functionality and even aesthetics.
Use your new packaging concept and materials to pack one of your product and then toss it to simulate delivery. Transport can be physically challenging for items.
You can then make any necessary adjustments during the testing phase.
You can avoid bad reviews by adjusting your materials if you notice that your product is damaged.
It’s now time to see how easy it is for your customers to open the packaging. Your customers won’t buy from you if they need a sledgehammer or blowtorch to get one of your boxes open. Try to have a family member or friend simulate an unboxing to see which parts they enjoy or find difficult.
Last but not least, ask others for their opinions about your packaging design. Ask your friends and family or use social media polls.
Ask specific questions instead of asking if people like the box. For example, “Based on the design of this box, what type of product would you expect to find inside?” or “Would you smile if you saw this in the mailbox?”.