5 Packaging Design Elements to Always Focus On
09 June 2020
Creating an appropriate packaging design for your products is incredibly important so that you can ensure established customers and potential buyers are pleased with your product in its entirety. Poor packaging can lead to more significant issues such as a damaged reputation and decreased sales and revenue. Establishing a feasible packaging design for you and your customers will help develop lasting relationships and a positive reputation for a lifetime. The consumer market is continuously looking for specific elements when it comes to purchasing the products they enjoy. It’s vital to account for each detail in your packaging design from waste and misinformation to a lack of differentiation.
Excess Material and Waste
Today’s consumer market is incredibly environmentally conscious, meaning they are more drawn to products designed with the environment in mind and produce little to no waste when it comes to packaging. When it comes to your packaging design, it’s essential to consider these two elements in your design as you’ll likely gain a more substantial client base. When creating or revamping your packaging design, it’s encouraged to communicate your brand message and incorporate unique elements so the consumer market can see what makes your product stand out when compared to the competition. There are many different design elements in addition to the base design such as a lay-flat or stand-up pouch that you can add to your packaging to translate sustainability and environmental awareness that continue to rise in popularity.
- Eco-friendly Plastic and Recycled Plastics
- Recycled Cardboard and Paper
- Organic Fabrics
- Resealable Functions
- Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
- Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Fabrication
When creating your packaging design, it’s incredibly important to account for false advertising and misrepresentation of your product. Sometimes a packaging design gives consumers the impression that the product provides more than it actually does, or all necessary information isn’t included. The consumer market pays attention to this detail, and if your product packaging design is a misrepresentation of your product, it’s a fast way to break trust with interested buyers. Make sure your packaging design accounts for the actual size of your product and doesn’t make it look larger than it really is. The copy included in your design should paint an accurate picture of your product’s features. If you’re overcompensating these details, consumers will likely be let down because they were hoping for something different. Ultimately, it’s vital to build an honest, trusting relationship with your customers through your packaging design.
Errors
Problems with your copy or overall design can leave customers questioning the professionalism and accuracy of your company. Performing accuracy checks for packaging design errors and reviewing the text multiple times is vital to your product succeeding in the consumer market. Catching these issues early on will save you money in the long run, as having to recall your product to fix a small mistake is extremely costly. Many customers won’t purchase a product and will likely invest in your competition if the packaging design isn’t to their liking or errors have been made. It’s encouraged to ask for proofs in the custom design process and review these carefully. Double-check all content and design elements and get multiple sets of eyes on the content so mistakes you might not have recognized can be accounted for immediately.
Difficult to Open
Testing your packaging design before finalizing it is incredibly essential in the design process as you want to make sure the design functions well for the consumer. There are packaging designs on the market today that are not easy to open, don’t promote reusability, and much more. Customers look for a product that caters to their unique needs and doesn’t require any extra or unnecessary work. It’s recommended to make sure your product can be opened quickly and is tested for any opening or sealing issues before being sent out into the market. There are many different resealable functions available on the market today to allow for easy opening and closing. Ultimately, when designing your packaging, it’s essential to consider the overall functionality and user experience. If you are mindful of the customer experience in its entirety, customers will be happy, have reason to continue purchasing your product, and become loyal to your specific brand.
Similar Design to Competition
It’s your goal to stand out from your competition and catch a potential buyer’s eye with your packaging design. Retailers often place similar products next to each other on shelves, so incorporating unique elements into your design will help your product and sales excel. Consumers are drawn to products that look different, and if your design looks like other products, yours will likely be overlooked. It’s also important to keep in mind that many consumers don’t pay close attention when shopping, meaning they may not even know the brand they usually purchase; they choose off elements in the design. Avoid blending in with your competition, and stand out with a custom packaging design. Incorporating your brand, tone, and overall purpose into your packaging design will help make your product stand out on shelves causing consumers to remember. Stay up to date with what your competition is doing so you can redesign your packaging to continue having a unique design.
Begin Fine Tuning Your Packaging Design
Your packaging design is incredibly important when it comes to the success of your product. Taking the time to discover and create a packaging design that benefits your company and potential buyers is the first step to success. Poor packaging can lead to more significant issues, such as having to recall your products or a damaged reputation. Keep the needs of potential buyers and established customers at the forefront in the design process, as this will allow you to continue forming lasting relationships and a lifetime of positive acknowledgment. Today’s consumer market is always on the lookout for specific design elements from misinformation and errors to waste management and functionality. With consideration to each component mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to success for your product and overall brand.