If you’re in business, then you know that first impressions count – and your packaging design is a big part of that. Get it right, and you’ll make a great first impression on potential customers; get it wrong, and you could lose them before they’ve even seen what’s inside.
So how do you make sure your packaging design hits the mark? Read on for our top tip.
Consistency in design
Packaging design plays an important role in making a product appeal to customers. It’s important to make sure your package design is consistent with your company’s overall branding.
This means that the colors, fonts, images, and other elements should all align with the look and feel of your brand. You want customers to easily recognize a product on the shelf or online just by looking at the packaging.
Consistency in design also helps to create an emotional connection between customers and the product, which can lead to higher sales and more satisfied customers. Thoughtful packaging design that matches your branding can be an effective tool for gaining visibility, building loyalty, and ultimately differentiating your business in a competitive marketplace.
Shelf appeal
Shelf appeal is an important factor to consider when designing packaging. Shelf appeal refers to how attractive a package looks on the shelf, which can have a major impact on consumer purchase decisions. Good shelf appeal should evoke feelings of trust, safety, and quality in potential customers. This is when the experience of a skilled design agency London can really come in. Their knowledge of the right design for the right product will be invaluable and can prevent costly mistakes.
Key elements that increase shelf appeal include well-designed graphics and labels, bold colors, textured materials, and interesting shapes. By taking shelf appeal into account during package design, businesses can ensure that their products stand out amongst competitors on the shelf and attract more buyers.
Be different
The ultimate goal of package design is to grab the attention of potential customers and encourage them to purchase a product. To do this, businesses should be willing to think outside the box when it comes to packaging design.
This could mean using unusual shapes or materials, incorporating interactive elements such as augmented reality (AR) technology, or creating unique textures like embossing or laser engraving. By tapping into creative packaging designs, businesses can differentiate their products from competitors and make a lasting impression on buyers.
Consider Humor!
Humor is an underrated factor in packaging design that can make a product stand out from the crowd and increase sales. Consumers are attracted to clever, witty designs that make them smile, which creates a positive emotional connection with the product.
This doesn’t mean you have to be over-the-top or outrageous with your design – a subtle joke or pun can make all the difference. By adding humor to your packaging design, you can create an enjoyable customer experience that will help differentiate your product from others on the shelf.
But be careful; not everyone’s sense of humor is the same, so it’s important to make sure that your design does not offend potential customers.
The packaging design should complement the product
The look and feel of the packaging should clearly reflect the contents. A bright and colorful design might be appropriate for a kids’ toy, while a sleek black-and-white design could make a luxury item stand out.
The packaging design should give customers a clear idea of what the product is and what it does. The colors, imagery, typography, materials, and even the shape of the package can all contribute to creating an accurate impression of the product.
If possible, the packaging should show off some of the benefits or features that make it unique and desirable – this will help to captivate potential customers. Furthermore, considering user experience can be key for successful packaging design.
Making sure elements like opening instructions or disposal options are clearly visible and easy to understand will also make an impact in helping customers understand and appreciate the product’s value.
Usability and sustainability
When designing packaging, it is important to consider both usability and sustainability.
Usability is about making the product easy to use and accessible for customers, from opening the package through to disposing it. Sustainability is about increasing the lifespan of a product by using materials that can be easily recycled or reused.
By taking an integrated approach to package design with both usability and sustainability in mind, businesses are better able to create meaningful experiences for their customers while also reducing environmental impact.
Fit for purpose
Fit for purpose packaging design is all about creating a package that meets the specific needs of its intended purpose. This means considering factors such as size, weight, materials, and cost.
It’s also important to consider how consumers will interact with the package in practical ways, such as opening and resealing it. When designing fit-for-purpose packaging,
keep in mind how it can be adapted for different purposes and scales, from shipping to retail display.
How to get your branding right
Finally, it’s important to remember the main purpose of packaging design: to represent your brand. Your packaging should accurately reflect your company’s values and give customers a sense of trust and familiarity when they encounter your products.
Make sure that all elements of package design – from colors to graphics – are consistent with your overall branding. A cohesive and well-designed package will make the right impression on potential customers and boost sales in the long run.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your packaging design is on point and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. With great packaging design, you’ll be one step closer to creating an unforgettable customer experience that leads to repeat purchases and loyal customers.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
