Design

A Brief Packaging Design Guide for Beginners

Team Pepper
Posted on 6/05/226 min read
A Brief Packaging Design Guide for Beginners
Learn how to successfully create the ultimate packaging design with our packaging design guide.

Packaging design is an integral part of the product development process. It’s the first thing potential customers will see when they encounter your product, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Good packaging design can also influence a customer’s decision to purchase a product. If you want crucial information on this subject, this packaging design guide should help you.

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When designing packaging, there are many factors to consider, such as the type of product, the target market, and the overall branding strategy. The packaging should align with the nature of the product and appeal to the target market. It should also be easy to open and close, and it should display all the relevant information about the product.

The Process

Once you have a general idea of the design you want, you can flesh out the details. This includes choosing colors, fonts, and images used on the package. You will also need to consider the packaging dimensions and make sure everything fits correctly.

After the design is complete, it is vital to test it out before production. This includes a mockup of the package and ensuring all the elements look correct. It is also important to test how well the package protects the product inside, and if there are any potential issues with assembly or shipping.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to create an impactful and memorable packaging design. Remember to keep the purpose of the package in mind and test out the design before putting it into production. With a little bit of thought and creativity, you can create a packaging design that will stand out.

Designing packaging can be a complex process. Here are a few basic design guidelines you must follow:

Research the product and target market.

Develop a concept for the packaging.

Create sketches or mockups of the desired packaging.

Choose colors, fonts, and materials for the packaging.

Finalize the design and send it to production.

Test the packaging to ensure it’s durable and easy to use.

Primary Materials Used in Packaging

There are many types of materials used in packaging, and what you use will depend on your requirements and budget. The three common types of materials used in packaging are cardboard, paper, and glass.

1. Cardboard

Cardboard is a sturdy, eco-friendly material that can be easily printed on. It’s an excellent choice for packaging that can be stored for long periods. Here’s an example of how cardboard boxes can be used creatively for packaging.

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2. Paper

Paper is another eco-friendly option that’s lightweight and easily printable. However, it’s not as durable as cardboard and isn’t ideal for products that need to be shipped or stored for long periods. It works best if you want to deliver items over short distances. Take cues from the packaging design example using paper bags below.

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3. Plastic and aluminum

Plastic is a strong, versatile material that can be molded into any shape. It’s also waterproof, making it a good choice for products that need to be protected from the elements. However, plastic is not biodegradable, so it’s not the most eco-friendly option. Especially when it comes to edibles, you can use aluminum too.

The example below is the perfect example of excellent branding. The brand is into conscious skincare, and that philosophy extends to their packaging as well.

 

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Printing Your Designs

Once you’ve selected your material, it’s time to print your design. There are a few different printing methods to choose from, each with its own set of benefits. Here are the two common ones:

Offset printing

Offset printing is a high-quality method that uses plates and ink to transfer your design onto the packaging. This method is perfect for large orders and complex designs.

Digital printing

Digital printing is a quick and easy method that doesn’t require plates or ink. This method is perfect for small orders and simple designs.

Packaging Design Guide: 9 Crucial Tips

A good packaging design is essential to the success of any product. It can make a product more appealing to consumers and help it stand out from the competition. But what makes a good packaging design? And how can you create one that will be successful? Through the following design guidelines, you should be able to figure that out.

1. Maintain ease of use

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Make sure your packaging is easy to open and close. No one wants to struggle with a complicated package. Don’t try to cram too much information or too many visuals onto your packaging. Just stick to the basics: what your product is, what it does, and why someone should buy it. Your packaging should be easy to open, close, and use. Avoid using complicated closures or instructions that are difficult to understand.

2. Ensure protection

Refer to any design guide, and you’ll find a mention of this point. Your packaging should protect your product from all kinds of damage. Choose materials that are durable and will withstand wear and tear. The materials you use for your packaging can make a big difference. Use quality materials to protect your product and those that will look good on store shelves.

3. Factor in transportation

Think about how your product will be transported from your facility to the store shelves. Will you need to protect it from being dropped or bumped around? Make sure you devise your packaging that enables your product to handle the journey.

4. Use bright colors

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Bright colors are eye-catching and help your product stand out. A good packaging design should have visuals that are attractive to consumers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries. Sometimes, the best designs are the unexpected ones.

5. Try interesting shapes

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Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to the shape of your packaging. Unique shapes can help your product gain attention. Additionally, distinct design elements can add visual appeal to your packaging and help communicate your brand message.

6. Be different

There are a lot of products on store shelves these days, so it’s important to make yours get an edge over the rest. Think about what makes your product unique and use that to your advantage in your packaging design. It should be immediately recognizable and memorable to consumers.

7. Use clear and concise messaging

A good packaging design should have a message that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be decipherable. You can use the appropriate colors, shapes, and images that will stick in someone’s mind.

8. Ensure functionality

A well-packaged product should be functional and easy to use. It should also be able to protect the product inside. Before you finalize your packaging design, get feedback from others. Ask family and friends what they think of your designs. And take advantage of online resources like social media and design forums.

When possible, use recycled materials for your packaging. And, make sure your packaging can be reused or recycled after it’s been used as well.

9. Pay attention to durability

Your packaging should be durable and be able to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. It should protect your product from damage during shipping and handling, through to the time it reaches your customer. Use sturdy materials and robust designs to keep your product safe.

How to Find a Packaging Designer

If you’re looking for an expert in this area, then as per our packaging design guide, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

It would be best to look for someone with experience designing packaging for your product type.

It would help if you asked to see examples of their work to understand their style and expertise.

● You should make sure they understand your vision for the packaging and that they’re able to bring it to life.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to find a great designer or design service that can help you create amazing packaging for your product.

Good packaging design is important for a variety of reasons. It makes your product look more professional and polished, but it also protects your product from damage and makes it easy to ship and store. And a packaging design guide helps your vision come to fruition.

FAQs

1. What makes a good packaging design?

A good packaging design should be unique, stand out from the competition, have clear and concise messaging, and be easy to use, functional, and durable.

2. How can I make my packaging design more sustainable?

When possible, use recycled materials for your packaging. And, make sure your packaging can be reused or recycled after it’s been used.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a packaging design?

According to commonly accepted design guides, here are the mistakes you need to avoid:
● Not doing your research
● Forgetting about the competition
● Not considering the practical aspects of packaging
● Overlooking the details