A Complete Guide to Product Packaging Design: Benefits and Key Steps

Imagine impressing a person in just seven seconds. That’s exactly how long brands get to create a bold and lasting impression on consumers before they move on to the next option. A unique, visually appealing, and aesthetic product packaging design is important. 

Anyone aspiring to become a product manager or design specialist should know the importance of packaging design in product management. A unique packaging design not only helps your product stand out but also grasps the consumer’s attention and influences their buying decision. 

This article gives a comprehensive yet concise overview of product packaging design and its impact on sales. So, let’s get started. 

How Does Product Packaging Design Impact Your Brand’s Success?

Product packaging design has always been a priority for leading companies. Packaging design influences the consumer’s behavior, experience with the product, and decisions. Thus, ultimately, it significantly impacts your brand’s success.

Product packaging will influence a consumer’s decision to pay the price quoted for your product. Top-notch quality packaging increases perceived value, drives more sales, and results in a higher profit margin. Therefore, packaging design influences not only product recognition but also its value. 

Designing Tips And Tricks to Make Packaging Appealing To Customers

1. Simplicity is Key

Getting started with product packaging design?

First things first: Less is usually more. Your package must be aesthetically appealing and simple to understand without being too busy or complex. Make sure the package indicates details about the product and its benefits. 

2. Easy-to-Open Packages

Ensure your packaging is simple to open and requires no extra hands or complex tools. No consumer will want to strain to open a custom box or damage the items inside. So, your end goal should be creating a package that anyone can open effortlessly. 

3. Use Top-Quality Materials

The design and the materials you use play crucial roles in creating the ideal package. You should use top-notch quality materials that safeguard your goods and make them simple to transport. Only invest in materials that can withstand wear and tear. 

ALSO READ: 5 Exciting Facts About Product Label Design You Didn’t Know

How Does Packaging Design Influence Consumer Behavior?

According to reports, the Indian packaging industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% between 2022 and 2027. The rise of consumer markets, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food processing, and personal care sectors, has significantly boosted packaging requirements in India. 

Packaging design greatly impacts consumer behavior and influences shopping decisions. The following are a few ways in which product packaging influences consumer behavior:

1. Draws Attention With Unique Designs

Product packaging is the first thing a consumer sees in your product. It is their initial interaction and engagement with your goods and, in some cases, your entire brand. Unique packaging design is an excellent way to represent your brand to a consumer.

2. Use Colors to Evoke Psychological Triggers & Feelings

Consumers determine whether or not to purchase a product within the initial 90 seconds of interacting with it for the first time. Furthermore, 62% to 90% of this evaluation is based solely on the color of the packaging. Colors are essential in product packaging as they evoke common ideas about your product. They can also influence the consumer’s perception by invoking numerous emotions. 

3. Consider the Overall Quality of the Product

While having eye-catching and distinctive product packaging may be beneficial, it should also convey the same level of craftsmanship as your product. Your packaging may have a varied feel, vibe, appeal, and finesse depending on who you are trying to reach. 

What are the Latest Packaging Design Trends in the Market?

1. Minimalism

Minimalism is the one product design trend that has remained dominant since it emerged several years ago. More and more brands now leverage minimalist design principles to develop their graphical identities comprising their packaging. 

Following this trend, a product manager or packaging designer will purge a design of any unnecessary element, leaving only the ones necessary to communicate the brand’s message.

2. Interactive and Engaging Packaging Materials

Future packaging trends will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies such as QR code scanners. QR code-infused smart product packaging transforms how customers interact and engage with their brand. 

It significantly improves brand perception while bolstering trust. Some other emerging trends besides QR code scanners are Radio Frequency identification (RFID) and Near-Field Communication (NFC). These technologies will help consumers learn more about the goods without opening them.

3. Bold Typography and Metallic Effect

Several existing graphic designs in the market already use bold typography.  Aspirant designers can use bold typefaces to draw attention and establish the brand identity.

Product designers can also play around with metallic hues. They can use metallic materials like gold to create a dazzling appearance. This can elevate the composition and give the product an upscale appearance.

ALSO READ: How Product Design Courses Can Take Your Design Career to New Heights

How Much Should Product Managers Budget for Packaging Design?

Product packaging design budgets can be based on various variables, such as the tools or services used, the company’s size, and their overall demands for package design. 

Product managers using cutting-edge machinery, high-waged employees, and costly overheads for the product packaging design can charge a considerably high price (including the cost of manufacturing). 

Enrich Your Product Packaging Design Career With Emeritus

To master product packaging design, you must have in-depth knowledge of product management. To do that, enroll in the best product management courses from Emeritus. They will help you learn all aspects of product management, including product packaging design. Get started today!