6 Fundamental Elements of Effective Packaging Design

6 Fundamental Elements of Effective Packaging Design

Packaging design plays an important role in impressing your prospects and converting them into your customers. According to a report shared by IPSOS:

“72% of US customers prefer to buy products packed in uniquely designed packaging.”

But the question that arises here is, how you can design stand-out packaging that your target audience admires.

In this blog, we will discuss 6 fundamental elements of effective packaging design that you should know. Also, we will explore a brief guide to designing persuasive product packaging. Read on to find more!

Importance of Product Packaging Design

As discussed above, the purchase decision of the customers is highly influenced by the product packaging design. Apart from attracting your customers for instant purchase, uniquely designed packaging also encourages repurchases by boosting your brand.

Suitably designed product packaging is also essential to snugly fit your products in it. Choosing the right packaging shapes and sizes that resonate with your products offers a breeze in packaging your items.

The design of your product packaging also helps you stand out on the retail shelves. Store racks are mostly filled with hundreds of products that cause your items to get overlooked. However, your unique packaging design, exclusive color schemes, and timeless fonts get the first sight of your prospects without hassle.

6 Elements of Effective Packaging Design

Various elements of packaging designs are there that you can consider for your product packaging. Some of these elements are must-haves and play a significant role in creating standout packaging for your products. 6 of the most important elements of effective packaging design are listed here:

• Shape & Style

Choosing the right shapes and styles of product packaging is essential if you want to pack your products perfectly. The packaging shape depends upon the material you choose to make it.

For example, if you want to pack your products in cardboard packaging, you can choose tuck-end boxes, regular slotted containers, sleeve-slider boxes, and more options. On the other hand, round and square cans would be more appropriate styles if you choose tin packaging.

The styles you choose for your product packaging also showcase the uniqueness of your products. For instance, if you sell gift items, pack them in gable boxes. These uniquely designed boxes are commonly used in the gift industry and leave a good impression on your prospects.

• Add-ons & Inserts

You can add inserts and add-ons to your product packaging design to make them more alluring and functional. Various types of add-ons can be selected depending on your specific requirements. You can choose custom inserts for cushioning if your product is fragile.

For instance, electronics and glassware require special care while handling. You can pack them in robust boxes incorporated with bubble wrap or foam inserts. These inserts will protect your fragile products from bumps and knocks and keep them pristine.

Decorative add-ons like cute handles, and die-cut windows can also make a big difference in your product packaging designs. Die-cut windows especially provide a glimpse of your items to your customers persuading them to buy.

• Color Scheme

The importance of choosing the right color scheme can not be overstated when designing your product packaging. Colors play many important roles in giving your product packaging an adorable look. When choosing hues for your product packaging, always keep your brand guidelines in mind

Whether you go for subtle or vibrant colors, make sure to stay consistent while using them. The color scheme defines how your customers will perceive your brand. This is the reason, why choosing suitable packaging colors is paramount if you want to design customer-centric product packaging.

To print your desired colors on the packaging, you can pick from various mixing and matching systems. The common yet reliable options are CMYK and PMS. Choose whatever you want!

• Typography

Typography is also a fundamental element of packaging design that decides the overall look of your packaging. Typography can be further categorized into various components. First and foremost, you need to focus on choosing the right typeface for your product packaging design.

Sans-serif, serif, and decorative are three fundamental typefaces for you to pick from. Choose the one that you like and be consistent in the typeface when designing your packaging.

Font sizes and colors are also important elements of typography that require special attention. Moreover, spacing and alignment of text play a pivotal role in deciding the hierarchy of Information you print on your custom packaging.

Choose sizes, alignment, and spacing of the text such that your brand and product name catch the very first sight of our customers. This is how you can smartly boost your brand via printed packaging.

• Graphics & Imagery

Selecting persuasive graphics that impress your target audience is paramount for your product packaging. To create engaging graphics, you need to understand the behavior and preferences of your buyers.

You should also analyze the type of product you are selling before designing imagery for its promotion. For instance, if you sell candies or toys that mostly attract kids, you can go for imagery of cartoon characters, or vibrant patterns that persuade children.

To print graphics in high quality on your product packaging, you should opt for a reliable printing technique. The most popular options to choose from are flexography, rotogravure, screen printing, and digital printing.

• Brand Elements

Incorporating brand elements into your product packaging can help you boost your brand without much hassle. Unlike other advertising and marketing channels, packaging does not break the bank. You can print a brand name, logo, and tagline on your packaging and showcase your company and product uniquely to your prospects.

Apart from the logo and tagline, you can also add QR codes on your packaging that direct your customers to your website or social media. This is a smart way to keep your regular customers engaged in your products and brand.

All these branding elements play a crucial role in showcasing your unique identity to your customers that can give a significant hike to your sales.

A Brief Guide to Designing a Persuasive Packaging

Now that you know the elements of effective packaging design, let’s discuss a brief guide to making remarkable packaging for your products. Follow these best practices when designing your packaging, and witness an exponential rise in your sales:

• Choose Brand Archetype

Brand archetype decides the tone of voice and visuals of your brand. It depicts how your customers will perceive you as a brand. You can pick from Carl Jung's 12 archetypes for brands and design your packaging according to the one you choose.

• Decide Shapes and Sizes of Your Packaging

Styles and dimensions of your product packaging are paramount for the snug fitting of products. Whether you want to pack your items in a box, bottle, or can, explore different styles and sizes and pick the best one that can meet your needs.

• Pay Attention to Fonts, Graphics and Colors

The design of a product packaging is never complete without graphics, colors, and fonts. Choose all these elements suitably and incorporate them into your packaging design so that they attract your prospects and persuade them to buy your products.

Wrap-Up!

Now we have 6 elements of packaging design in a nutshell. Exploring these elements will help you create persuasive and timeless packaging for your products. If you are still confused about anything, feel free to contact us.

And if you want to design exclusive packaging for your timeless products, reach out to OXO Packaging. We are a reputable packaging company in the US serving as a one-stop shop for the packaging needs of various businesses. Reach out to us for a quote on your custom product packaging!