Product Design: 7 Key Elements

Developing your product packaging can be a bit daunting.

When it comes to creating your product packaging, the task can feel quite overwhelming and intimidating at times. While it’s likely that you’ve already devised a set of branding guidelines, it’s important to remember that this is only one facet of the entire process for formally establishing requirements for your product’s packaging. And let’s face it, nobody wants to waste time or money on packaging that just doesn’t work. That’s why it’s essential to establish a clear set of standards for what content should be present on your packaging from the outset. In order to get you started on your packaging design journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of content that you should consider including on your product’s packaging.

1. Logo

If you presently have a sole version of your logo, it may be worth considering new variations that still align with your branding guidelines. As a suggestion, explore incorporating different color options from your palette as a start. However, beyond color, it’s possible that isolating specific design elements could simplify the logo and make it more recognizable. Another idea to explore is isolating an icon from the existing logo to create a secondary presence that can be used separately at small sizes. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, there’s also the option to stack elements or come up with entirely new design configurations to create different shapes that give your packaging placement additional flexibility. Ensure that you also have a white version of your logo readily available, which can provide appropriate contrast against color backgrounds. By preparing these alternate versions of your logo, you’re empowering your packaging designer with more design possibility.

2. Tagline

A well-crafted tagline has the power to quickly convey what your product represents to potential buyers. It can provide a unique glimpse into your brand values and distinct features that set it apart from other products in the market. In case your brand name or logo may not be self-explanatory enough, the tagline helps potential customers to make swift purchase decisions. It just takes a few seconds for a consumer to identify whether a product aligns with their needs, a thoughtfully written tagline can make all the difference. Therefore, if you haven’t already, we highly recommend considering the creation of a memorable tagline that connects with your audience and encapsulates your product’s essence.

3. Barcode

Naturally, barcodes play an integral role in conveying essential data about your product. The inclusion of such a powerful tool helps businesses keep track of inventory, automate processes and enhance overall efficiency. As such, it is imperative for you, as a product proprietor, to ensure that this key identifying feature is both readily accessible and conveniently scannable. It is worth noting that structural impediments, such as curves and folds in the packaging, may undermine the scannability of your barcode, in turn hindering the efficacy of your product. Be sure to carefully consider the placement during packaging to avoid any scanning issues that can potentially cause issues during transportation and commerce.

4. Website URL

It is true that the website link will not be clickable, nonetheless, countless potential customers will be on the lookout for this information, which they will likely type out on a search portal to access more information about your product. As a result, they might also want to find additional details such as your social media handles or an email signup opportunity to stay more engaged with your brand. When your website URL is of a long length, the option of purchasing a much shorter URL for your package that subsequently redirects users to your regular website could prove to be a smart move. Meanwhile, you might consider deploying a QR code instead. Through the utilization of a QR code, users can effortlessly scan it and navigate themselves to your website, thereby increasing the chances of engagement with your brand and boosting your visibility.

5. Description

It is important not to assume that a potential or existing customer is fully informed about your product. As such, it is crucial to incorporate a brief but creative overview of your company or product. Doing so can often make all the difference in swaying a customer into making a purchase or repeat business. By implementing this strategy, consumers will gain a necessary understanding of what your organization is offering, increasing your chances of success.

6. Industry Specific

To ensure that all required information is accounted for in your industry, take the time to conduct thorough research and determine what specifics may be necessary. For example, you may need to provide ingredient lists, certifications or badges earned, sizing details, caution or warning labels, usage directions, guarantees, and other relevant information. It’s wise to compare and contrast similar competing products and consider whether certain details are essential or simply nice to have. By doing so, you can achieve an accurate portrayal of your offerings to potential customers.

7. Imagery

When it comes to enhancing your content and helping customers easily comprehend your message, choosing high-quality imagery is crucial. By including images of your actual product, iconography, or illustrations that relate directly to the type of content you have defined in the previous steps, you can leverage visual tools to captivate your audience and complement your message. Not only does this approach effectively break up your content, but it also increases customer interest and improves overall user experience.

It would be wise to create an extensive list containing all necessary requirements for your packaging content. Having this list in place will not only offer you with an opportunity to review and give approval, but will also provide you with a task list which can be given to your packaging design company, followed through your quality control process to ensure correctness and prevent you from incurring potentially costly errors. If you need assistance with your packaging design, inventory, deliveries or assembly, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. We would be happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation and estimate to help you achieve your packaging goals.