In today’s fiercely competitive market, the significance of product and packaging design cannot be taken for granted. With countless options vying for consumers’ attention within your niche, standing out from the crowd is essential. This is where the expertise of skilled professionals in product and packaging design comes into play. Before entrusting your project to them, you must grasp the distinct roles and expertise each brings. So, what is the difference between a product designer and a packaging designer? Continue reading to find out the answer. 

What is a Product Designer?

Product designers are responsible for creating a new production, from brainstorming to introduction to the market. Product designers sometimes improve an existing product design to enhance functionality and appeal to potential customers. Whatever the case, they consider users’ needs and the experience those people have when using the product. 

It is worth considering that people with this role create more than just physical items. They are developing digital goods such as websites and apps. 

According to Indeed, companies have different names for these professionals, which depend on the organization’s diversity and size. These names include:

What is a Packaging Designer?

A packaging designer works with graphic designers, marketers, sales teams, and researchers. This creative professional creates packaging that presents products accurately and helps them resonate with target demographics. Also, the packaging designer must ensure packaging attracts consumer attention amidst a competitive marketplace. 

Packaging designers combine their expertise in materials, trends, and manufacturing practices with their talents to create exceptional and functional packaging. Knowledge of using digital and 3D design tools is essential to create relevant packaging design that meets clients’ expectations. In addition, packaging designers must also value the functionality and sustainability of their designs, 

Product Designer vs Packaging Designer: What’s the Difference 

We will now answer, “What is the difference between a product designer and a packaging designer?”

The roles of product designer and packaging designer may sound the same, but there are significant differences between the two. While one focuses on creating a product that customers use daily, the other makes it secure and gives it an aesthetic look. 

Below are the significant differences between the two. Let us check it out! 

The product designer is responsible for the following: 

  • Creating a new product or improving/upgrading an existing one on its design and usability. 
  • Handling the entire process involving the product’s structure, functionality, and aesthetics. 
  • Before product development, conduct market research on user needs, trends, and technical needs.
  • Developing product design solutions with the end goal of addressing people’s problems in their daily lives. 
  • Creating and preceding a blueprint is developed along with detailed specifications before manufacturing.

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Packaging designer, on the other hand, focuses on the following: 

  • Make the packaging of a product look aesthetically pleasing. After all, this is the primary function of a packaging designer. 
  • Oversee how the product will be presented to the consumers. 
  • Branding, marketing, and providing seamless user experience. 
  • Handle the entire packaging design process, including graphic designing, the type of material it will hold, and the package layout. 
  • Ensure that the packaging is sturdy enough to withstand transport and storage while providing adequate information about the product. 

In summary, a packaging designer is an agent for making a product or packaging user-friendly and visually appealing. Both design professionals have specific processes for enhanced user experience.

The Correlation of Product and Packaging Designs

We see and use products and packages around us daily. If a product is good but the packaging could be more intuitive and informative, it will not thrive in the market. Similarly, if the packaging design is excellent but the product fails to solve people’s pain, it won’t succeed either. The two may have different purposes, but the correlation and harmony between the two are vital. 

For example, the streaming service provider Netflix solves people’s problems by providing the latest movies and TV shows online and on demand. Their products are movies and TV shows that they package under a platform easily accessible to people all around. The algorithm enhances their experience by bringing the exact movie or show they desire to watch after a search. Here, the packaging is customized for every user, so they get a wholesome viewing experience.

Expert Advice: The Best Packaging Printing Methods

There are many printing methods to explore for packaging design. Here are the leading printing methods for packaging:

Offset printing: This printing technique prints packaging at lower costs and in bulk for retail packaging design and others. The method involves a plate that aids in transferring the ink. First, the ink is transferred to a rubber blanket, then moved onto the products like paper packages and more. 

Flexographic printing: The flexographic printing method is ideal when you need to print packaging material in large volumes at a high speed. It is a standard method for packaging and printing on various materials like plastic, paper, foil, and others.  

Gravure printing is a high-resolution printing method for high-quality images with fine details. This method primarily prints on thin materials such as plastic films. Digital printing: This flexible printing technique transfers ink onto various packaging materials. It is a better option for customized packaging and printing on different materials, like cardboard, paper, and plastic.   

When choosing one of these printing methods, focus on your specific printing needs. Consider the quantity and type of packaging you want and the packaging material. Also, you should consider image resolution, color trends in packaging design, and print quality for better results. And if you want to work with professional packaging designers, we have an excellent team at Penji. Plus, subscribing to an unlimited graphic design service allows you to create unlimited design requests and revisions without hidden charges. Get a demo now to learn more!