What does a package designer do?
A package designer is responsible for creating the visual and structural design of a product’s packaging. A package designer considers factors such as:
- Branding
- Target audience
- Product protection
- Sustainability
With seven out of ten consumers saying that packaging design influences their buying behavior, product packaging is surely a crucial factor in marketing.
If it’s your first time having a product packaging designed, here are a 13 questions to ask your designer, along with stellar examples crafted by Penji’s professional designers.
1. Can the design be printed on a durable material for the product’s storage conditions?
Why it’s important to ask: When designing packaging for your product, consider how the product will be stored and ensure that the material you use will hold up. For instance, this beef packaging design uses a natural, eco-friendly aesthetic that gives the impression of sustainability and quality. But instead of using a regular kraft material, the design is printed on a water-resistant material that could withstand moist and freezing conditions in the cold storage.
Get expert product packaging design that boost sales
Unlimited graphic design from the world’s best designers
2. Is the design scalable for different sizes without losing quality?
Why it’s important to ask: This brochure design for a coffee flavor enhancer features intricate graphics and text, making it important to ensure scalability for various print and digital formats. If resized for smaller uses, like business cards or larger posters, the details and text need to remain crisp and readable.
3. Does the label design stand out on the shelf?
Why it’s important to ask: In a competitive market, it’s important that the label still stands out on a crowded shelf, such as in the case of wine. Asking this ensures that the design not only communicates the quality and heritage of the wine but also catches the attention of consumers in a visually competitive retail environment.
4. Does the design highlight the product’s key benefits?
Why it’s important to ask: In this electrolyte drink mix packaging, vibrant colors and bold text grab attention, but it’s also crucial that the important product benefits – hydration and energy – remain clear and easy to find.
5. Does the design communicate the product’s key features?
Why it’s important to ask: Packaging should not only look appealing but also give customers a clear sense of the product’s benefits and craftsmanship. In this example, the package designer created a vintage design that offers a nostalgic, handcrafted feel, which is perfect for a candle that evokes warmth and coziness.
6. Does the design communicate both flavor and product content?
Why it’s important to ask: In this cookie packaging, the design uses fun and playful visuals to emphasize the different flavors. However, it’s also important for the package designer to ensure that the product’s key details. For this example, the such as THC + CBD content and serving size, are easily noticeable.
7. Does the design express the product’s origin and traditional use?
Why it’s important to ask: The package designer of this example ensured that the visuals highlight the unique origin of the kava root from Papua New Guinea and emphasizes its traditional use. However, the designer also made sure that the cultural significance doesn’t overshadow the practical product information. These info include preparation instructions, serving size, and nutritional facts.
8. Does the design create an engaging and memorable experience?
Why it’s important to ask: This cup design is vibrant and fun, which aligns with the lively atmosphere of the Universoul Circus. As seen on this example, it’s crucial that the design not only reflects the brand’s energetic vibe. Alongside the colorful visuals, the design also creates an emotional connection with the audience.
9. Does the design balance bold visuals with clear product information?
Why it’s important to ask: This is one of the examples of packaging design that features eye-catching tropical fruit visuals, effectively highlighting the flavor of the chewables. However, in regulated industries like cannabis, it’s essential to ensure that the design comes with clear product information. In this case, the package designer made sure that the visuals offer compliance and consumer safety.
10. Does the design emphasize the product’s natural ingredients while maintaining an appealing look?
Why it’s important to ask: This custom packaging designuses bold, fun typography and vibrant colors that create a sense of energy and appeal. Also, the designer made sure that the visuals express the product’s key selling point—its 100% natural ingredients.
11. Does the design communicate the freshness of the product?
Why it’s important to ask: This bread packaging emphasizes key selling points such as “Baked Fresh Daily” and “No Preservatives.” At the same time, the packaging was designed to keep some sections of the bag clear, allowing consumers to see the freshness of the product.
12. Does the design differentiate between the formulas for various variants?
Why it’s important to ask: As seen on the example, it’s crucial that the design maintains a clear distinction between different products while ensuring a cohesive brand identity across the line. Doing so helps prevent confusion, enhances the customer experience, and builds trust in the brand.
13. Does the design create a sense of fun while expressing brand vision?
Why it’s important to ask: Striking the right balance between fun visuals and clear messaging ensures customers understand what the product offers at a glance. At the same time, a fun look helps customers associate the brand with positive, enjoyable experiences.
Want product packaging designs that make a mark?
Let Penji’s package designer experts craft one for you! View a demo today so you can learn how you can have access to unlimited graphic design at a flat monthly rate.
