Packaging keeps the world organized. Whether it’s a packet for your M&Ms, a hamper for your dirty laundry or the bottle that holds the delicious liquid particles of your beer together, choosing the right packaging is as important as the things we put in them!
So what is product packaging? According to elegantpackaging.com, product packaging design refers to the creation of the exterior of a product. That includes choices in material and form as well as graphics, colors and fonts that are used on wrapping, a box, a can, a bottle or any kind of container.
It’s a practical tool, yes. (I mean, how else are you going to effectively get beer into your mouth?) But it’s also more than that. Like any good design, packaging tells a story. It’s also a sensual experience, literally engaging us through sight, touch and sound (and possibly smells and taste, depending on the product/package). All of these details help us understand what the enclosed product is for, how it should be used, who should use it and, maybe most importantly, if we should buy a product or not.
3 Important Questions to ask before making up your mind
What is the product?
Not a trick question; this should be an easy one. What are you selling? How big is it? What materials is it made of? Is it delicate?
This question is going to help you determine if there are any logistical musts for your product packaging. For example, a delicate product will require more secure packaging. Something that is large or with odd dimensions, on the other hand, may require a custom packaging solution instead of an out-of-the-box box.
Who’s buying the product?
Is the product supposed to be used by men, women or both? Is it for children or adults? Is it geared towards people who are environmentally conscious? To those on a budget or with lots of disposable income?
A product’s packaging should appeal to its ideal consumer; it’s important to know who that consumer is before you start the design process. Products for older adults may need larger text. Alternatively, items geared towards an affluent customer will need to consider materials that create a feeling of luxury.
How are people buying the product?
Are they purchasing it in a supermarket? A small boutique? Online?
You’re going to want to think about packaging differently if the product is going to be sold online and shipped than if it’s going to need to stand out from the competition on a big-box store shelf. Items that will be sold online probably shouldn’t have a lot of extra space that could cause the product to rattle around, or the package to bend. And those that will be on a boutique shelf will need to catch the eye of a buyer surrounded by cutesy items in cutesy packages.
Got your answers? Good. These will guide you in making all of the other (many) decisions that you’ll have to make in the packaging design process.
Still pondering these questions? You’re probably not ready to start the packaging design process just yet. That’s okay! It’s better to take your time and get it right than jump in too soon.
Box Types and Design Categories
3 most common boxes types are:
- Rigid Boxes: also referred to as set up boxes are usually associated with luxury good but have not become very common with every type of good ranging from clothing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and so on. Apart from the its physical appeal another attraction is its sturdiness and rigidity it offers, making it a good option for packaging heavier good and items.
- Folding Cartons: These are flexible and unlike the others can be printed on directly. Though it is not as rigid as the other types, different assembling techniques give it varying degrees of strength and thus increasing its versatility.
- Corrugated Boxes: Usually used as secondary packaging for items or in some cases with box classes E and F as the primary packaging for boxes. They are for heavy duty packing and packaging and are extensively used for transportation, especially over long distances.
Design Categories:
Common box design categories are:
2-Piece Telescope Lid Boxes
This is the most common type of box available. It is usually made up of a base and a fully detachable lid. Can be available in both foldable cartons and rigid boxes. There are different variants of the telescope lid. Viz:
- Full Telescope Lid
- Partial Telescope Lid
- Shoe Boxes
- And other variants
Slipcase or Tray with Sleeves (Drawer Box)
This is a two piece drawer type box. It is made of a base and a covered box. They are typically used for book sets and are usually only available in most cases in rigid boxes. There are many variants and design concepts available but the general concept is the same.
Neck or Shouldered Box
A 3-piece box made up of the box, the base as well as the lid. This is strictly a variant of the telescope lid box but with three pieces making up the box. There are many variants of the shouldered box but the most common variants are those with space in between the lid and the base and those that do not have a space. The beauty of the shouldered box is the absence of the overlapping that is present in the regular Telescope lid box. They are only available in rigid boxes.
V- Notch Drawer Box
Sometimes a ribbon pull just won't do. This packaging design features a V- Notch on the tray, eliminating the need for a ribbon and providing a slightly more clean look. Its streamlined profile is a perfect solution for minimalist packaging design.
Flip top Cigar Box
This is a one piece hinged (one piece) box. The lid is attached to the box and is best for reusable items, where the content and the box will be reused again. They were popularized by exotic cigar makers according to the name, but are now used for a variety of items.
Book Style Box
A tray and a Book cover are combined to create this type of packaging.
Clamshell
Uniboxes, also called clam shell boxes, function like an actual clam shell. The lid is hinged to the base with a spine panel that is created with crease scores or a routing operation.
How to Get a Box Package Done in 4 Steps
Fill out the order form below
Fill the request form on our order page, put as much information of what you want in the form and click submit. Check your email for a feedback. We will review your request and prepare a specification document to your email.
Check your email for the specification document
Review the specification document for the details of your project and make additions or subtractions as the case may be. Be as detailed as possible.
Then make the payment for the invoice received
Upon review(s) and approval of the specification document then your invoice will be sent to you. Check your email for the invoice and choose which payment method you will use.
And we will create your dreams and deliver it to you
Upon satisfaction of your financial obligation for the project, the project implement will commence. A sample prototype will be sent to you based on the product category for your review after which mass production of the prototype will be made.
And Finally on What to know before Choosing the right Packaging
You can get the best quality of boxes and packages. Unique and innovative designs, best quality materials and world class finishing that will make your products and gifts stand out among its peers.
TIMC Editorials
More from TIMC? Checkout our homepage to know more about us
Checkout our online catalog for our services
Checkout other exciting posts from our blog
Place your orders on our order page