Selecting The Right Packaging – Make A Choice Between Functionality & Aesthetics

It doesn’t matter if you are running a medium-sized business or a small one; it will always be challenging to gain a competitive edge, especially when eCommerce is soaring high. In the majority of cases, the businesses are so indulged in marketing, product sourcing, and website functionality that the product packaging and its details go on the back foot. However, the custom boxes for business are always the right choice when the product needs to be optimized. 

According to the research, more than 72% of the customers think that packaging is a crucial part of their product purchasing experience, which is why it’s crucial to work on the packaging. There was a time when product packaging was only a vehicle, but now, it has become a marketing tactic that allows the brands to connect with the customers. In fact, over 50% of the customers are always up for spending more on the product when they are getting a well-done packaging with the product. 

Whether you are outsourcing the product design team or working on the product packaging design yourself, there are some factors that you need to remember. So, with this article, we are sharing the factors to consider to select the right packaging for your product and help you choose between functionality and aesthetics!

The Factors To Consider

Brand Orientation & Outline 

When you first start with the process of product packaging designing, the first thing to consider is brand orientation. With brand orientation, you must identify the brand aesthetics, including the fonts and colors. It will help create the outline for adding creative direction to packaging designing, and more details are always welcomed. Once you have attained the concise outline in the document or have shared it with the team, we are sure that product packaging will go smoother. It is essential to ensure that your team is taking the references from the brand instructions throughout the packaging project as it helps yield the promised results and enables you to complement the brand vision and mission. Having access to this information will also help choose the correct packaging type, including mailer boxes, shipping boxes, flexible packaging, or rigid mailers. 

Product Dimensions 

The second step in product packaging designing is to measure the product dimensions. When it comes down to taking the measurements, you need to consider the primary product as well as the extras that will go into the package. It will help you gain a better understanding of the packaging measurements, so you will understand how much room and space needs to be created. There are different online tools available that can help choose the right size, but your packaging designer should be able to help as well. 

Message 

The third factor to consider is what you are trying to convey with the product packaging. This is because it helps understand the right colors, graphics, and fonts to use on the packaging. For curating the message, it’s better to pin down a meeting with your brand team as they can better help keep the packaging design on track while creating the precise message.

Now that you have collected information about these three factors, you can start with the actual packaging design process!

  • The DIY Approach 

If your brand has already acquired a professional and skilled in-house designing team, you can opt for the DIY approach because they can help create a sense of the brand and design the packaging that stays true to the brand identity. To be honest, if you already have the designer team, this approach will be much more affordable as compared to hiring a third-party designer. To be honest, you can try doing the product packaging design on your own at first, and if you don’t like the outcome, you can outsource this project to a third-party designer. 

In addition to this, there are various 3D proofing tools available that you can use to make sure the product packaging is going on optimally. Also, if you go ahead with the DIY approach, don’t forget to consult the primary messaging and branding guidelines to ensure your packaging design is on the right track. In fact, you can also print both sides of the packaging boxes to maximize the availability of the space. Moreover, you can always use the packaging’s interior to deliver the “thank you” message as it encourages the customers to share your brand with others! 

  • Outsourcing The Packaging Designing 

If your brand has enough budget or you don’t have the in-house designing team to work on the packaging design, outsourcing this project will be a better choice since it helps you yield the results that you are looking for. However, it’s essential to share the packaging dimensions, brand guidelines, and the message with the designer to ensure they deliver what you’ve in mind. 

Once you are done with these factors and decisions, it’s important that you start working on creating the unboxing experience. According to recent customer research, creating the picture-worthy unboxing experience has become a must-have for every packaging, and it wouldn’t be wrong to call it as important as the brand product. For this reason, you need to focus on the primary product presentation as well as the intricate details. Keep in mind that it helps enhance the perceived value of the brand and improve the brand loyalty standards. Not to forget, it helps tell the brand story. There are various ways that can help you create a better unboxing experience, such as;

  • You can opt for the customized tape as compared to the plain brown or clear tape as it speaks about the brand 
  • Opt for the stock tissue paper as it adds a refined touch to the packaging 
  • Use branded stickers that customers can choose however they prefer 
  • You can enhance brand recognition with the help of packaging sleeves
  • Opt for the packaging inserts to increase the presentation of the packaging 
  • Lastly, you can opt for spiro-pack, which creates amazing surprise and adds cushioning to the product 

We are sure that it’s enough information to work on the packaging, but if you still need more assistance, you can get in touch with WeCustomBoxes as they are experienced in packaging!

Brett Sartorial
 

Brett is a business journalist with a focus on corporate strategy and leadership. With over 15 years of experience covering the corporate world, Brett has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, analytical and insightful journalist. He has a deep understanding of the business strategies and leadership principles that drive the world's most successful companies, and is able to explain them in a clear and compelling way. Throughout his career, Brett has interviewed some of the most influential business leaders and has covered major business events such as the World Economic Forum and the Davos. He is also a regular contributor to leading business publications and has won several awards for his work.