It’s easy to see product packaging as nothing more than a vessel to contain products, but clever marketing professionals understand it’s much more than that.
The right packaging design can catch consumers’ attention and inspire them to buy and support a product. Your company’s brand is reflected and reinforced through the packaging you choose to present to consumers.
Packaging’s ultimate job is to sell your product. By knowing the current best practices in packaging, you can create a packaging solution that contains and protects your product while also appealing to the public.
Eye-catching Packaging Trends
These 10 packaging trends will help manufacturers and marketers design product packaging that appeals to consumers:
1. Modesty
Simple packaging isn’t new. The key to successfully going minimal lies in understanding how to find symbols that resonate with a variety of consumers. Once you’ve determined which symbols best suit your customers, your branding will not only explain itself, but it’ll do so in far fewer words than other methods would ever allow.
2. Pastels
Consumers’ lives are typically busy and chaotic, so customers are often drawn to packaging that features relaxing colors. Pastels provide pleasing packaging options that give consumers a break from the hyper-stimulation of day-to-day life.
3. Drawing
Adults and children alike are drawn to the sense of fun evoked through simplistic drawings. You can shift boring packaging into an eye-catching, exciting, and vibrant design just by adding simple artwork.
4. Posters
Posters have long been used in the marketing industry, but condensing the style of a poster onto a label or package is a unique way to promote everyday items. A good poster mixed with the right text and colors can turn your product into something that feels exciting or collectible based on its packaging alone.
5. Large Letters
If you want to catch consumers’ eyes and send a clear message, huge text is a straightforward and reliable option. Relying on upsized text to do the talking means less overall design work, and often works well with modest designs. Say what you want to say – and say it large.
6. Unique Materials and Shapes
It can be difficult to ensure that your product stands out, especially in saturated markets. Sometimes opting for minimalist approaches or pastel colors isn’t the right solution for a specific product. Utilizing vibrant and bold shapes, colors, and designs may make the difference between your product being passed over or becoming a household staple.
7. Throwbacks
Throwback looks are in demand right now. Just because you’re making something new doesn’t mean you can’t use some old tricks. Consumers often conflate vintage packaging styles with a dedication to the quality and craftsmanship of days past.
8. Photos
Not every package needs an artistic graphic design. Utilizing photography to present meaningful images to consumers is a fantastic way to get your brand’s message across. Photos convey complex visual messages that appeal to consumers in a variety of ways.
9. Sustainable Packaging
Many consumers are on the hunt for products that are eco-friendly with sustainable packaging. Whether or not your products meet these requirements, ensuring that your packaging does might make the difference between a pass and a sale.
10. Appeal to Multiple Demographics
Packaging that appeals to kids needs to appeal to their parents, too. If you can pull it off, marketing your product to multiple demographics allows you more opportunities to connect with consumers and make sales.
Designing Your Product Packaging
Tackling packaging design decisions can be complicated. If you can present a clear message with an interesting presentation – while also keeping your consumers’ goals in mind – your product is sure to turn a few heads.