How to Create Packaging

Packaging protects its contents.

Packaging is the outer wrapping of a product and is an integral part of consumer culture. Packaging should be multifunctional; its basic function is to protect its contents during transportation and storage. Efficient transportation and storage of products is possible when they are within standardized packaging. Packaging also communicates information about the product and about the company that produced it. Creating effective packaging considers these three functions.

Things You'll Need

• Product
• Packaging materials

Instructions

The Package

1. Draw a full-size or scale diagram of the shape of the package. This is your packaging template. Include views of all sides of the package as well as the top and the bottom. Decide on the most appropriate shape of the package. Consider using a nontraditional shape, such a pyramid or a sphere, to differentiate you from the competition, but keep in mind the logistical space constraints of transporting, storing and displaying these shaped packages.

2. Investigate different materials available to use as your packaging. Does the packaging have to be rigid to protect the contents or can it be flexible? Would a transparent material add to the package's appeal? Consider eco-friendly materials for their sustainability and for their consumer appeal.

3. Mark the dimensions of each part of the package on your diagram. Write or draw your different material selections on the appropriate sections. If possible, attach samples of the materials that you will use.

The Outside

1. Write down what information you want the package to convey. Consider using words, pictures, diagrams or charts to convey this information. Investigate what languages the text should or could be in. Do you have a company logo or brand that needs to be on the package? Investigate the legal requirements of packing text such as contact information or nutritional analysis of food products.

2. Design the look and feel of your packaging. Ensure that the overall style -- colors, graphics and language -- will appeal to your audience or consumers.

3. Use graphic design principles to arrange the information on the packaging template. The text should be readable and the colors and pictures should attract attention. Position your company logo or product graphic so that people can see it at a distance. Be aware of any cultural differences such as the meanings of colors.

The Inside

1. Examine how the product fits within the packaging. The package should protect its contents and ensure that they arrive undamaged. Design the packaging inserts that will hold the product in place.

2. Investigate different materials such as Styrofoam and cardboard. Consider whether you will need to enclose the product in something waterproof to contain spills or leaks.

3. Draft any instructions or checklists that will be included in the package. These may be assembly instructions, a list of parts or discount coupons for future products.

4. Test the packaging by making a model. Shake it, and drop it to see if the contents remain unbroken.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider eco-friendly materials for their sustainability and for their consumer appeal.

References

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Outside of the Box Packaging Design
• Packaging Digest: 10 Innovative Packing Ideas
• Packaging World: Are you Tapping Packaging's Full marketing Potential?

Resources

• The Die Line: Package Design Blog
• Institute of Packaging Professionals