Why packaging design shouldn't ever be an afterthought
Aligned Design Co. is a brand, packaging and website design studio where thoughtful creatives collaborate to deliver exceptional design for small and medium businesses. Here, they share their packaging design tips.
1. This is your physical brand experience
Product packaging is a massive opportunity to create a sensory space where colours, textures & shapes combine into something magical.
With so many possibilities, and as with any element of your brand, the question to ask is this:
Beyond physical function, does this packaging design feel like us?
2. Elevated packaging design is about visual detail
To create something powerful, be ultra-demanding about design clarity, hierarchy and balance.
Your product needs to say clearly what it is and does, direct the customer to the most important information, and be practical – but it should also be beautiful.
3. Here’s where your customers engage their senses
Thoughtful attention to some or all of our five senses will create a next-level connection.
This is how packaging design can become a tactile, 3D, immersive part of your branding.
Think about touch and aroma. For example:
What texture, finish and weight would align with your brand?
Would your customer appreciate a spritz of fragrance in their package?
4. Unboxing makes great organic social content
Customers will want to photograph and video a thoughtful packaging experience because it feels worth sharing. So think about how each element builds an emotional connection to your products.
A single line of warm, human copy and a beautiful, simple card insert will work hard for you if it’s intentional. Equally, when carefully aligned to your brand story, there are so many options to create something more layered, surprising or quirky. Something your customers won’t forget.
5. Sustainability is non-negotiable
Customers are wise to greenwashing and many are deeply put off by unnecessary amounts of packaging.
While it’s impossible to be perfect, being considerate and transparent about the environmental impact of your packaging is essential now.
Want more inspiration?
We’ve created a free reflection guide for founders and marketers - guiding you to colours that reflect your brand’s essence and connect with the right people.
Aligned Design Co. specialise in creating brand identities that come from a deep understanding of your business, your vision and your future customers.