So, how do you approach a new packaging design project from concept to completion? If you are in the marketing industry, packaging design plays a pivotal role in capturing attention, conveying brand identity, and ensuring product integrity.
Whether it’s a new product launch or a redesign of an existing line, the journey from conceptualisation to the final packaged product involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of approaching a packaging design project from start to finish, focusing on collaborating effectively with packaging suppliers.
Understanding the Brief
Every packaging design project begins with a conversation with the client, to understand their objectives. Whether it’s a sleek, minimalist design for a luxury skincare brand or a vibrant, playful concept for puppy food, grasping the essence of the brand and its target audience is paramount.
Market Research
It’s important to note that staying abreast of industry trends and consumer preferences is non-negotiable. Thorough market research helps identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation while ensuring that the design resonates with the intended demographic.
Concept Development
Armed with insights from the brief and market research, the creative process kicks into high gear. Brainstorming sessions yield many conceptual ideas which are then refined into tangible design concepts. Factors such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and regulatory compliance are carefully considered at this stage.
Design Exploration
With a solid conceptual foundation in place, designers delve into the visual field, experimenting with colours, typography, imagery, and structural elements. Digital mockups allow us to see the design in the flesh, and allow for tweaks in design without the need to reprint.
Prototype Creation
Transitioning from digital to physical, prototypes are crafted to assess the feasibility and functionality of the design. These prototypes serve as tangible manifestations of the concept, allowing for hands-on evaluation and iteration based on feedback.
Technical Considerations
Collaborating closely with packaging suppliers is crucial at this juncture. We provide invaluable insights into technical specifications, manufacturing capabilities, and cost implications. Designers and suppliers navigate considerations such as printing techniques, material selection, and production processes to ensure the design translates seamlessly into reality.
Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the labyrinth of regulatory requirements is essential to ensure that the packaging complies with relevant standards and regulations. Whether it’s FDA guidelines for food packaging or OPRL guidelines for adherence to regulatory compliance is non-negotiable.
Testing and Validation
Usability testing and stakeholder feedback play a pivotal role in refining the design. From focus groups to end consumers, gathering insights on factors such as shelf appeal, ease of opening, and product protection informs iterative improvements.
Finalisation and Refinement
Incorporating feedback and fine-tuning details, the design undergoes its final rounds of refinement. Attention to minutiae such as colour accuracy, branding elements, and finishing touches ensures that the design is primed for success.
Prepress Preparation
Preparing final artwork files for printing is a meticulous process that demands attention to detail. Collaboration with suppliers ensures that the artwork meets specifications for colour management, file formats, and resolution, laying the groundwork for flawless execution.
Production Oversight
As the design transitions from the digital realm to the physical realm, close collaboration with suppliers ensures quality control and adherence to specifications. Press checks and rigorous quality assurance protocols safeguard against deviations from the envisioned outcome.
Delivery and Launch
Coordinating logistics for packaging delivery and distribution marks the culmination of the project. Monitoring the packaging’s performance in the market and gathering feedback paves the way for continuous improvement and iteration.
Navigating a packaging design project from concept to completion is a multifaceted endeavour that demands creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail. By leveraging the expertise of packaging suppliers and adhering to a systematic approach, designers can deliver impactful solutions that resonate with consumers and drive brand success.
That’s how you approach a new packaging design project from concept to completion! If your brand wants to invest in quality packaging, we will guide you through the entire print process. In addition, we are providing recommendations along the way to improve efficiency, reduce costs and add untold value to the end product.
Contact us on +44 (0) 161 440 7302 or follow this link to complete our contact form – or, we’ll see you there!
