The design plan for a product packaging box is like the trunk of a tree. As the saying goes, “A good packaging box isn’t necessarily expensive, and an expensive packaging box isn’t necessarily good.” Whether a packaging design plan is effective or not almost determines whether the packaging will save unnecessary costs in the production phase and whether it can generate higher profits, making the product more valuable.
What is a packaging box design plan? Most people might think it’s just the visual design on the packaging, but that’s only one part. The design plan can be divided into three main components. Here’s an overview and some strategic suggestions that might help companies when creating product packaging:
1.Packaging Information Compilation
The packaging information generally includes:
Brand-related content: brand logo, slogan, brand color scheme (VI system), auxiliary graphics, mascots, etc.
Product-related content: product name, model, images, selling points, specifications, ingredients, etc.
Company-related information: company name, phone number, website, QR codes, etc.
Key to this is well-crafted copy that highlights the brand and product’s strengths. It’s recommended that core members from the marketing or R&D departments—or even the company founder—be involved in crafting this. Alternatively, the company can gather and draft the content themselves and have a third party refine and optimize it to achieve a professional result while saving costs. If the project budget allows, it can also be outsourced to a brand planning company for a complete design plan.
2.Packaging Structure Selection
Choosing the structure of the packaging box is a key step, typically completed before starting the visual design. Even when outsourcing to a packaging design company, the structure is usually defined early in the process. Common structures include:
Lid-and-base boxes, tuck-in boxes, lock-bottom boxes, handle boxes, hanger boxes, book-style boxes, drawer boxes, double-opening boxes, and various special structure designs.
With so many options, it’s easy for companies to fall into “decision paralysis.” However, most businesses don’t need to overthink the structure and should focus on two main strategies:
Stick to practicality: Instead of chasing novelty, use tried-and-tested box structures that are common in the market. These structures are widely adopted for a reason—they’re practical and effective.
Maximize creativity with standard structures: Use standard structures to save costs but make the visual design stand out through creative graphics, high-quality materials, and printing techniques. This approach can achieve both cost savings and high value.
At NATURAL PACKAGING, many design plans are provided by clients. Based on the designers’ material and craftsmanship suggestions, we further optimize the packaging material and production techniques using our years of experience, helping clients save costs while enhancing the quality and perceived value of the packaging.
3.Visual Design
The visual design of the packaging box is often seen as the entirety of packaging design, but it’s only one aspect—the visual representation. This includes the style, color, composition, typography, and other elements. For companies aiming to create outstanding packaging visuals, they should:
Have a sufficient budget.
Hire an excellent design agency or experienced designer.
If possible, build an internal design team dedicated to refining every detail.
There are countless strategies for packaging visual design, but two key principles and one cost-effective tip stand out:
“Simple but extraordinary”: In today’s cluttered commercial environment, good design requires simplicity.
“Attention to detail”: Small design elements like typography, spacing, and positioning can make a huge difference, often revealing the designer’s skill and attention to detail.
A cost-saving tip commonly used at NATURAL PACKAGING is a “results-oriented packaging design method.” Companies should first gather references that suit their needs and match market demand. This minimizes guesswork and allows for faster, cheaper production of an ideal packaging design.
In conclusion, a good packaging box isn’t defined by price. A well-executed packaging design incorporates thoughtful information gathering, appropriate structure selection, visually appealing designs, and careful planning of materials, printing, and finishing techniques. By paying attention to every detail, companies can create packaging that not only reduces production costs but also increases the product’s perceived value and sales potential.
