What is packaging?
Packaging is the wrapper, box, bottle or bag that holds a product. Good packaging design keeps the product safe, tells the buyer about it, and makes the product look attractive on the shelf.
Key idea
Packaging has three main jobs: protect the product, inform the buyer, and attract the buyer.
What good packaging includes
- Product name and picture, so people know what it is.
- Information such as weight, ingredients and expiry date.
- A barcode for the shop to scan at the counter.
- Strong material that stops the product from breaking.
Designers pick the material to suit the product. Glass and hard plastic protect drinks, paper and card suit dry snacks, and soft plastic wraps light items. Using less material and choosing materials that can be recycled is kinder to the environment.
Example
A biscuit box is made of card with a picture of the biscuits, the name, the weight and an expiry date. The card is folded to hold the biscuits firmly and can be recycled.
Design process
To design packaging, first understand the product, then sketch ideas, choose the best one, make a prototype, test it and improve it.