The Full Guide to the Packaging Design Process

Mar 30, 2022

Chart of US Organic sales growth 2016-2025

Your packaging is more than just a container. Through your packaging design, your brand has the opportunity to tell a story that resonates with your target audience. Different elements like your brand colors, packaging material, and user experience come together to not just make your product stand out on the shelf, but to also drive customer loyalty. Here are the stages that go into designing a package that your customers will love. 

Before Designing

Design Strategy

Before designing packaging, asking the right questions is key to setting your brand up for success. Asking questions like, “What is the purpose of the product and who is the target buyer?” and “Is there a brand style guide to establish consistency?” will ensure your packaging tells the right story so you can connect with your target audience in a powerful way.

Market Research

When shopping, consumers often make quick purchasing decisions, especially when they are in a grocery store going through a shopping list. Your brand’s packaging should attract shoppers and convince them to make a purchase. Conducting research on shelf impact so your brand understands how the package will look like in stores will ensure the packaging design aligns with your business goals, driving sales. 

Gather Content for the Packaging

Branding

Content is then created or gathered for the packaging design. Elements such as imagery, copywriting, brand style guide, and package dimensions are some important pieces of content needed before the design phase. 

Design Phase

The design phase is where brand elements come together to tell your brand story in a compelling way. Your packaging design will also adhere to any product packaging guidelines or regulations. Physical 3D package mockups are presented, so you can select which design best aligns with your vision. 

Revision Stage

The revision stage is a process where your brand will review the presented designs and provide feedback. The designers will implement any necessary changes, ensuring the packaging is communicating the right message. 

Prepare Files for Printing

Printing Packaging

After the packaging design is approved in the revision stage, the design files are prepared for printing. This includes setting up the packaging dieline in vector format and having the correct colors ready to send off to the package manufacturer. Once the artwork has been set up correctly to ensure the final packaging matches the approved design, the design is ready to send off to the package manufacturer. 

Package Manufacturing

The right packaging materials and factory are chosen based on your brand’s budget, timeline, and needs. The details from the previous packaging design stages come together, resulting in a beautiful finished product.

We hope this guide provides clarity on the different stages in the packaging design process. If you are in need of packaging design that tells your brand’s story well and drives sales, reach out to Deal Design today. 

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