I completed Packaging Design which was my fifth class towards a degree in Communication Design. This course provided a great insight into the world of packaging and the impact it has on our everyday lives.
I received a final grade of 90/100. I was slightly disappointed I didn’t achieve a higher mark, but still happy with the result.
Packaging Design
When you think about packaging design, you might see it as something that advertises products and brands. While this is a major part of, there are also many aspects you may not know.
Packaging Design involves the consideration of form, material, function, accessibility, communication, sustainability, psychology and more.
An example of desirable packaging may be one that functions well, by containing and protecting the product and ensuring it can be accessed efficiently. Maybe you have encountered those evil plastic clamshells that you can’t open without scissors? 😈 The packaging should be made from the most suitable material for the product and use sustainable options, such as recycled materials. If possible, having packaging that can be reused rather than thrown away is an excellent choice! 💖 Communication must be on point, through meticulous typography, imagery and colour. You need to be able to read and understand relevant information and the product needs to stand out and grab the attention of the consumer. The product must know who the target market is and speak to them directly. This involves understanding the demographics, psychographics and more.
There is so much more I could say about packaging design and particular areas, but If you are interested in learning more about this design discipline you might like to view The Dieline or read Packaging Design: Successful Product Branding from Concept to Shelf by Marianne Rosner Klimchuk. 📚
Project 1
Project 1 involved looking at a range of packaging in a store and choosing an example that was bad or ugly. We would take this model and create a new design (for the front), using the existing brand and remaining in the current market, while also creating a form for an alternative market.
This was my completed project 1, with the original, redesign for the current and alternative markets.
I received 98/100 for this assessment.
Project 2
Project 2 involved looking at bad packaging within a particular category (home, garden or office) and creating packaging that improved on accessibility and legibility. We were required to produce full packaging (all surfaces) as well as construct a model. We were also required to create a brand.
These are some examples of my completed design.
I received 80/100 for this assessment. It was considerably lower than my previous, and I am still waiting for feedback. I have a feeling this may be linked to my chosen material (cardboard) and that I have not gone into more consideration of reusable packaging. 👎
This class could be intense at times, with many activities to complete each week. I tried my best and dedicated a lot of time to understanding packaging and trying to implement that knowledge into my designs. It changed my perspective on how I see packaging in my everyday life. When I encounter bad packaging, I start thinking how it could have been designed differently. 😄
Questions
- Have you ever struggled with bad packaging?
- What is your favourite packaging design/product?
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