Packaging Design

We interact with packaging every day. Every box or container you open has been designed by someone. Now it's your turn to create some custom packaging of your own!

Step 1: Answer These 3 Questions

What is the product?
Who is buying the product?
How/Where are people buying the product?

Product Packaging: The Ultimate Guide - 99designsSo what is product packaging? Product packaging design refers to the creation of the exterior of a product. That includes choices in material and form as well as graphics, colors and fonts. This ultimate guide walks you through every step of the design process.

Step 2: Create and Gather Your Content

What text, images, and required marks will your packaging need? Different products have different requirements. Research other packaging! Some things you product MAY need:

General Product Requirements

Declaration of Identity (what is inside the packaging)
Declaration of Quantity (how much of your product is in the packaging - a quantity number or net weight. Use units!)
Declaration of Responsibility (name and address of the company who manufactured or distributed the product)
Bar Code
Price
Company Name
Company Logo
Product Description
Product Image
Features
Directions for use
Safety/Warning info
Related products
Customer testimonials
Guarantees or warranties

Food Item Requirements

Nutrition information
Serving size
Ingredients
Expiration date
Allergy warnings

Learn more about food packaging requirements here.

Electronic Item Requirements

Assembly requirements
Power source requirements (batteries? power outlet requirements?)
System/Electronic requirements

Clothing Item Requirements

Product size
Washing and care instructions
Material content (100% cotton or 75% polyester, 25% spandex, etc.)

Step 3: Sketch your idea

Create some brainstorm sketches for both the packaging and any images you will need on the packaging. Use Google drawings for creating your final images.

Step 4: Prototype!

(Your design must fit in your bin)

Build a prototype of your packaging our of paper or cardboard. Create a brand new design or use existing packaging as a template for the shape. *DON'T glue you package at this stage* You want to be able to glue or draw your designs on while it is flat.

Origami can be a good choice for certain types of boxes. Here are some examples of different origami boxes.

Step 5: Get your designs ready for print

Create the designs for the front, back, top, bottom and sides of your packaging in Google Drawings. Use the measurements from your prototype to set up your canvas size in Google Drawing.

File > Page Set Up > Custom > 8.5 inches x 11 inches (printer paper sized)

Step 6: Assemble

Glue all of your printed designs to your prototype before folding and gluing it into its final 3D form.

Step 7: Photograph

Small Product Photography

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