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Packaging design process (Part II)

  • Politech
  • Elias Bittan
Secondary Packaging, Labels, Tree Derivatives, Paper, Packaging Decoration, Colouring, Product Development Services, Design, 3D Design, CAD, Shows, Associations, Media, Packaging Awards

The previous part of the article, which discussed the packaging design process, described some of the more abstract aspects involving market analysis (including the analysis of the competition and customer needs). We also discussed the problem of developing the product concept and defining the specifications for launching the packaging design.

What, then, are the subsequent stages of product development, resulting in a 3D model (or visualisation) ready for submission to the production department along with technical and technological documentation?

Concepts, drawings, paper prototypes…

After receiving the initial specifications and guidelines, the designers commence work on the first concepts. By producing dozens of classic drawings, it is possible to work out the best solution, one that harmoniously combines all the components while observing the budget constraints. Many designer use prototyping at this stage to make paper models based on the drawings. In this way the functionality of the selected solutions can easily be tested.

Computer assistance

The packaging industry often uses advanced software for computer-aided design and production. Computerisation enables the faster and more accurate visualisation and the creation of 2D or 3D models using CAD programs. The major advantages of this approach are real-time computation of all values, elimination of errors and experimenting with different parameters (e.g. material parameters). With process computerisation, it is also possible to rationalise production (reduce the production costs by optimisation) and achieve a much higher repeatability of the products manufactured on the production line.

Virtual shop shelf

The packaging design must also take into account how the product sets itself apart from competing products: will it stand out? Will it have bargaining power? The easiest way to find out is to prepare a virtual shop shelf by modifying shelf pictures with a dedicated program or to arrange a sample display in a photo studio.

3 seconds

This is how long an average buyer focuses on a single product on the shelf. Use this time well by making sure that your packaging design includes all that you would like to communicate to the customer. The better you match all the features of the packaging (size, shape, texture, colour and labels), the more likely it is to trigger the desired reaction in the buyer: selecting your product from the shelf.

See also

Our own tool shop – a huge advantage in the industry!

Creating production injection moulds in a facility without a tool shop is a huge challenge. Managing a company department that must simultaneously secure ongoing production and create new moulds may generate delays and many other unforeseeable events. Ultimately, however, the development of our company in this direction is proving to be very beneficial, as it gives us unlimited control over the whole process – from the idea to the finished product. So how do we use this competitive advantage at Politech?

Does Slow Life affect the cosmetics market?

Stress, putting our professional life before private matters, constant haste in all daily activities, eating on-the-go, a lack of sleep, no time for our family… These things are typical of contemporary times. And it is precisely them that the increasingly popular Slow Life lifestyle is supposed to counteract. Its characteristics are becoming noticeable in many areas of life as well as in various industries. Similar trends can be observed in the cosmetics market, where both the producers and the consumers are heading towards Slow Life.

Bespoke production is beneficial for the customer

Politech offers standardised products such as caps for perfume bottles, rings and jars for cosmetics. Every item and even individual parts of the items may be ornamented using the following methods: vacuum metal coating, UV varnishing, hot-stamping or full body colouring. Other options available: matt finish, glitter or pearl effect. That way, the range of possibilities is really huge and if we sold stock products, it would hamper the imagination of our customers and limit our development.

Instant Beauty - What is it all about and how can you use it?

Although Slow Life continues to be one of the most influential trends in the consumer market, there is also a large group of people who have a different approach to life. This group of consumers chooses cosmetics with great care, assessing their composition. They also have certain requirements related to life in a constant hurry. Instant Beauty expects quick results, 3-in-1 cosmetics, and products combining care cosmetics with colour cosmetics.

How France became the perfume capital of the World

Sophistication, sensuality, luxury, beautiful scents and chic. Why is it that France is associated with these values? Why is it that French perfume is also associated with these qualities? Is it because of the unique plants and climate, which influences the locally-grown perfume ingredients? Perhaps it is so because the French have the best “noses” in the world? Perhaps there used to be real reasons for this, but the advantage of French perfume today only extends to marketing?

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  • Modified 31 Mar 2017
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