a man holding a cup of coffee and some snacks

6 genius packaging design hacks that will make your product irresistible

Expert tips to help create packaging designs that will make your product irresistible and increase sales.
Words by
23 June, 2024
1 min read

Even if your product is top-notch, customers might still gravitate towards a rival’s offering simply because of its eye-catching packaging. Your product packaging deserves as much attention as the product itself to ensure it stands out on the shelves.

Here are some creative ways to design your product packaging and captivate potential customers.

Use patterns that reflect your brand

Incorporating patterns into your packaging can significantly enhance its visual appeal. While logos and branding elements are essential, the remaining blank spaces present an opportunity for creativity. Choose patterns and colors that align with your brand’s identity.

For example, use red, white, and blue stripes for a product that celebrates American heritage or opt for traditional Japanese designs if you’re selling kimonos.

Credit: pack-supplies.co.uk

Opt for unique materials

The material of your packaging can make a substantial impact. Moving beyond the conventional choices of cardboard, paper, or plastic can set your product apart. If your company prides itself on being eco-friendly, consider materials like hemp. Robust and textured materials can make your packaging more noticeable and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Add custom printed patches

Enhance unique materials with custom printed patches. These patches can be sewn onto fabric surfaces and designed to match your branding perfectly. Available in various thread colors, they add a touch of personalization and uniqueness.

Plus, your customers might reuse the patches on clothing or luggage, extending your brand’s visibility.

Credit: thedieline.com

Embrace playful designs

While a playful design might not suit every product, it can be highly effective in many markets. Adding cartoon characters, humorous slogans, or even cheeky elements can attract attention and make customers smile, which often leads to purchases. Just ensure that the playfulness aligns with your brand’s overall image.

Decide between bold or simple

The effectiveness of bold versus simple designs depends on your product and market research. Sometimes a bold, eye-catching design is the way to go, while other times, a minimalist approach can stand out. Consider your competitors’ designs and how your product will appear alongside them, whether on a store shelf or an online store.

Tell a story through your packaging

Storytelling is a powerful tool in modern packaging design. Sharing the story behind your product can pique customers’ interest and make a deeper connection. Whether it’s the inspiration behind the product or interesting trivia—like the origin of the word “cookie” on a cookie package—narratives can turn casual browsers into loyal customers.

Credit: worldbranddesign.com

To sum it up

Effective product packaging goes beyond just looking good; it tells your brand’s story, aligns with your values, and captures the essence of your product. By experimenting with patterns, materials, custom elements, playful designs, strategic simplicity or boldness, and storytelling, you can create packaging that not only attracts but also retains customer interest.

Subscribe for the latest design + inspiration

Straight to your inbox. * we do not spam.

David Ryckman

David is a regular contributor and sub-editor for Who Design Today. He is a Managing Partner at Kwibb and has a keen eye for design and branding.

Don't miss the latest