Packaging: Tying It All Together

Just a few notes and some of my favorite images from the PaperSpecs “Packaging: Tying It All Together” webinar with Steve Sikora of Design Guys.

– Innovation doesn’t always need to be expensive.

– Simple is usually the best.

– Consider nature as a primary model while designing packaging.
The egg alone was proper packaging until it had to be shipped, then it needed a package. The egg carton was invented and evolved from a recycled molded pulp to a wasteful plastic package.

– A package becomes familiar. The way you find an item.

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What makes good packaging “good”?

1- Protection – How the package protects it’s contents

2- Organization – ipod/iphone

3- Theft Deterrence – a small item may have to be packaged in a cumbersome way

4- Display

5- Branding

6- Marketing – Example: Red Brick Pale Ale

7- Prestige

8- Shelf Presentation – Example: Michael Graves Design

9- Experience – should not only be visual

10- Authenticity

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Items are getting smaller and smaller but we are creating more waste. Good packaging should consider this problem. Designers are in the position to help.

Reduce. Evolv eliminates pvc clamshell.

Reuse. Puma Bag.

Recycle. Package Lamp by David Gardener.