CMO Pam Webber from 99desings has provided what she is seeing as the Big Six design trends in packaging. If you have not heard of 99designs, super cool site where this is an online graphic design marketplace that connects freelance designers with business seeking everything from package design to logos. (We used them to create our current logo that you see on our Cheever website today)
We figured with the amount of requests they do in this space for packaging, hearing what Pam had to say is some good tribal knowledge – so here we go.
- Simplicity. Using less language will keep you in sync with our fast-paced society. People race up and down the food isles so keeping things simple is a way to get noticed. Keeping things simple plays an important role in helping us access our intuitive side
- Pastels. Pastels feel like a natural reaction to the hyper-stimulation and explosive colors we’ve been experiencing. They speak to our softer side and give products a candid and warm aura, which is translated into a pleasant and welcoming message for the potential customer. This translates in feminine, calming package designs that are starting to see a resurgence.
- Doodles. Go figure that when Doodles are see on a package, doodles can turn a product into a fun universe that was born from someone’s imagination and shared with the world. Everyone loves Doodles from 3 to 90 year olds. It is this “raw” un-edit, let-your-guard” down approach that shows the consumer – “hey I’m just like you”
- Standout Shapes and Material’s. When needing to build a brand or re-brand, having this “extreme packaging” showcases the thoughtfulness and ingenuity your product brings to the market.
- Vintage. Going with an old school design demonstrates and give the feel that you have a dedication to a certain level of quality, and it tells a story of tradition, respect and passion. These are elements that remain alive-from a design standpoint-through organized structure, dense details and strong, lasting identity. People love to see early turn of century workers “making” things with their hands or showing the hard work it took back then to make something great. It is also shows the passion the workers have for their product and company that really bleeds through to your audience. Think Chevy commercial “Like a Rock” and several others.
- Vibrant Gradients. The use of gradients seems to be making a comeback. We are seeing more and more colorful gradients, adding depth, and form to package design.