Category: Packaging
I dig the new look. Simplicity is being taken to a whole new level. Will it reach a breaking point? Simple black ink printed on grocery sack? What’s your take?
Please comment.
I know this is going on three years old, but I had to watch it again as I was pondering Apple’s wonderful package design, and the “unboxing” phenomenon. (if you can’t see the YouTube video, just Googlevideo search “Microsoft iPod Package”)
As everyone knows, simplicity rules at Apple – both in the store, and in the package designs themselves. But it’s not just the graphic design. Every Apple product is so wonderfully nestled in it’s soft matte bed, you feel like you’re unwrapping and picking up a newborn child. Okay, that’s a stretch. I’ve had the pleasure of unboxing dozens of Apple products (including 2 iPhones, 2 Macbooks, an iSight camera and countless Macs). Engadget posts several unboxing experiences for our viewing pleasure.
But I’m blathering…
As reported by the iPod Observer, this video was created, ironically, by the design team at Microsoft. It’s timeless because it reinforces what good design is. As many of us designers know, we often have to teach our clients who want every feature of their product listed on the package. In bold italic underlined. With a drop shadow and glow.
Your opinion?
As most of my many fans know, I’m a huge “Before and After” comparison lover – especially when it comes to brand ID.
So I squealed with delight as I stumbled upon another scorching “before and after” logo design debate at Brand New. Sunkist recently rebranded its orange drink. My opinion? Most any change is good change in retail. Especially when marketing products for those crazy youths. Having said that, I’m not in love with the logotype, and certainly don’t like the “swirl-o-rama” going on in the background. But if it appeals to the young folk, then it should work out just fine. Does anyone else see a resemblance to the old Snapple logo? Check the discussion out at Brand New.
Randy Ludacer of Beach Package Design writes a very good article in Package Design Magazine about product visualization and its importance in manufacturers’ decisionmaking. We find this is a key step in the package design process. Retailers want to see the product as it will look – typically on the shelves.
Like us, Beach is often contracted to create a “virtual” prototype before the product is made:
“Before making the a new product, our clients will usually make a either a physical prototype or—in cases where the product is essentially a design idea—they’ll hire us to make a simulated picture of the proposed product and present that to the buyer before incurring any actual manufacturing costs.”
Of course, this is exactly what we do best. Hey, Randy… I’m droppin’ you a line.
JoAnn Hines, world renowned as “the Packaging Diva” for her industry expertise, has written a very insightful article about packaging for the consumer. Check it out on her blog.
JoAnn’s written many important articles on the subject of packaging, and consults with entrepreneurs and companies large and small who have something to sell. She also speaks at packaging events across the country.
