​Inspirational Packaging Design Trends for 2017

Trends are very mysterious things. Some stay for years and others leave as fast as they enter the scene. Still others shift and evolve with the times. Design is both the driving force and the result of this cycle of trends—with packaging design creating personal experiences that connect consumers to brands on a deeper level.

Here are some of the packaging trends that have been predicted for 2017. Check them out!

1. Be simple, bold and clear

Going back to the basics is a trend that resurfaces regularly. Minimizing the elements used in a package design can elevate a product. In our fast-paced world, shoppers don’t always have the time to study each and every product detail. Stick to the essentials and make sure they help the buyer make a more informed decision; a clean-cut design can convey information and make a product shine using simplicity.

2. Embrace custom lettering

Designers love to get crafty and create some of their artwork by hand. They do this to get the organic effect: imperfections—like irregular lines—can make a product stand out through warmth and set it apart from digital designs. This warmth can create an emotional tie to the product, making it feel handmade and wholesome, or communicating a feeling of nostalgia. Either way, for 2017, we are seeing a massive comeback of hand lettering.

3. Go wild with color

It’s no secret that colors evoke emotions and affect purchasing decisions. Because of this, color has always been one of the most important choices in packaging design. A buyer might not remember the name or number of their favorite flavor, but they will surely be able to recall if the packaging was a bright turquoise or vivid purple. This means that words might not be needed if colors are used effectively.

4. Repeat a pattern

Using well-chosen and beautiful patterns can elevate a package design from ordinary to ethereal. Although the idea of repetitive shapes might seem simple, the technique can be dynamic when used correctly. Repeating a visual motif that captures the essence of the brand sends a strong message. Patterning your package can indeed create an identity that customers will remember.

5. Use illustration as narrative

Behind every design there is a story, and packaging design has begun to incorporate narrative illustrations. This style can transport you to a fantasy world. Elderbrook labels—part of a full brand identity—create a mood and sense of place in the same immersive manner. Illustration is reclaiming its rightful place in the arsenal of package designers, and the new year will bring carefully crafted, content-rich illustrations that will remind us of forgotten stories or give us a taste of the stories to be discovered.

6. Put it in the mail

Remember the joy of getting something in the mail? With faster, more efficient ways to communicate, that experience has become more rare. Packaging design is here to save the day with an emerging postal trend.

7. Imagine ingenious die cuts

Traditional packaging tends to hide its contents, but modern designers are experimenting with die cutting to show products to their advantage. Whether it is encouraging tactile interaction, mimicking a brand’s logo, or forming identifiable or humorous shapes, creating a window in your packaging can show the product in a meaningful or clever way, making a buyer stop and take notice.

8. Find vintage inspiration

Vintage package design is evolving each year through the use of new technologies and materials. There is something about vintage design that resonates through time. It brings back memories for people who lived through the original era and satisfies the curiosity of younger generations eager to explore the past.

9. Explore eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly, biodegradable, natural, sustainable… Call it what you will, going green with packaging is a trend that is here to stay. Beyond its positive impact on the environment, it can also save companies money and attract customers. From using more renewable resources to keeping materials recyclable, more consumer brands are integrating eco-friendly design into their business.

Sources

http://www.packworld.com/trends-and-issues/business-intelligence/five-global-packaging-trends-2017

https://en.99designs.it/blog/trends/packaging-trends-2017/

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