How you can use graphic design and packaging design
Graphic design is the process of using words, images, colours and messages to communicate ideas and important business information.
Using graphic design
You can use graphic design for anything from annual reports to large-scale advertising or banners. It can help you to communicate and connect with your customers, and influence how they see your business, product or brand.
Graphic designers can help:
create a memorable brand identity for your business or products
strengthen your business’ position within its industry
set you apart from your competitors
promote your business and its offerings to different audiences
increase sales through better advertising
Common uses of graphic design in business
Graphic designers can help on a range projects, including:
websites
marketing materials (eg brochures and product sales sheets)
business cards
flyers
annual reports
logos
signage
product packaging
See how to choose and work with a designer.
Using packaging design
The main function of packaging is to sell the product at its point of purchase. Its important to think carefully about how your products are packaged. In particular, you should think about:
the structural design of your packaging – eg how it can help advertise your product, and make it more recognisable and practical for the stockists, customers, etc
the functional design of your packaging – eg how it can protect your product during delivery to shops, customers and beyond
Consider if combining the two would offer your business more value. For example, retail-ready packaging is designed to protect your product during transport to shops, but it can also be easily opened and put onto the shelf – where it becomes part display case, part dispensing aid.
Sustainable packaging
The use of ‘green’ packaging is on the rise, with consumers demanding more environment-friendly solutions. Designers can help you develop sustainable packaging, making it more attractive to potential customers.
When deciding on your packaging needs, think about:
how far your product has to travel from its source to its point of purchase
how many products can be shipped per pallet
how your product’s full lifecycle impacts on the environment, from its initial packaging to the point of sale, use by the customer and finally to its disposal
You can read more about the packaging design: essential top tips.
You can also complete our Get design ready tool to improve your understanding of design and its role in developing successful products, services and businesses.