Questions to Ask at the Packaging Creation Briefing
In Malaysia, when a designer receives a packaging box design job from a client, some will start designing straight away without asking any questions.
Without understanding the product properly, doing a packaging box design can lead to the wrong outcome. In the end, you may waste the client’s time and your own effort.
When working on packaging box design, you should ask the right questions first. These questions will guide your design direction, help you work more efficiently, and increase the chances of creating a successful packaging box.
Below are some important questions to ask during a packaging creation briefing.
1. What Are the Main Features of the Product?
You cannot sell a product if you do not understand it. The same rule applies to packaging box design. If you do not know the product well, you cannot design the right packaging.
By collecting complete and accurate product information, you will know how to design a packaging box that suits the product. You can identify the product’s strengths and highlight them clearly on the packaging box.
2. Who Are the Competitors?
in “Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.” in a hundred battles you will never be in danger.”
Knowing your competitors is very important. What are they doing to sell their product? How do their packaging boxes look?
Look at the colours, design style, and fonts they use. Ask why customers choose their product. With this information, you can position your product differently and create a packaging box that stands out on the shelf.
3. What is the Unique Selling Point (USP)?
The USP is very important because it shows why the product is different from others.
If the client is unsure about the USP, discuss it together. Ask what makes the product better than the rest. Often, the first answer given by the client can be refined into a strong USP.
Once the USP is clear, highlight it on the packaging box. This helps customers quickly understand the benefit and often influences their buying decision.
For example, if a wall paint dries faster, customers who need quick work will choose it. If the paint is thicker, customers may choose it to save time on repainting.
4. Who Is Your Target Audience?
You cannot use premium packaging when targeting children. Children prefer colourful and fun packaging that attracts attention.
On the other hand, an expensive watch should not have colourful packaging. It needs a luxury packaging box so customers feel they are buying an exclusive product.
For sports products, the packaging should look energetic. Use design elements that show speed and power so customers feel active and confident using the product.
Always understand your target audience. Are they children, teenagers, housewives, executives, or professionals? Are they male or female? Knowing this is very important when designing a packaging box.
5. What Is the Selling Price of the Product?
The selling price affects the packaging design.
If the product is expensive, the packaging box should look premium. Customers need to feel that the price they pay matches the quality they receive.
A low-quality packaging box can damage confidence. For example, a coffee product with only a simple sticker label cannot be sold at a premium price if the packaging looks cheap.
If the product price is lower, a simple packaging box design is more suitable. This helps customers feel comfortable buying the product.
6. What Material Will Be Used for Printing?
For food products, the printing material must be food grade compliant to ensure safety.
If the product is environmentally friendly, consider recycled paper or FSC-certified printing. This shows that the brand cares about the environment.
Customers appreciate thoughtful material choices. They remember brands that use the right materials and are more likely to choose them again.
7. Is the Product Fragile?
When designing and printing a packaging box, always check if the product is fragile.
For example, cakes can be easily damaged during transport. The packaging must protect the product so it reaches home in good condition.
Work with packaging structural engineers if needed. Use die-cut holders or internal supports to protect the product. This helps maintain customer confidence in your brand.
8. Is Special Print Finishing Needed?
Special print finishing such as foil stamping, spot UV, embossing, and debossing are commonly used in packaging box printing.
Discuss with your client whether they have the budget for these finishes. Sometimes, a small extra cost can make the packaging box more attractive and noticeable on the shelf.
When customers pick up the packaging box to take a closer look, half the job is already done.
9. Do You Need FSC® Certified Printing?
If your product focuses on sustainability or if your brand wants to project an environmentally responsible image, consider using FSC® certified printing. FSC-certified materials come from responsibly managed forests, demonstrating your commitment to the environment.
More consumers in Malaysia are choosing products with eco-friendly packaging. Using FSC-certified paper strengthens your brand reputation, helps your product stand out among competitors, and aligns with retailer and corporate sustainability goals.
Choosing FSC-certified printing is a small decision that can make a big difference in how customers perceive your brand.
Conclusions
Talk to your client and ask the right questions. Collect as much information as possible before starting the packaging box design.
Many times, the answers will inspire you and help you design the right packaging box for your client. Clients will be pleased when your packaging design helps their business grow. They will also remember that you did proper research before starting the work.
If you need help with packaging box design and packaging box printing in Malaysia, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss and help you create the right packaging solution for your product.