How Design Shapes Product Buying Behavior
Many are enamored by the allure and potential embodied in the products neatly arranged on ceaseless shelves, bathed in glittering spotlights—items that hold the promise of becoming ours. However, the thrill that once vividly illuminated our faces upon encountering a product on a shelf swiftly fades away once we unveil the contents at home. The package is gone. The glamorous design, so enticing at first glance, loses its charm as we unpack it, revealing something seemingly ordinary within: mere rice or an ordinary liquid.
If we possessed the foresight to mentally unwrap the products, we might have discerned that the enchanting box contained nothing more than an exquisite, albeit costly, piece of chocolate, or that the meticulously packaged bottle held no more than ordinary water. These instances serve as reminders that all that glitters is not necessarily gold, urging us to look beyond the captivating exterior and consider the true essence of the products we encounter. However, it also underscores the influential role of exceptional packaging in seducing our perceptions and shaping our expectations.
"I find it fascinating how something as seemingly 'simple' as the packaging of certain products significantly influences our consumption," expressed Mexico-based designer Ana Paula Alfaro Perez.
Perez elaborated, emphasizing that "for someone who doesn't work in design or visual arts, packaging might be perceived as merely an aesthetic consideration. However, it is truly mind-blowing to grasp the extensive work behind a 'pretty package.' As an 'unconscious' consumer, you may not be aware of why you choose to buy a particular product, but the marketing team, color analysts, typography experts, sizing specialists, and individuals meticulously selecting materials, who have gone through exhaustive trial and error to develop the product, do. Take color, for instance, which plays a significant role in shaping consumer perceptions of a product or brand. There was a case where a soap brand redesigned its packaging entirely in black, only to discover that people were hesitant to buy it because they associated black with elegance and, consequently, expense. It makes you ponder whether something as seemingly simple as color entirely contributes to why you might choose one product over another. The next time you're in the supermarket picking out your preferred soap, perhaps contemplate what truly motivates you to select that particular one."
The understated influence of packaging design emerges as a captivating and often underestimated force. Beyond its utilitarian function, packaging serves as a strategic conduit, weaving a narrative that delicately shapes the emotional responses of consumers. Profound packaging can transcend practicality to become an art form that sculpts consumer emotions and contributes profoundly to the essence of the product experience.
Gemma Monllor, an Industrial and Graphic Designer specializing in Packaging based in Barcelona, Spain, drew inspiration from her favorite book, ‘The Little Prince,’ stating, "What is essential is invisible to the eye."
According to Monllor, this philosophy extends to effective packaging design, which not only must fulfill its primary function of storing and protecting contents with an appealing appearance but also needs to transmit and connect with users.
She emphasizes that connecting with users involves evoking emotions, surprising them, creating special moments, and providing added value that distinguishes the packaging from other brands. Monllor believes that, at times, simplicity can be the least expected and most efficient approach.
Comparing it to a compelling book or film, Monllor suggests that products, through effective design, can narrate compelling stories by transforming information into emotion. She concludes, "If, as designers, we can empathize with our target audience and offer them moments of pleasure, we will have succeeded in creating a standout packaging design."
Consumers often find themselves immersed in the emotional sonata arranged by a product, and packaging stands as the virtuoso of this silent performance. Packaging, transcending its functional role, metamorphoses into a silent communicator. It subtly shapes the emotional landscape of consumers, whether through the serenity of minimalist designs or the vibrant allure of bold graphics. The article seeks to illustrate how packaging design can transcend its utilitarian roots, acting as a conduit for brand personality, and forging an emotional bond with consumers.
"Packaging possesses the ability to convey the product's status and establish a psychological 'price,' as expressed by David Poveda, a Spanish Graphic Designer & Art Director. It is vital to have a clear understanding of our target audience, ensuring that they do not perceive the product as 'expensive' before even checking the price. Furthermore, brands should leverage its sensory advantages to enhance or transform the overall shopping experience."
Muji, the distinguished Japanese retail entity, serves as a beacon of simplicity in packaging design, seamlessly uniting functionality with an aesthetic finesse. Renowned for its expansive product range, spanning stationery to household essentials, Muji stands out for its commitment to minimalistic and eco-conscious packaging. This deliberate fusion of recycled materials and sleek, uncomplicated designs not only echoes Muji's dedication to sustainability but also captures the very essence of Japanese aesthetic principles.
From the refined simplicity intrinsic to traditional tea ceremony packaging to the nuanced minimalism prevalent in contemporary designs, Japanese packaging emerges as a sublime testament to the artistry of evoking emotions through the eloquent language of visual storytelling.
At its core, packaging design surpasses the divide between form and function. It assumes the role of a nuanced storyteller, guiding consumers through an emotional voyage that overwhelmingly shapes their choices. Recognizing the expressive nature within packaging design empowers brands to elevate their products beyond mere commodities, turning them into vessels of emotional connection that effectively communicate with the hearts of consumers.