Product labeling is important to attract prospects while sharing details about the product. An impressive design makes the product stand out from the competition and the brand memorable to your customers.
Label design can be overwhelming given the number of aspects to consider. Unlike logo design, where the focus is usually on a single element, label design is the process of creating a composition of five, ten or even fifteen design elements. Visual comfort can be difficult to achieve, but in this post we are going to reveal some tips.
Three essential aspects to take into account are color, the use of typography and ease of reading. Colors should reflect the quality of the product and be consistent with the brand identity. Otherwise, it would only confuse consumers. A recommendation is to use no more than two typefaces in the same design. Putting too many fonts in one place clutters the label and makes it difficult to read. This also leads us to the fact that it is key to keep the design clean, pleasant and straight to the point.
- Locks the design
A good label is one in which the sum of the parts work together in unison. All parts are perceived in the given context and in relation to each other. Therefore, it is important to place all label elements on an art board before starting the process. Once this is done we can start blocking, i.e. shuffling, resizing and organizing all the elements to explore different options.
- Let it breathe
A key thing to keep in mind during this blocking process is that the design of a label does not have to be Tetris. It is not advisable to organize all the elements uniformly or to use all the available space. A well-made label is the result of the balance between occupied space and emptiness.
- Careful with measurements
In print media, the physical size of a design element is as important as its relative size, especially for typography. Just because it looks right on the computer screen does not mean it is effective on paper. In fact, it is often necessary to adjust the physical size of the font after seeing it printed, so we recommend just that: continually print test labels to verify legibility, spacing and physical perception of size.
- Perception hierarchy
When a consumer chooses a product, there is an order in which they visually receive the design elements. Undoubtedly, this order influences how legible and clear a label is, and can be controlled by parameters such as color, size and contrast. The hierarchy of perception will be manipulated so that the elements have a logical order, with the most relevant information first and the least important at the end. For example: attention grabber – brand name – product name – product information. This order can be a convenient option that will guide the consumer without confusion. Of course, it is not always that simple and it will be necessary to assess the resources available to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The concepts and tips we have described are simply guidelines. There is no perfect formula for label design, as it is a tug-of-war process that relies heavily on the designer. If you are looking for an agency to help you with this task, Several is happy to take care of your packaging. Whether design or illustration, we adapt to your needs. Shall we talk?