Our approach to Package Design and development is similar to an architect’s build process for a house or construction project, whereby the shape, style and physical attributes are selected first then decorated with all the accessories in their relevant position and size, taking into account all of the function and physical components.

Providing more detail to work with, allowing the graphic design phase to create finishes and decorative elements, specific to the clients package.

The Spectrum Packaging Design and Engineering team have simplified package development especially first time clients or first time developing a package by refining the process to five easy to follow stages.

In the first instance the Packaging Design team develop and engineer the build of the package from the criteria outlined by the client usually in a packaging brief or branding brief, which includes specification drawings of the bottle or items to be packaged, price point and other marketing aspects.

From our perspective the process starts with the bottle or product items to be packaged.

To get the package design and development process moving we require the manufacturers specification drawing of the bottles, jar or products to be packaged.  Physical samples are also a useful reference at this stage of development.

Stage 1 – Package Concept stage

Many customers often have an idea of a package or an image of a package style from their market or Internet research. This is helpful for package direction and indicating the style of packaging required.

Normally we provide 2 package concept images (more if requested) for box/package style selection purposes. We provide 3D base concept drawings of the selected package or two package options including lid configuration, open close positions, all to scale for all the decision makers to evaluate and discuss the various concepts and select or make alterations or change to different package style selection after viewing.

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Stage 2 – Package Engineering & Development phase

In most cases a package style selection has been made and stage 2 is the most prolific of the development stages of the package development.  Similar to an architect’s approach we include many build, structural & material considerations. This stage includes 3D drawings to scale, including bottle or product profile, insert development, fitment, internal clearances, open & close positioning, weight with raw materials & structural component selections and some basic colour options can be added this concept stage.

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Stage 3 – 3D photo style visual proof of the package

In this phase of the package development our 3D Engineering team change focus from the structure and construction aspects and concentrate on the finished look of the package. The 3D package development visuals are no longer presented in a drawing style concept image. They present on screen as a 3D finished version of the package, greatly assisting with package concept evaluation.

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Stage 4 – Graphic Design

At this time clients are also making artwork and branding decisions, either with their own Graphic Designers or providing a brief and instructing our Spectrum art studio team on print requirements with logo’s, branding, instructions, mandatory requirements and general product information

After providing the 3D photo style visual proof of the package the engineering team closely review all component selections and package specifications for production and artwork dimensions and parameters providing art panels, outlines or templates for graphic design artwork creation.

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Stage 5 – (Optional) – Photo realistic 3D visual of the package with artwork applied

Stage 5 is the combination of graphic artwork with the 3D engineering computer generated Photo realistic visual images and presented to actual scale.

This stage is an optional stage and we offer it for clients and marketing departments who request to see the package dressed with the artwork supplied by the Graphic Designers.

The combination of graphics and the engineered 3D image to scale often assists our clients with better understanding of the actual Graphic Design and print artwork in position, with font sizes etc all to scale, providing a virtual 3D image of the final package

The final virtual 3D image of the final package allows for accurate review of all graphic elements and package components in position.  Great for clients signoff and also allows our packaging engineering team and production team to evaluate a 3D visual of the package and discuss relevant production techniques before any mass production commences.

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