Digitype Design

Innovation for Visual Marketing

Productive Prototypes

Productive Prototypes

 

Point of Purchase (POP) packaging and displays date back to the merchants of ancient times. The need to “show” products to consumers was evident as far back as 3,500 BC when Egyptians used reed baskets in local markets. During Medieval times wood barrels acted as displays. In 1817 the Industrial Revolution ushered in the first use of cardboard to showcase goods. Today, the breadth of retail presentation concepts is only limited by imagination. 

As much as POP displays and packaging are an integral part of retail marketing activities, success hinges on effective design. However, increasing product visibility and brand reinforcement in an attractive manner can be daunting. Before relying on a 3D computer rendering or PDF as your final approval tool for a project, consider generating a full-scale prototype. 

Here are five key branding and business advantages for taking the prototype approach with POP and/or packaging designs: 

  • A prototype is a full-scale model built from design plans. Making size, layout, material, and color changes to a test piece is more cost-efficient than modifications after full-scale production.
  • Dimensions, folds, durability, material thickness, and cutouts can be examined for functionality and shipping requirements. 
  • Allow marketing, sales, and distribution teams to realize space requirements for distribution points or stores. 
  • Graphic appearances can be checked for color accuracy and image cropping to assure brand impact. 
  • Supply a simulation model for inspecting customer interactivity patterns. Adjustments to product placement, size, consumer access, or other components can be tested prior to field installation. 

If you are considering new packaging and display concepts, prototyping your ideas is a smart way to save time and money. Before starting out, make sure your supplier of choice has the right experience to deliver on promises. Selecting a company like Digitype Design that has worked with clients on a variety of retail and wholesale prototypes is a great way to help you achieve project goals.