Writes product packaging design briefs with dimensions, material considerations, messaging hierarchy, compliance requirements, and vendor specs. Use when designing physical packaging.
Use this skill when you need to:
DO NOT use this skill for digital product packaging, shipping box logistics, or warehouse fulfillment processes. This is for consumer-facing product packaging design.
PACKAGING IS YOUR LAST SALESPERSON — IT MUST COMMUNICATE YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION, DIFFERENTIATE FROM COMPETITORS, AND CREATE A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION IN UNDER 3 SECONDS.
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Product | "What product needs packaging?" | Must be provided |
| Dimensions | "Product dimensions and weight?" | Must be provided |
| Retail or DTC | "Where will this be sold? (retail shelf, online DTC, both)" | Online DTC |
| Brand guidelines | "Do you have brand colors, fonts, and logo files?" | Must be provided or will reference brand-identity-guide |
| Budget per unit | "Target cost per packaging unit?" | $1-3 per unit |
| Quantity | "First production run size?" | 500-1,000 units |
| Sustainability | "Any sustainability requirements? (recyclable, compostable, minimal)" | Recyclable preferred |
| Compliance | "Any required legal text, certifications, or barcodes?" | Basic product info |
GATE: Confirm brief before proceeding.
Define what appears on each face of the packaging, ranked by importance:
| Material | Best For | Sustainability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft cardboard | Eco-friendly brands, lightweight products | Recyclable, biodegradable | Low |
| Rigid box | Premium/luxury unboxing experience | Recyclable | High |
| Poly mailer | Soft goods, clothing, low-cost shipping | Varies (recycled options) | Very low |
| Custom molded | Fragile products, tech accessories | Varies | High (tooling cost) |
GATE: Present the packaging concept and material recommendation before detailing specs.
1. Complete Packaging Brief
2. Dieline Template Request
3. Copy Document
4. Vendor Specification Sheet
After the first 100 units ship, evaluate: damage rate, customer feedback on unboxing, return reasons related to packaging.
Packaging: Rigid box with magnetic closure, matte white exterior, foil-stamped logo, tissue paper insert. Cost target: $3.50/unit at 1,000 qty.
Packaging: Kraft stand-up pouch with window, 2-color flexo print, resealable zipper. Cost target: $0.75/unit at 5,000 qty. FDA-compliant nutrition panel.