Unpacking the Psychology of Packaging Shapes: Boxes, Cylinders & Pouches
Product packaging is more than a container. It is the silent salesperson of the brand. Customers don’t read the ingredients or branding details on the package; they check the size and the shape of the package first, based on which they judge the product. As psychologists say that form and shape can trigger expectations, emotions, and even perceived value. Business owners should realise the value of packaging and the impact boxes, cylinders and pouches can make to help their brand stand out in a saturated market. So let’s see how different package designs can drive sales and improve your brand image among consumers.
Boxes: Structure, Trust & Premium Perception
The first, most common form of package you see on the shelf is a box.
Boxes convey reliability and order. There is perfect symmetry in the boxes having clean edges and a smooth surface, which makes customers feel that the product inside is of high-quality, safe and properly structured. You must have seen the perfume bottles, jewellery and electronic items come in boxes. The square-shaped boxes are stacked neatly, which makes it highly appealing for customers to see on the retail shelves (see packaging for retail shelves) and in e-commerce shipping.
Cylinders: Elegance, Smoothness & Sensory Appeal
Another form of packaging design is cylinders, which is associated with sophistication and smoothness.
There is no sharp edge in the cylindrical packaging, which gives an approachable and soft appeal. The cylindrical packaging highlights the uniqueness and creativity of the brand because it is visually appealing and stands out from other rectangular boxes. You must have witnessed the gifting products, candles, healthy snacks, and cosmetic brands using cylindrical packaging in their products. It doesn’t feel cluttered and gives a gift-ready and luxurious packaging appeal.
Pouches: Convenience, Modernity & Everyday Use
In recent times, we are seeing a rise in consumer-friendly and dynamic packaging shapes, which are ‘pouches’.
They are highly flexible and lightweight, communicating freshness and convenience about the product. It means that customers can quickly know about the products just by looking at the pouch packaging. They take less space, are highly environmentally-friendly and reseal easily compared to other rigid containers.
The food items like health beverages, spices, snacks, pet treats, and beauty refills come in pouches, which seems low effort and simple, but are highly attractive to customers, given their sustainability appeal.
Bottom Line
When brands understand the psychological cues tied to each form, they can design packaging that aligns with their target market’s desires. In a crowded marketplace, the right shape doesn’t just hold the product; it shapes perception, emotion, and ultimately, purchase decisions. VerveBranding, a top logo design company in Chicago, also offer packaging design services, which can help your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.
