Packaging serves multiple roles that go beyond protection. It’s a powerful communication and persuasion tool that influences the preferences and behaviors of consumers. This is especially so in the toy industry where children are easily influenced. Although kids are usually the main target, it is equally important to also consider parents. That’s because it usually takes both parents and children for a typical purchase.
Incorporating aspects such as sustainable innovations can help your packaging be more effective. It’s a compelling factor that can nudge parents to purchase your products, knowing they’re contributing to a broader constructive goal.
Another essential function of packaging is creating emotional connections and loyalty. It’s important to factor in the toy unboxing experience. It helps build anticipation, making the opening process special. Thus, kids will be more attached and elated as they interact with your product.
Choosing The Right Color For Your Target Age Group
Understanding color psychology is key to creating a successful interactive packaging for toys. Colors evoke different emotions. Additionally, it can help influence purchase decisions and brand loyalty.
Colors have different effects and influences on various age groups and genders in children. Primary colors such as red, blue, and yellow do well with younger children. Conversely, older kids prefer more muted and sophisticated colors like purple, brown, and green. Girls may gravitate towards purple, pink, and pastel colors while boys are usually into blue, green, and darker hues.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that these aren’t hard and fast rules. You should also take into account the personality of your target customers. For instance, some boys may love pink, and there are girls who love blue. So, ensure you also incorporate them in your market strategy.
Using Symmetry And Geometry For Creating Eye-Catching Designs
Harnessing shapes and patterns is another effective strategy that can help you create effective packaging. Children are naturally drawn to patterns and shapes. They often use them to express their creativity and make sense of the world. Shapes are powerful tools that can help businesses, marketers, and designers create effective custom packaging for kids.
The Psychology Of Shapes
Shapes convey different meanings and can influence how children perceive your products. In fact, studies show that children prefer curved and round shapes over angular and sharp ones. That’s because the former exudes a sense of friendliness and safety. Ergo, ensure you’re fully aware of the meaning behind different shapes to make your packaging effective.
- Square: If you aim to convey stability, reliability, and security, then you should definitely go for square-shaped packaging. They can be used to create a sense of confidence, trust, and quality. A good example is the Lego bricks packaging, which harnesses square which has proven to be effective.
- Circles: Circles are often associated with completeness, harmony, and unity. Plus, they also suggest playfulness, movement, and fun.
- Triangles: Triangles communicate action, dynamism, and direction. They are often used to create a sense of adventure and excitement.
Incorporating Cartoons And Animals To Increase Interaction
Grabbing the attention of young consumers can be a bit tricky. Still, there are many workarounds to this challenge. A simple yet effective solution is using characters that they can relate to. Using relatable animals, mascots, and characters can help elevate the appeal of creative packaging designs. Plus, they foster a strong emotional connection between the brand and the child.
Ensure the character you use is a unique and memorable personality. It should stand out from the competition while maintaining relevance to your brand and products.
How To Make Packaging More Engaging For Children
A key aspect of creating compelling packaging is to make it engaging, interactive, and educative. Children are usually curious by nature. Hence, interactive toy packaging can be a superb medium to nurture their interests and imagination. Integrating elements like quizzes, games, and puzzles can offer experiences that children can cherish and remember.
Gamified packaging for kids extends the fun beyond the product itself. It allows brands to establish a deeper connection with target consumers. A prime example is Crayola, which has incorporated QR codes in a selected category of its packaging. Scanning their QR code allows kids to access their digital app. This enables them to interact with their drawing in augmented reality and 4D.
Bottom Line
Interactive packaging has truly transformed how consumers engage with products. It has opened new opportunities in the toy industry, facilitating learning and creativity. For this reason, brands should ensure they understand various kid-friendly trends to make their packaging relevant and appealing to children.