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Packaging and Customer Preference

The Influence of Cultural Aesthetics on Packaging and Customer Preference

By Marilyn CoxPublished about a year ago 4 min read

When you pick up a product, the first thing to catch your eye is the packaging Design, colors and patterns all make an impression. Cultural aesthetics are central to this in a big way. They define the appearance of a product and the emotions associated with it. In this blog, I will discuss cultural aesthetics affecting packaging and how it is important for customers. So, let’s look at the reasons why culture should be better understood to develop more effective packaging that would appeal to people.

What Are Cultural Aesthetics?

Cultural aesthetics are artistic products that depict a particular culture. These are colors, patterns, symbols and styles that represent the traditions and values of a given community. For instance, simplicity and natural colors are preferred in Japan because it has a natural inclination towards them. On the other hand, there is a tendency for Indian designs to incorporate bright and vivid hues to the designs. When you have such cultural particulars in mind, it is possible to design packaging that would seem familiar and attractive to the customers.

How Packaging Reflects Culture

It is not just about aesthetics, packaging design has a lot more to it. It’s about identifying with customers on a very basic level. If you design with aesthetics from a cultural perspective, your product will be easily distinguishable. For instance, if you are selling traditional Chinese tea then you would use red and gold on the packaging as these are associated with luck and prosperity respectively. It makes the customers feel at home with their culture and hence they are assured with your product.

The Role of Colors in Customer Preference

Hues play a central role in the way consumers regard certain products. People of different cultures have different meanings to be attached to the colors. For instance, white is associated with purity among Western societies but it is associated with mourning in some Asian societies. When choosing colors as a business owner, you should go for those that reflect the culture of your target market. This small detail can make a big difference in how your product will be accepted by the public.

Symbols and Patterns in Packaging

There are no words but patterns and symbols narrated. They can recall a memory, a custom or a feeling. If your product is targeting the Middle Eastern market, then you may use geometric patterns as seen in Islamic art. This makes it more realistic and indicates an appreciation of the culture. Customers are more likely to patronize your product when they see some designs that reflect their personality.

The Impact of Typography

Typography is also a cultural aesthetic element that can be seen and analyzed in the material. The type of writing can give a package a modern look, a more classic look or a glamorous look. For instance, in a product that targets the Arabic market using fonts that resemble calligraphy will make a great impact. Switching from one font type to another is enough to make your creative packaging solutions more familiar and appealing.

Culture and Emotion and Packaging

When packaging is designed to reflect cultural elements, it makes customers develop a certain attitude towards it. It is important for people to see themselves reflected in the culture that is represented in a workplace. These feelings make the customers more loyal to the organization. Suppose you are going for gift shopping and you come across a package that represents your culture. You’ll be inclined to purchase it because it looks more like it was made for you.

The Balance Between Culture and Modern Trends

When using cultural motifs, it is good to incorporate them with today’s trends in design. This is the major disadvantage of relying too much on tradition; the product becomes outdated. For instance, you can combine classical patterns with modern and simple layouts to satisfy the largest possible circle of consumers. This balance helps your packaging remain modern and in place while still respecting cultural art.

Some Suggestions for the Application of Cultural Aesthetics

When it comes to packaging design, especially for the international market, it is important to do research. Find out the cultural background of your target market. Learn their likes and dislikes and how they do things. This is the best way to run your designs by focus groups and observe their reactions. It is also possible to collaborate with local designers who have a good feel of the cultural sense of beauty. The above steps will assist you in designing packaging that will appeal to customers.

Benefits of Cultural Aesthetic Packaging

Cultural packaging is not just about the aesthetics of it all. It contributes to the development of trust with customers. When people see that you know their culture they are more comfortable with your product. Such trust can result in repeat patronage and word-of-mouth communication which are positive to the business. However, cultural packaging can be a way to make your brand unique from other brands on the market.

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

In fact, cultural aesthetics can work to your advantage if you own a small business. Small business packaging enables you to tap into customers that larger organizations may not consider as valuable. For instance, if you are in the business of selling handmade products, incorporating cultural aspects into the packaging will enhance the natural feel of the products. Solutions in packaging design can make your brand easily recognizable and provide you with an opportunity to be different.

Bottom Line

Cultural appeal is a strong force that determines packaging and customer choice. They associate your product with the culture of your target group. If you choose to use colors, patterns, and typography that reflect the chosen culture, you will be able to create personalized packaging. Whether you own a local shop or you are a worldwide known company, knowing cultural aesthetics enables you to create appealing packaging that will entice customers and make them loyal to your brand. It is time to begin pondering how culture can be incorporated into the next packaging design.

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About the Creator

Marilyn Cox

I'm Marilyn Cox, a packaging consultant and designer with 4+ years of experience in crafting custom, eco-friendly packaging that boosts branding and sustainability. I help businesses create innovative, high-quality packaging solutions.

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