Here are some highlights from The Dieline awards that took place last month at the Fuse Conference in Chicago. Over 800 entrants participated and while there were so many wonderful packaging designs, we highlighted a few of the first place winners. We encourage you to see all of the winners by clicking here.

Award: Best of Show
Entrant: ChappsMalina, USA

Chapps Malina was approached by Help Remedies, a New York City-based company with a big idea: to revolutionize over-the-counter medication. The product packaging communicates symptoms more empathetic rather than using phrases like “Extra Strength” and “Fast Acting”. The case adds comfort with its look reminiscent of a soft white pillow. Also, the packaging uses a highly innovative combination of paper pulp and co-molded corn-based plastic, making it completely compostable and a first of its kind.

Award: First Place, Health & Beauty
Entrant: Kimberly-Clark / Kleenex, USA

The packaging objective? Scream summer! Create differentiation, thru packaging, from familiar facial tissue cartons that will generate interest during the historically slower summer season. Graphic design, stylized photo-realistic illustration and carton structure come together to create an undeniably summer display for the brand.

Award: First Place, Electronics
Entrant: Fuseproject, USA

The latest product to be introduced into the Jawbone brand is the Jawbone PRIME marrying technology and design to deliver the best Bluetooth headset on the market.

Regarding the packaging, the Jawbone jewel case is a stunning alternative to the competition. A Jawbone headset elegantly suspends within a museum-like cube, offering a 360-degree view of the product.

Sustainability is another quality that sets Jawbone packaging apart from others. The yoke that holds the headset securely inside the box reduces the need for plastic or Styrofoam cushioning during product shipment. Because of the sleeve’s functionality as an enclosure, the need for a heat seal, adhesives or shrink-wrap was also eliminated. Additionally, all the components in Jawbone’s packaging are recyclable. Not to mention, the jewel case itself can always be repurposed to house small odds and ends.

Award: First Place, Wine, Beer, & Tobacco
Entrant: Athanasios Babalis, Greece

The use of Oak plywood as the main packaging material was chosen because it makes references to the Oak barrels that this wine matures in. This is the first in a series of three sizes of boxes that contain one, two and three wine bottles each. The three sizes are either combined together or separately and by stacking them a wine-rack is formed. The shape of the box was chosen because it is sympathetic to the shape of the bottle and it also looks like a grape from one side when stacked. The box has a handle and can be carried like a bag without the need for additional packaging.

Microsoft is rolling out their latest window’s upgrade. So, of course we were curious about the packaging and checked out the Windows Blog to see what they had to say. One of the challenges Microsoft was facing in designing its packaging was the stigma of the Vista packaging which almost needed dynamite to open it.

A quote from Microsoft about their packaging reveals, “We approached the packaging for Windows 7 the same way we approached the product – by listening to what our customers told us they wanted: make it a simple clean design, easy to open, and reduce waste.” So, rest assured, Microsoft listened and has improved the packaging.

Their theme is: Simple, Clean and Easy To Open…

Simple:
The graphics are clear and bold. They text font is larger and easier to read. Each version has its own distinct color which makes it easy to identify which version of the operating system you are picking up.

Clean:
The cover graphics are simple and minimal which gives the packaging a fresh and clean feel.

Easy To Open:
The upgrade disc comes in an easy opening, recyclable, frosty clear DVD style case. The case is shaped with the iconic curve on the upper right corner. For security reasons, there will be a seal on the top of the case which is claimed to be removable with little effort.

Reducing Waste:
So how green is it? The entire package is 37% lighter than previous packaging. They accomplished this by using less material to make the case. And the case is recyclable. In fact, the entire package consists of only 3 elements:

1. The upgrade disc
2. A “Getting Started” manual
3. And the recyclable case

So, we give kudos to Windows for listening to consumers and giving them the packaging they want.

Graphic design is one way that can really make packaging for your products stand out from the competition. It makes your packaging eye-appealing, thought provoking, creates brand identity, and can allow the consumer to focus on the product for a longer period of time. Effective packaging draws the consumer in while displaying the information about the product. This can be done with the tools of illustration, color, typography, the types of packaging materials used, as well as the form of packaging.

Especially when the market is doing poorly, it is important to be a step ahead of the competition and differentiate yourself by having creative packaging. You want to be the first to catch the consumer’s attention and have your product stand out on the shelf. If this is done effectively, you could increase your customer base and boost your sales. DzineBlog displayed many creative packaging designs to help give you inspiration:

Customized and creative packaging can help your product stand out from the competition. If you would like help creating your own custom packaging, contact one of our Design Experts.