AI in packaging design: What do we expect and how do we prepare?

Our motivation for AI is to increase efficiency and thus reduce costs. Companies with more than 100(0) items that are packaged in line with the brand are particularly interested in how packaging design and the creation of artwork can be optimized.

The problem: What can we really expect from AI in packaging design?

At present, AI in design is used for research, creating texts or new images. AI can also be used to gain inspiration for new packaging design. Even if you manage to get the results as close as possible to the brand’s needs, you still don’t get a print file.

This technology is developing rapidly, and in a few months it may be possible to upload your own die-cutting contours and have a design applied to them. However, packaging has quite a lot of legal requirements and brand-specific details that mean the results will have to be revised in the foreseeable future.

It will be even more difficult for companies that have 100(0) items in their range and package them in different packaging formats and types. How is it possible to get a brand-compliant packaging design and to design heterogeneous ranges consistently?

The solution: What is possible today and how do we prepare?

AI already has the potential to revolutionize the packaging design process, and there are already a number of tools and applications that support designers. However, to prepare for the future and make the most of the possibilities of AI, a few steps are required:

1. Development of innovative packaging designs: AI can be used to conduct market research and optimize designs. New designs for inspiration can also be created using AI. The extent to which the results match the brand’s requirements must be checked on a case-by-case basis. Designers must optimize the results and create printable artwork.
2. Standardization and scalability: For extensive portfolios, it quickly pays off to standardize the packaging design and develop real scalability. Most ranges with identical brand design can be standardized up to 80%. 100% is usually not feasible due to exotic and extreme cases – unless these special cases do not exist. However, these measures cannot be carried out using AI in the foreseeable future, but require the expertise of an experienced designer.
3. Optimization of routine tasks: With scalable design systems and the right work instructions, new routines can be established. This means that artworks are created in less time and with fewer errors. This is also still the work result of an expert and not yet possible with AI.
4. Software for automating print data: Software can already take on a variety of routine tasks today. These include creating language variants or design variations for different formats and generating print data. This automation not only saves time, but also gives designers more room for creative work. However, the prerequisite for implementing one software or another is that a scalable design system has been created beforehand.
5. Data-driven design: One of the greatest strengths of AI in packaging design is its ability to quickly analyze large amounts of data. AI can help understand which designs are most popular with target groups by using sales data, customer feedback and market analysis. Designers can thus work with precise information and make design decisions based on real, verifiable data. This leads to targeted and more effective packaging designs.
6. AI as a creative partner: AI should not be seen as a replacement for the designer, but as a partner that supports the creative process. AI can support designers in ideation, prototyping and developing new design concepts by making suggestions or offering alternatives. The real challenge will be to use AI creatively to enrich the design process without displacing human input and creative decisions.
7. Preparing for the future: To prepare for the changes brought about by AI, designers and companies should invest in training their employees and familiarizing themselves with the new technologies. This means not only learning AI tools, but also understanding how they can improve the design process without curtailing creativity. In addition, companies should create a culture of innovation that allows for the continuous integration of new technologies such as AI without compromising brand identity.
8. Responsible use of AI: The use of AI in the design process must be done responsibly. It is important to consider the ethics of how AI is used to avoid bias and stereotypical representations. Designers need to ensure that AI supports their creative vision and does not cause designs to drift in a direction that does not align with the brand’s values. It is like with design trends: not everything that is possible fits with the values ​​and goals of your brand.

Conclusion: 

The future of packaging design will be heavily influenced by AI. The technology offers numerous opportunities to optimize the design process, make it more efficient and develop personalized solutions more quickly. But to get the most out of AI, designers and companies must be prepared to actively integrate these technologies into their way of working. AI is not a replacement for the creative input of designers, but a partner that supports and enriches the creative process. Those who prepare early for the changes brought about by AI and pursue innovative approaches will be able to take advantage of this technology without losing the essence of the brand identity.

Those who want to create artwork more efficiently today will find valuable tools in scalable design systems and software that can quickly pay for themselves.