Packaging design provides an instant window into contemporary culture. You only need to visit your local shop to see the limitless number of brands using creative aesthetics to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
To predict the trends for 2023 we must look at the world we’re living in – from inflation to the war in Ukraine and climate change – how does this affect design? We are living through a unique moment in history, and regardless of the state of the world, there’s a feeling of optimism and vibrancy.
Nostalgia and a sense of escapism run through many trends, capturing playfulness intended to inspire joy in everyday life. Read on to find out which five trends our packaging experts are looking out for:
Tactful and tactile textures
As brands seek ways to differentiate their packaging, they are discovering the benefits of textured custom boxes. Techniques that add texture to packaging, such as embossing, debossing, and foil printing, are becoming more popular. Textured products are an excellent way to add physicality to a digitally-dominated world.
Millennial style mascots
Mascots have always been a way of connecting with consumers. However, designers have recently responded to consumers’ increasing sophistication by moving away from portraying mascots in the same rigid and inflexible style everywhere they appear.
In 2023 with nostalgia rife, we’re allowing mascots to make a comeback based on context, with new variations on clothing, movements, or attitudes for different products.
Cutesy collage and sticker book style
Collages appeal to our youthful side, once again leaning on that nostalgic theme. The designs are characterised using bright colours and overlapping of certain images (particularly cute icons or illustrated doodles).
The style is reminiscent of a sticker book, where stickers were frequently placed randomly and haphazardly, lending it a carefree, childlike yet sometimes chaotic energy.
Stylin’ 70s
1970s vintage never completely goes out of style; it simply hibernates for a few years. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the warm colour schemes and comforting, wavy imagery of the 1970s are making an understandable comeback in everything from home decor to fashion to packaging design trends.
The ’70s vintage style is characterised by earthy colour schemes, particularly in browns and oranges, bubbly serif fonts, and thick, squiggly patterns. This design trend evokes a relaxed familiarity as well as individualism.
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