The process of product package design covers multiple steps: each one adds value, and none should be overlooked. However, this is often the case for the valuable step of packaging mockups — the phase where you see what your product will look like in real time, before it goes live. It also helps evaluate design in real time against actual competition.
Here’s why mockups are crucial in the package design process and how they help brands win at the shelf.
What is a packaging mockup?
A packaging mockup is a physical representation or a 3D rendering of what the product packaging will look like in real life. It’s similar to a prototype, giving you a realistic idea of how your package will look in your customers’ hands.
The mockup stage takes place after the design concept has been created but before the full production. This gives you time to tweak or alter the package design before spending time and money producing it.
Why you never want to skip the packaging mockup
A concept on a computer screen or a printout doesn’t always translate to the actual product. That’s why it’s better to have a real mockup — you’ll gain a better understanding of how the package will look and feel when it hits the shelves.
Think of the mockup as your first “real life” visual. It’s the first impression your customers will get of your product. You’ll know exactly how it will appear on store shelves, and also how it will feel in buyers’ hands. It gives you the chance to combine visuals with texture, weight, material finish, size, structure, and comfort, which is more effective than viewing a 2D flat package.
Real mockups add the sensory experience to the design process. You can gain spatial awareness of the product: what’s on the front, back, and sides of the design, and make sure it’s the best fit for your brand.
Ultimately, your mockup is the final test before you send your product to production. You can better spot potential design flaws or branding glitches early on, allowing you time to refine the design before it affects your customers’ perceptions.
It’s simply a smarter way to design.
Moving from mockup to finished product
Getting to this stage is a core step for most branding and design agencies. To the team at WDG, it’s as essential as choosing the right colors, layout, material, shape, and size. We bring the design to life so you can experience your product through the eyes of your customers — before it impacts buying decisions.
By adding the essential step of packaging mockups, you get the best test of aesthetics and function. That’s how you create a product that’s truly ready for the shelf.