UPCs, or Universal Product Codes, are used for tracking products in stores. In a retail environment the ability to track products for inventory is essential and is used globally. Though the first barcodes have been in use commercially since 1966, it became apparent pretty quickly that there would have to be a standardized design. In the early 1970s researchers began developing this standardized scanning design and scanner. The first item to be scanned was a pack of Wrigley’s Gum in June of 1974. »

We deal with a few companies that sell food products here at Nuvonium. In 2010 when Michele Obama asked the food industry to come up with a front-of-the-box labeling system that would help consumers quickly make informed decisions about the nutritional value of the food they are purchasing, we were eager to learn about what that would be like and how it would work. »

While most people see packaging simply as a way to contain or transport a product, we know it is much more than that. »

As marketers, we field a lot of phone calls from clients and potential clients (and even family and friends) who are looking to market a “great new product” that is going to set the world on fire. »

One of the most frustrating things we encounter regularly is business owners that are unwilling or nervous to share their budgets. Sure, some may not know it, but others will guard it like the crown jewels - fearing if they reveal the budget that we’ll spend it all instantly. »

When I was in college, all my fellow art college students used to joke about one day you’ll see us designing in the bar code factory. A self deprecating inside joke about our individual talents to make it in the corporate world. How funny is it that nearly 15 years later popping up all around me is a world of art using UPC’s. I feel I’ve missed the boat somehow and all my former classmates have gotten on in life just how they planned. »

So you have a product and are ready to begin thinking about packaging. But have you considered everything that will need to go into the design? It’s more complicated then you may think.  »

The one thing you will hear about direct mail is that it needs to be unique, in one way or another, in order to get people interested in opening and viewing your piece. Most suggest color or size, but a mostly overlooked way is an interesting fold. »

The digital age has caused many in our industry to question whether print is dying, even questioning whether there will be a need for it in a few years. I’ve heard the arguments about print dying or not dying and for the most part I believe that there will always be a desire for print. Digital technologies are changing our industry and will remain a focus in the future but the need and desire for print will still exist for many years to come. »

You know packaging design matters in the beer category when there's a site dedicated to only beer bottle and six pack packaging design. »