Saturday, 19 November 2016

Product Comparison Workshop - 17/11/2016

The workshop task was to analyse and to dissect the key elements from 2 different packaging (whether it is from two different companies or one) of the same product. This is to inform our critical thinking and visual presentation skills as we will be promoting ourselves with our work to future clients and consumers.

Forming a group with 4 people including me we were given 2 packets of crisps, both made and manufactured from the same company, Walkers. The two packaging were distinctively designed differently and we are tasked to analyse each packaging and pinpointing key visual elements that makes the two entirely different despite being produced by the same company, as well as our thoughts of the potential reasons why the two are being made the way they are.



The two crisps packets side by side, made by Walkers.

Colours

Our first analysis of the two packets that we noted on first is the colours of the packaging. We believe that the red packaging of the crisps is more identifiable to the consumers, especially knowing that the colour red has always been associated with the flavour “Ready Salted” since the product’s debut. Another note to add is that consumers can identify the product and brand from a distance (if you were to put these two crisps together) due to the strong colour of red and identity.

Compared to the other crisp packet, the “Sunbites” one, the colours represent a more calm and positive nature. Of course, the regular red Walkers crisps will win in terms of identification due to its time in the market than the Sunbites one, however the colour scheme appears to attract a slightly older generation (18s-25s) while the red appeals more to children and parents.

Visual Imagery

The visual imagery between the two packaging has a lot of differences that may show signs that the two are aimed at specific consumers. The red Walkers packaging feels generic, combined with the imagery of the potatoes and the English flag imprint representing that this is a British product. It feels simple, however it lacks a lot of detail compared to the Sunbites packaging. As mentioned before, this may be aimed towards children and parents as the visuals only consists the large logo of the brand accompanied with the simple image of the crisps/potatoes. We think simplicity plays a large role as this package is aimed to be more direct to the consumer and they would care less what’s on the package, as long as they know the flavour of the crisps they are getting.

The sunbites have a lot more to it with its visual communication of illustrations consisting plants and wildlife, indicating the product is more of ‘healthy’ choice. It feels as if it is trying to build a relationship with the consumer with its choice of colours and visual imagery, making it feel more personal, as well as being less generic compared to the regular red packaging, which in turn could lead consumers to choose the Sunbites one as they would be unfamiliar with it.

Text and Composition

With a similar approach to its colour scheme and visual imagery, the text on the red Walkers package are very straightforward; Outlining the flavour of the crisps and the large Walkers logo taking the majority of the upper half of the packet with the visual image of the potato crisps at the centre. Compared to the Sunbites one, the text and the visual composition seem carefully placed with a different font choice. “(Lightly) sea-salted” and “Multigrain crispy snacks” on the Sunbites packet feels a lot more interesting than the regular “Ready Salted” and “Fresh taste guaranteed”. The flavour names are probably chosen to attract the consumers to try out this product over the generic one that everyone seems familiar with, to make them feel intrigued with the new taste/flavour.

Materials and size of the packets

In terms of the packaging material, we feel that the Sunbites may cost a little more for printing than the regular one, due to the amount of visual imagery and text on it. The packaging on the red regular one feels flimsy and light, though the reason for this is that they are to manufacture and mass produce large quantity at a low cost rate, compared to the Sunbites one, which uses a much better quality material. The sizes are the same and the only difference is the materials being used.


The exercise does help us to be critical in how we are to present our products, both visually and physically, if we were to show to our work to clients. These items that we have to analyse may not relate to illustration at all, though it does provide some insight that presentation is key for self-promotion, as well as the quality of the work/items/products. 

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