Opening a new Apple product for the first time is pretty close to a holy experience. Part of that is because Apple spends so much time perfecting product packaging so it’s simple, elegant and secure without compromising on intuitiveness.
However, it’s a mistake to think Apple is the only company that pours thought and care into something as basic as a box. In light of the recent rumor that Apple will be working with third-party accessory makers to co-design packaging for their products in Apple retail stores, it’s clear many other companies care as well. It’s about being eye-catching without straying from uniformity, it’s about being simple yet still adorned.
With this spirit in mind, take a look at some of the other electronic companies out there getting extremely creative with their product packaging. The goal for these seems to be making the boxes as gorgeous as the products themselves – and they succeed.
Panasonic Note
Photo: Lovely Package
The Panasonic Note’s packaging is nothing short of stunning. The headphones are arranged on a minimalistic white background to form a music note – or more specifically, a beamed eighth note. Above that the slogan states in low contrast “made for music.” It’s pretty brilliant.
Pago de los Capellanes DVD
Photo: Lovely Package
This DVD packaging is for a winery in Spain called Pago de los Capellanes. The designer wanted to represent the sun coming out over the vineyard and as a result, this foldable DVD package was born with a slit for the disc right in the middle.
Limited Edition Fedrigoni Leica
Photo: Lovely Package
The limited edition Leica camera unboxes like a book, revealing new details about the brand and camera with each page that unfolds. Finally, you get to see the gorgeous camera in its entirety. Unfortunately, you’d probably have a tough time trying to pick up one of these as it’s only sold in Fedrigoni showrooms.
KébecSon Headphones
Photo: Lovely Package
Companies in the audio and music industry seem to really take pride in their product packaging and KébecSon is far from an exception. The unique carrying bag showcases the headphones on the front with the headband blending in as a carrying handle. Just brilliant.
Xiaomi MI 2 Smartphone
Photo: Lovely Package
This makes the list just for its total appreciation for being completely minimal and eco-friendly. Xiaomi shipped its MI 2 smartphone in these effortless cardboard boxes with a single placement on the box for the logo. It outdoes Apple’s love for minimalism by a long shot.
George Tinari has covered Apple and technology for over six years. On the rare occasion that he’s not sitting in front of his laptop, you can find him eating, awkwardly socializing, listening to music or singing along loudly to said music. You can also follow George on Twitter if you need more complaints and sarcasm in your timeline.
11 responses to “If you think Apple’s packaging is good, wait until you see these”
So now you’re comparing packaging as a way to slam Apple. So lame.
Slam? This website is called Cult of MAC. Oh, don’t be such a rabid extremist fanboy…
Buhuhuhuhu, cry some more, buhuhu
Packaging should be of use AFTER you open the product. Instead it’s generally just thrown away.
I agree, they should be holders for their products long after you’ve unwrapped them.
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I’m more interested in products than gimmicky packaging, although I have to admit those are some nice examples.
Speaking as a packaging designer, I can say that a well-executed, imaginative design can have an impact on multiple layers. It can draw the eye and, with such things as folds, layers and transparency, it can really draw you in. A well-designed package can also be fun to open, as you slide things apart or whatever. Adding a bit of drama in the product reveal can truly heighten the experience of owning the product.
And after that packaging has been discarded, you find yourself feeling good about the product and this heightens the enjoyment of the product.
The primary packaging can also make a difference. One example being prismatic reflections in the glass of a cosmetics jar.
Another example is the AppleTV. It’s combination of gloss and matte black looks cool, plus the combination of curved and hard edges add a bit as well. It is nothing more than a little plastic box that you set next to (or hang on the back of) the TV and forget, but it is a nice looking little plastic box.
A key aspect of the design of primary and secondary packaging is that it supports the purpose of the product. It is about more than a product that “works good”. It also should make you feel good.
I got some Xiaomi Piston II headphones that were ridiculously well-packed. They are also ridiculously good headphones.
Xiaomi = made in China crap
Where do you think the iPhone is made, exactly? lolz