Minimalism has become quite popular over the years as a design philosophy and way of life. Some people however, think that minimalistic packaging is the same as simplistic. Though there definitely are overlaps between the two, there are some very unique key differences. Let’s look at minimalistic packaging in contrast with simplistic.
Minimalistic Packaging
Minimalistic packaging trends began after companies started realizing that less stands out more on shelves. Brands stopped cluttering their customer’s head with complex packaging. To set themselves apart from their competitors, companies started utilizing this technique heavily. It is a form of design that portrays only the essentials while remaining aesthetically pleasing. It highlights the beauty of shape, form and minimal colours while removing all excess detail from the space.
Mandarin Natural Chocolate is a prime example of minimalistic packaging. It features an almost entirely white wrapper, with lettering in a simple black serif font and a line of 10 dots to subtly indicate the chocolate’s intensity. To learn more about the power of minimalism, check out our blog post about minimalism as a design trend!
Simplistic Packaging
To understand simplistic packaging, consider the two pictures above. If I asked you to point out which one is “simple”, you would probably point at the packaging on the right. That’s because we speak of something simple as a contrast to complexity. In simple words, it is a reduction of complexity.
Now compare the packaging on the right with Mandarin’s white packaging shown above.
The green one now becomes the “complex” and the white is “simple” and undoubtedly minimalistic.
Simplistic packaging is simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded packaging made to get the job done. Simplicity expels everything that causes complication. Keep in mind that just because your packaging is simple doesn’t mean it has to be boring!
Both simple and minimalistic packaging can be summarized in the following four lines:
Minimalism is the reduction of quantity.
Simplicity is the reduction of complexity.Minimal can sometimes be simplistic. Simple is not always minimal.
Is it too simple?
You’d have to ask yourself that!
You have to find out what your brand stands for and whether its personality is on the softer side or not. Find out what your competitors are up to; a lot of times just doing the opposite as them can set your brand apart!
Rather than debating whether your packaging should be simplistic or minimalistic, our advice is to strive for elegance. Try to make your packaging seamless for your customer. Apple is the greatest example for having an unbelievable user experience. They’ve truly mastered the art of elegance. Check out this blog by UX Design on elegance!
Need Help?
We’ve been here before.
With over 15 years of experience, LeKAC can help you create packaging that reflects directly on your brand’s mission and meaning. Our in-house design specialists can give your packaging a minimal look while being aware of oversimplifying the work too much.
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