Should I Use AI for My Product Packaging Design?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated the news recently. Ever since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November last year, AI has progressed into the mainstream, allowing the public to create images, songs, articles and more by inputting a simple brief. While this has sometimes been presented as nothing more than a gimmick, businesses are now also pondering what use AI can be to them. One such way is with product packaging design.

Given the ease of use and speed associated with AI, it appears to be a great resource for businesses looking to simplify their processes and perhaps relinquish some of the costs associated with hiring a packaging designer. Yet, is AI all it's made out to be? Are there any limitations? Should you really make the jump from designer to AI?

We take a look at the differences between choosing a designer or using AI for your product packaging so you can make an informed decision for your business.

AI vs Designer for Product Packaging Design

Speed & Cost

One of the greatest advantages of AI is the speed at which it produces results. Once a prompt has been submitted, an image is generated quickly, often within seconds. A designer can vary with timelines depending on the brief, but they are usually billable by the hour. In this instance, AI wins on speed and cost.

However, it is also worth noting that it can take time to see your desired result with AI. Inputting the right prompts can be a lengthy process and it often requires a lot of trial and error to receive a result worth moving forward with. For example, we tried out the  DeepAI to create a ‘flower box packaging’ design and the result was something entirely unfit for purpose.

Originality

There has been some debate over the copyright issues surrounding AI. As the generators use images circulated across the internet to produce ‘new’ and ‘original’ pieces of work, there is yet to be a definitive answer over whether this breaches copyright. Many artists aren’t happy with the use of AI to produce artwork. An article by AP News addressed how AI generators “have a tendency to confidently present misinformation as fact” leading to arguments over whether these pieces are misleading and unoriginal, something you wouldn’t have a debate over when choosing a designer.

If a business is seriously considering AI for their product packaging, they need to be aware of any potential copyright infringement and the impact this might have on their business. As AI generators are using previously distributed text and images to create artwork, it is essentially recycled content. This could mean aspects of your design have been used elsewhere.

Branding

Your brand is your story. It’s who you are and what makes you recognisable to your customers. Your product packaging should be reflective of your branding and your values as a business. This is where AI falters. Unless you are a large corporation where your brand is widely circulated online, you are going to struggle to fully coordinate your brand with AI-generated designs. However, a designer can take your brand guidelines on board and come up with a design that incorporates your identity. This is especially important when trying to connect with your audience and promote brand loyalty.

Anything unique to you as a business is going to be extremely difficult to include in an AI-generated image. This includes any creative packaging ideas you have, such as including a QR code that takes your customers to a thank you page or to leave a review. Designers can try to incorporate any ideas you may have and create packaging that is completely original and reflective of your brand, while also taking into account your target audience and what will engage them effectively.

Will AI Replace Designers?

For the most part, it’s unlikely. As outlined above, apart from the speed and low cost associated with AI, there aren’t many other benefits from choosing it over a designer. Connecting with customers on an emotional level isn’t going to be possible when using an emotionless tool. There is a way we understand each other as humans which means designers can place themselves on the receiving end of the product in order to create something specifically tailored to them. There is essentially a huge language barrier when communicating with AI that makes it difficult to receive the desired results.

Packaging Design Services

There are many ways choosing a designer for your product packaging can benefit your business. ASC Direct can create entirely original packaging designs for your brand so that you stand out from the competition. Our bespoke cardboard boxes can be used to house any product complete with your personalised branding. All it takes is a quick chat to get the ball rolling. Contact our team today for more information. 

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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