GRA-120-7 Packaging Design
GRA-120-7 Packaging Design
- Course description
- Course CodeGRA-120-7
- Level of Study5.2
- Program of StudyVisual Communication
- Credits10
- Study Plan CoordinatorLibre van den Bergh
In Packaging Design, students work with packaging as a specialised area within graphic design, exploring how form, structure and visual expression communicate product, brand and user needs. They apply design principles, typography and imagery to packaging contexts, and examine how packaging operates as part of a broader brand ecosystem and visual identity across different touchpoints. Students are introduced to relevant regulatory requirements, sustainable and ethical considerations, and discuss how these influence design choices in contemporary packaging.
Throughout the course, students develop packaging concepts from brief and research through sketching, analysis of references and iteration to mock-ups and simple prototypes. They use digital tools and production-oriented workflows to prepare print-ready packaging files and gain insight into how materials, print processes and finishes affect both function and expression. Studio work emphasises critique, peer discussion and reflection, with students documenting their process, presenting their packaging solutions and considering their own interests and further development within packaging and brand-related design.
The candidate
- has knowledge of relevant concepts, principles and tools used in packaging design as a specialised area within graphic design.
- has knowledge of how packaging functions as part of a brand ecosystem and visual identity across different touchpoints.
- has knowledge of key regulatory and practical requirements in packaging design that are relevant to graphic design practice.
- has knowledge of key sustainable and ethical approaches in packaging design.
- has knowledge of common print processes, finishes and production workflows relevant to packaging, and how these influence design decisions.
- has knowledge of fundamental methods for creating prototypes and mock-ups, and for carrying out basic testing of packaging concepts.
- is familiar with contemporary packaging design and how it reflects culture, consumer behaviour and brand values.
- has insight into their own interests and opportunities for further development within packaging and brand-related design.
The candidate
- can explain their packaging design choices in relation to the product, brand strategy and user needs.
- can apply knowledge to analyse packaging references and to develop and refine packaging concepts from brief to final mock-up.
- can apply knowledge to create or adapt dieline-based layouts, integrating visual hierarchy, typography, imagery and mandatory information into coherent packaging designs.
- can find and refer to relevant information such as packaging regulations, industry guidelines and best-practice examples, and assess its relevance to specific packaging problems.
- can study a packaging design situation and identify subject-related issues and propose measures that need to be implemented to improve the design.
- can reflect on their own packaging design practice and adjust their work under guidance based on feedback and guidance where relevant.
The candidate
- can plan and carry out packaging design tasks and projects alone and as part of a group from brief and research to final prototype and presentation, in accordance with ethical requirements and professional standards.
- can exchange points of view with others in the field about good practice in packaging, including sustainability, accessibility and brand consistency, and participate in discussions about developments in packaging design.
- can carry out packaging design work based on defined target groups and stakeholders as described in a given brief, and present and explain their design ideas and decisions.
- can document and reflect on their design process and own learning in packaging design in a professional manner.
Digital Learning Resources
The learning management system (LMS) is the primary learning platform where students access most of their course materials. The content is presented in various formats, such as text, images, models, videos or podcasts. Each course follows a progression plan, designed to lead students through weekly modules at their own pace. Exercises and assignments (individual or in groups) are embedded throughout the courses to support continuous practice and assessment of the learning outcomes.
Campus Resources
In addition to the digital learning resources, campus students participate in physical learning activities led by teachers as part of the overall delivery.
Guidance
Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journeys, and may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, individually or in groups, via text, video or in-person feedback.