Packaging Design Testing with Eye-Tracking Technology

Andrzej Morawski
October 5, 2023

Introduction:

Packaging design plays a crucial role in the success of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) products (also known as CPG - Consumer Packed Goods).
The package is the first point of contact between the product and the customer, and well-designed packaging can influence purchasing decisions. As such, companies must invest in design testing to ensure that their packaging is visually appealing, functional, and effective in promoting the product. In recent years, eye-tracking technology has emerged as a powerful tool to do that, as well as, planogram testing.

In this article, we will explore the importance of packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology, its benefits, and how it can help brands create successful packaging designs.

The Importance of Package Testing

Package Testing is essential for CPG companies to ensure their products stand out in a competitive market. It involves testing the packaging design with real customers to gauge their perception, reaction, and behavior towards the product. Traditional packaging design testing methods rely on surveys and focus groups on collecting feedback from customers. While these methods can be helpful, they may not provide a comprehensive view of how customers interact with the packaging design. This is where eye-tracking technology comes in.


Eye-Tracking Technology

Eye-tracking technology uses sensors to track eye movements and gaze patterns of customers as they interact with packaging designs. This technology provides data on where customers look, for how long, and in what order. It can identify the visual elements that capture customers' attention and those that are ignored. Eye-tracking technology provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the packaging design, which can help FMCG companies optimize it for maximum impact.


Types of Eye-Tracking Technology

There are two types of eye-tracking technology - remote and wearable.


Remote Eye-Tracking Technology

Remote eye-tracking technology uses cameras to track eye movements and gaze patterns from a distance. Customers can view the packaging design on a screen while the camera records their eye movements. This type of eye-tracking technology is non-invasive and provides accurate data without disrupting the customer's natural behavior.
This is also the kind of technology that we use at (<a href=”/”>RealEye.io</a>.


Wearable Eye-Tracking Technology

Wearable eye-tracking technology involves customers wearing glasses or headsets with built-in sensors that track eye movements and gaze patterns. This eye-tracking technology provides a more immersive experience for customers, as they can interact with the packaging design naturally. On the other hand, with this approach, it’s much harder to do packaging testing at scale.


Benefits of Packaging Design Testing

Packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology offers several benefits:


Comprehensive Data

Eye-tracking technology provides comprehensive data on customer perception and behavior toward packaging designs. It can identify the visual elements that attract and hold customers' attention, which enhances the packaging design in future.


Objective Assessment

Eye-tracking technology provides an objective assessment of the packaging design. It removes the biases and subjectivity that can arise from traditional testing methods, such as surveys and focus groups.


Cost-Effective

Packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology can be cost-effective in the long run. It helps to identify design flaws early in the development process, which can prevent costly redesigns and production errors.


Competitive Advantage

Packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology can give FMCG companies a competitive advantage. It can help them create packaging designs that stand out in a crowded market, attract customers, and drive sales.


Conclusion

Packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology is a powerful tool that can help FMCG companies create successful packaging designs. It provides comprehensive data on customer perception and behavior, an objective assessment, and a cost-effective way to identify design flaws early in the development process. FMCG companies that invest in packaging design testing with eye-tracking technology can gain a competitive advantage, stand out in a crowded market, and drive sales.

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