- Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is the fundamental prerequisite for label design. Every label must strictly adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Failure to comply may lead to product removal from shelves, fines, or even significant business disruptions.
Different countries and regions have different labeling requirements, covering a wide range of content. For example, in the food industry, China’s General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718) requires labels to include product name, list of ingredients, net content and specifications, name, address, and contact details of the manufacturer and/or distributor, production date and shelf life, storage conditions, food production license number, and product standard code. There are strict specifications for font size, clarity, and label placement. For example, the production date and shelf life must be clear and legible, not blurry or hidden.
In the cosmetics industry, the Administrative Measures on Cosmetics Labeling mandate that labels must include the product name, ingredients, net content, information on the registrant or filer, production date and shelf life or batch number and expiry date, cosmetics production license number, and applicable standard code. It also prohibits the use of false or misleading statements, such as “100% natural” or “completely safe.”
For exported products, the labels must also comply with the laws of the importing country. For example, products exported to the EU must include one or more official EU languages and meet the specific labeling requirements outlined in relevant EU directives. Therefore, when designing labels, it is essential to thoroughly research the laws and regulations of the target market to ensure full compliance with content, layout, and format, thus avoiding legal risks and potential losses.
- Accuracy and Clarity of Information Delivery
One of the core functions of a label is to convey product information to consumers. The accuracy and clarity of this information directly affect how consumers perceive and trust the product.
In terms of accuracy, all information on the label must be truthful and reliable. Misleading or false claims are strictly prohibited. Ingredient declarations must be precise—for food, potential allergens must not be hidden; for electronic products, technical specifications such as power and voltage must be clearly and accurately marked, as any errors could lead to misuse and safety incidents.
Clarity refers to the ease with which consumers can read and understand the text, graphics, and symbols on the label. Fonts should be appropriately sized—neither too small to read nor too cluttered. Color contrast between text and background must be sufficient to ensure legibility under various lighting conditions. Common symbols (e.g., recycling or eco-friendly logos) should be used and designed in a universally recognizable manner to help consumers quickly grasp their meaning.
Additionally, information should be well-organized. Key details—such as product name, main functions, and production date—should be prominently placed. Layout should align with consumer reading habits and focus areas, avoiding clutter and enabling quick access to critical information.
- Brand Recognition and Differentiation
In highly competitive markets, labels serve as a powerful tool for shaping brand identity and differentiating products. Through distinctive design elements, labels can help consumers quickly identify and remember a brand.
Highlighting the brand identity is crucial. The brand logo should be prominently displayed, with consistent font, color palette, and design style across products. For example, Coca-Cola’s red label and iconic typography make the brand instantly recognizable worldwide, maintaining high consistency even across different regional packaging.
Differentiated design should reflect product features and target market positioning. For premium products, label design can be minimalist and refined, using upscale materials like metallic foil or specialty papers to reflect luxury and quality. For products targeting younger demographics, labels can be more lively and trendy, incorporating vibrant colors, novel graphics, and fashionable elements to attract attention.
Label design should also align with the brand’s overall image and values, conveying its cultural identity and personality. For example, eco-conscious brands may use natural materials, simple design aesthetics, and include environmental certifications on their labels to communicate a commitment to sustainability.
- Visual Appeal and Aesthetics
In a crowded retail environment, a visually appealing label is key to capturing consumer attention at first glance and stimulating purchase interest. Therefore, visual impact and aesthetic quality are essential focuses in label design.
