Packaging readability concerns the whole task: finding the right product, identifying a variant and following the instructions. A technically sharp print can still be difficult to use when information is crowded, hidden in reflections or scattered across several surfaces.
01
Start with the task someone needs to complete
Write three questions your package must answer. For a balm range, these might be “Which product is this?”, “Which variant am I holding?” and “Where are the directions?” Arrange the label so someone can answer those questions without searching through decoration.
W3C guidance on contrast and avoiding color-only information concerns digital content. Those principles can inform packaging design, but a printed mockup does not receive WCAG certification from a screen contrast score. Physical size, substrate, finish, curvature and lighting also need review.
02
Run a practical reading test
Prepare two versions of the same label. In version A, the variant appears in pale text over a colored illustration. In version B, it appears in darker text on a plain area, with the color retained as a secondary cue. Keep the words identical so the comparison tests the layout.
Ask someone who did not design it to complete the following tasks with both proofs. Include people with different reading needs when you can, and record specific difficulties rather than treating one response as universal.
| Task | What to observe | Useful revision |
|---|---|---|
| Find the product name | Is the logo mistaken for the product? | Strengthen the product-name position |
| Identify two variants | Does the reader rely entirely on color? | Add prominent written variant names |
| Locate directions | Must the package be turned repeatedly? | Group directions under a clear heading |
| Read on the curved side | Do reflections or curvature hide words? | Reposition the block or test another finish |
03
Improve space before shrinking type
Remove repeated promotional phrases, simplify decorative borders and reconsider how information is grouped. These changes can free room without weakening the product identity. Keep related statements together so a reader does not have to connect fragments across a seam.
Use actual-size proofs instead of judging everything while zoomed into Canva. There is no single type size that makes every package readable or satisfies every product’s legal requirements. Follow applicable rules for your category and market, then assess the real package rather than a number in the editor.
04
Provide a second route to useful information
A short, clear web address or tested QR code can lead to an accessible product page with selectable text, headings and useful images. State what the destination contains, such as fuller use instructions. Do not make a scan the only route to information a buyer must have on the package.
Check the finished page on a phone and maintain it when products change. A printed link creates a continuing responsibility: archived products should still lead somewhere useful. Keep your label version, website copy and customer instructions aligned so the alternate route does not introduce conflicting information.
BEFORE YOUR NEXT STEP
Your practical checklist
- Define the reading tasks before choosing decorative details.
- Use written names alongside variant colors.
- Check actual-size proofs on filled packages.
- Keep linked product information current and easy to read.
Questions & answers
Does a QR code make packaging accessible?+
It can add another route, but it requires a working device and usable destination. It does not solve difficult on-pack information by itself.
Should all text be uppercase?+
Choose case by reading task and proof the result. Consistent headings can help, but dense blocks of capitals are not a substitute for clear spacing and hierarchy.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the technical points in this guide. Check current specifications before production.
