Abstract

ARBOLEDA ARANGO, ANA MARÍA. Color and shape package perception: A learning experience. estud.gerenc. [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.106, pp.31-45. ISSN 0123-5923.

The meaning consumers give to product packages' colors and shapes takes place given their experience with packages themselves and with the use of products. This document analyses this issue from a qualitative and exploratory perspective through the use of focus groups. Thus, results suggest that consumers look for and expect to find certain characteristics on the packages, regarding their color and shape, that allow them to more easily recognize the product, its qualities and usefulness. Finally, given consumers tendency to generalize symbols throughout a category, it is recommended to maintain codes within the category in order to guarantee consumers product recognition and avoid confusions with other type of products. Having a package with different characteristics from those of the category, it is recommended to implement communications strategies in order to guarantee consumers learning of new symbols on the package.

Keywords : Semiotics; Packaging; Confusion; Product learning; Generalization.

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