Unwrap Your Perfect Package Design: Client Intake Form

Please remove this client intake form insights section before publishing.

A Client Intake Form is a critical tool for designers and agencies to gather essential information from clients before starting a project. A well-structured form ensures clarity, reduces back-and-forth communication, and helps tailor the design process to the client’s exact needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of each section in the form, explaining its purpose and importance.

1. Business & Brand Information

Purpose: Understand the client’s brand identity, market positioning, and target audience.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Business Name & Contact Info – Basic details for communication.
• Industry & Target Audience – Helps in designing packaging that appeals to the right demographic.
• Brand Values & Messaging – Ensures the packaging aligns with the company’s ethos.
• Competitor Analysis – Identifies market trends and opportunities for differentiation.

Why It Matters:

• Avoids misaligned designs by understanding the brand’s voice early.
• Helps in creating packaging that stands out from competitors.

2. Project Scope & Goals

Purpose: Defines the type of packaging needed and the project’s objectives.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Packaging Type (Primary, Secondary, Labels, etc.) – Determines structural and material considerations.
• Primary Purpose (Retail appeal, e-commerce, sustainability, etc.) – Influences design priorities.
• Existing Brand Guidelines – Checks if the packaging must follow strict branding rules.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents scope creep by clarifying deliverables upfront.
• Ensures the design serves its intended function (e.g., shelf appeal vs. shipping durability).

3. Design Preferences & Requirements

Purpose: Captures the client’s aesthetic vision and mandatory design elements.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Style Preferences (Minimalist, luxury, eco-friendly, etc.) – Guides the visual direction.
• Color & Typography Choices – Ensures brand consistency.
• Must-Have Elements (Logos, barcodes, certifications) – Avoids legal/compliance issues.

Why It Matters:

• Reduces revisions by aligning expectations early.
• Ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA labels, recycling symbols).

4. Technical & Production Details

Purpose: Addresses practical aspects like materials, printing, and manufacturing.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Material Preferences (Cardboard, biodegradable, glass, etc.) – Affects sustainability and cost.
• Printing & Finishing Techniques (Foil stamping, embossing, spot UV) – Impacts final look and budget.
• Manufacturer Sourcing Needs – Determines if the designer must liaise with suppliers.

Why It Matters:

• Avoids last-minute production hurdles (e.g., unprintable designs).
• Helps estimate costs accurately based on material choices.

5. Budget & Timeline

Purpose: Sets realistic expectations for cost and deadlines.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Budget Range – Helps prioritize features (e.g., premium finishes vs. cost-effective solutions).
• Timeline Expectations – Identifies rush fees or phased delivery needs.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents disputes over pricing and deadlines.
• Allows the designer to propose solutions within the client’s constraints.

6. Additional Notes & Inspiration

Purpose: Captures any extra creative direction or references.
Key Insights Gathered:

• Inspiration Links (Pinterest, competitor examples) – Provides visual benchmarks.
• Special Requests – Uncovers unique needs (e.g., unboxing experience, limited-edition designs).

Why It Matters:

• Speeds up the design process with clear references.
• Ensures no critical detail is overlooked.

Final Thoughts: Why This Form Works

Comprehensive – Covers branding, design, production, and logistics in one place.
Efficient – Reduces unnecessary emails and meetings by gathering all details upfront.
Customizable – Adaptable for different industries (food, cosmetics, electronics, etc.).
Professional – Demonstrates expertise and builds client confidence.

By using this structured intake form, designers can deliver highly tailored packaging solutions while minimizing misunderstandings and delays.