Packaging design as communicator of product attributes: Effects on consumers’ attribute inferences

This dissertation will focus on two types of attribute inferences that result from packaging design cues. First, the effects of product packaging design on quality related inferences are investigated. Second, the effects of product packaging design on healthiness related inferences are examined (See Figure 1.4 for a dissertation overview).
Whereas effects of marketing communications on product quality related inferences have been studied extensively, very little research has addressed the question how subtle packaging design cues influence product quality perception. Possibly, packaging design cues affect general product quality perception and related attributes, such as price expectations and willingness to pay. Effects of packaging design on quality related attributes are addressed in Chapters 2 and 4.
Also, as over 60 per cent of adults in Western countries are considered as being overweight (WHO, 2015), demand for healthier food has increased. Communication of healthiness related product attributes has typically been studied in the context of nutrition information, labels and product claims. Until now, no studies have addressed the role of product packaging in the communication of food healthiness to consumers. Packaging design could be a helpful aid in communicating product healthiness, which would facilitate healthier consumption. These effects will be addressed in Chapters 3 and 4.