Abstract:
Packaging is one of the marketing communication tools that can attract consumers' attention and lead to purchasing decisions. Many skincare brands are emerging globally, resulting in higher competition. Communicating with Thai identity through the design of cultural elements art on the packaging plays an essential role in creating differentiation and recognition and stimulating consumer demand at the international level. Therefore, this exploratory research has the objectives 1) to study Thai identity communication on skincare product packaging in the world market; 2) to study the perception of Thai identity communication through graphic design on skincare product packaging among foreign consumers in the global market; 3) to propose guidelines for graphic design that communicate Thai identity on the packaging of skin care products of Thai SME entrepreneurs to aim for the global market. The data collection for this research comprised content analysis, in-depth interviews, an opinion survey, and focus group discussion. Content analysis of packaging used in skin care products from SME entrepreneurs that have already been exported to the world market (75 pieces) and SME entrepreneurs that are planning to export their product to the world market (43 pieces) was executed. A semi-structured in-depth interview using an open-ended questionnaire interview with eight graphic design experts. An opinion survey questionnaire from 25 SME entrepreneurs for a sample group. A focus group discussion from foreign consumers; 6 Japanese consumers; 13 Chinese consumers, and reviews from 5 experts. The research results can be summarized as follows. 1. The state of communicating Thai identity on skincare product packaging in the world market. The results showed that most of the skin care product packaging of SME entrepreneurs who export their products to the world market often uses all colors without illustrations that can be compared with colors similar to Thai tone colors. Communicate in English only. At the same time, packaging under the brand name of SME operators planning to export products to the world market often found illustrations on the packaging, communicated in 1-3 languages. 2. Communicating Thai identity through graphic design on the skincare product packaging for foreign consumers in the global market, including shiny materials; gold and deep red; Thai characters; and simplicity. 3. Communication of Thai identity through graphic design on packaging requires the operator's budget constraints the most. Therefore, the design approach is a guideline that helps to save costs and can be applied according to the creativity of graphic designers using the following method. 3.1 Use standard packaging shapes available in the market without the need to design a new form because Japanese and Chinese consumers rely on packaging shapes similar to those in the international market. 3.2 Gold is a color that immediately reminds consumers of Thailand and makes the product look luxurious and has a high price. Therefore, a color printing method close to gold may replace gold foil stamping. Techniques for matching colors in design can choose dark Thai color combinations combined with gold, followed by a set of light Thai colors mixed with gold, which can reflect the Thai identity. 3.3 Japanese and Chinese consumers are more interested in clean, simple products as they look more modern and tangible than luxurious ones. 3.4 To enable consumers to remember the brand name and design to use the brand effectively. Naming brand names should be called with Thai names that are short, pronounced, and easy to pronounce, with 1-3 syllables long. 3.5 Communication of information on packaging can be communicated in Thai and English because Thai characters can represent Thai identity. 3.6 When communicating with illustrations, use a graphic image rather than a photograph, as it will make consumers feel that the product is modern