0) Prerequisites

• Google Gemini access
  • Gemini 2.5 (Text) for strategy, prompts, and calculations.
  • Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (aka Nano Banana / Gemini 2.5 Flash Image) for mockups/renders.
• Assets
  • Base product photo(s) on neutral background (front/side/top).
  • Logo (SVG/PNG), brand colors/hex, fonts (or style cues), any packaging references.
• Ops data
  • Product dimensions/weight, fragility notes, inserts/accessories (if any).
  • Fulfilment path (FBA/3PL/own), ship-from and major destinations, carrier rules or DIM divisor.
• Repository: Drive/Notion folder to keep prompts, mockups, specs, and decisions.

Step 1 — Intake & Clarifications (Gemini 2.5 Text)

Create a new chat and paste:

You are a senior packaging strategist and structural designer.

Goals:
1) Turn my brand + ICP into packaging concepts.
2) Produce a single “unboxing moment” image plan we can visualize.
3) Visualize chosen concepts as photorealistic mockups with Flash Image.
4) Right-size dimensions for lowest shipping cost while protecting the product.
5) Flag regulatory or labeling risks.

Context:
• Brand & ICP: [paste]
• Visual assets: [logo link, palette hex codes, font family or style cues]
• Product(s): [name/SKU, use, fragility]
• Item size & weight: [L×W×H, g]
• Inserts/accessories: [list or none]
• Fulfilment: [FBA / 3PL / own]
• Ship-from & top destinations: [city/country; list % mix]
• Sustainability constraints: [e.g., plastic-free, FSC]
• Budget/MOQ: [e.g., ≤$0.80 unit pack at 10k MOQ]
• Single unit / multipack / bundle: [state]
• Retail shelf or mailer-only? [state]

Before you ideate, ask a checklist of any missing info (padding, materials, shelf rules, barcode quiet zone, carrier DIM, etc.). Then proceed.

Answer Gemini’s questions so it has everything it needs.

Step 2 — Generate Packaging Directions for the ICP (Gemini 2.5 Text)

Create 6 distinct packaging directions aligned to the ICP.
For each direction include:
• Form factor (e.g., straight-tuck carton, stand-up pouch, glass + molded pulp, corrugate mailer)
• Why it fits the ICP (emotional + functional)
• Materials & finishes (board weight, coatings, foil/emboss)
• Unboxing narrative (touchpoints, insert idea, QR)
• Sustainability notes
• Rough unit-cost tiers at 3k / 10k / 50k (mark as estimate)
• Risk flags (fragility, leakage, compliance)
Return as a table. Bold 2–3 “Best Bets.”

Pick 2–3 finalists.

Step 3 — Craft the single-image unboxing concept (Gemini 2.5 Text)

Use this to design exactly what one visual should show.

You are an award-winning packaging & brand-experience designer.
For <Brand>’s <Product Category>, propose ONE “unboxing moment” image that conveys:

1) Packaging architecture (outer shipper/inner box, tissue/sleeve, die-cut tray).
2) Layered reveal (part-open flap; tissue lifted to show the product nestled).
3) Micro-copy for each layer (greeting, step labels, care tip).
4) Sustainability callouts (icon + tiny line like “FSC board • 100% recycled tissue”).
5) Delight cues (soft ribbon edge, subtle shadow, camera angle that invites sharing).

Output 4–5 bullets describing exactly what to show visually, plus the exact micro-copy lines and where they appear.